IMAGE COURTESY OF LASTMINUTE.COM

Domestic travel is likely to pick up this year despite the strong Australian dollar, with two in three Aussies planning a local trip over summer.

According to research compiled by travel and lifestyle site, lastminute.com.au, the appeal of a cheaper international trip is fading with up to 68 percent of respondents planning a holiday around Australia sometime within December, January or February.

Booking data also saw a “significant” surge on summer trips to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide compared to the same period last year.

“The relatively late arrival of hot weather across much of the country has no doubt played its part in inspiring people to make the most of the warmer weather and feel more confident about booking a trip,” lastminute.com.au spokesperson said in a statement.

“It’s also quite possible that after the stress of the lead-up to Christmas – and spending time with the in-laws, people are re-thinking their need for a holiday!”

Fast approaching Australia Day is also sparking more Aussie travel, with data revealing that bookings for the period between 26 to 28 January up 251 percent on last year.

Popular destinations for the public holiday include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.