Feel like you desperately need a holiday? You’re far from alone. But deciding on a holiday isn’t an open and shut case, a new study has revealed.
Commissioned by Carnival Cruise Line, the study found that day-to-day pressures have left six in seven Australians (84 per cent of respondents) in need of a holiday now more than ever.
However, Aussie holidaymakers have to overlook certain travel stress points before committing to a trip, the survey showed, with budgets (41 per cent) and airport/flying hassles (32 per cent) among the biggest deterrents to travelling.
Most concerning, is that nearly half of those polled (45 per cent ) said they were discouraged from taking a holiday because it is too stressful to plan one on top of everything else. This is where a good travel advisor can step in.
Under pressure
According to the findings, daily pressures include an average of more than 15 hours a week of cleaning, doing laundry, cooking and meal planning, which equates to more than one month’s worth of chores annually (780 hours). The research also found that parents spend an additional 20-plus hours a week taking care of children.
This all leads to two in three Australians (67 per cent of respondents) saying they have no downtime at all.
And that’s not to mention financial pressures like interest rate hikes.
Despite all of this, research indicates that Australians aren’t willing to sacrifice their holidays. Indeed, two in three Aussies (63 per cent of respondents) are more likely to spend their hard-earned cash on a holiday with friends and family than having brunch with friends (23 per cent of responses), going to the movies (22 per cent), or going for drinks and eating out.
When it comes to the things we’d forgo this year, fancy clothing, handbags and footwear (86 per cent) topped the list, followed by new cars (82 per cent) and house renovations (79 per cent).
Only around half of those polled (53 per cent) said they would be willing to sacrifice a holiday.
Still not convinced?
“After what has been an extremely difficult few years, Aussies are fatigued and tired of our day-to-day pressures, resulting in a shift in priorities,” psychologist and family therapist, Leanne Hall, says.
“We are now recognising the true value that taking time out and spending quality time with our loved ones provides for both our mental, and physical health.
“Research tells us that connecting with others and taking time to unwind boosts our feel-good neurotransmitters including serotonin and oxytocin.
“These chemicals also help to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. This, in turn, helps to reduce blood pressure, boost our immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease.
“Ultimately, this trend of Aussies choosing to book holidays is them choosing to prioritize their health.”
The research was conducted in May 2023 on a sample of over 1,000 Australians aged 20–59, including over 500 parents.
Another recent study by comparison website Finder shed some light on the high cost of (some) international airfares as a deterrent to travel.
