Book early, pay more: That's the one message consumers can take from some new Expedia research which shows that room rates in regional Australia were 30% more expensive three months out than the night before.  

Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Expedia also said demand in key regional markets more than doubled during the first half of 2016 â€" contrasting with slower growth in the five major metropolitan markets.

Regional Victoria grew fastest at 140%, just ahead of North Queensland and regional New South Wales at 130%. Most of the demand is coming from locals rather than international tourists.

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