Australians might be clocking up the frequent-flyer points – with 23 per cent (5.2 million) planning an overseas trip and 57 per cent (13 million) a domestic holiday[1] in the year ahead – but new research has revealed they’re coming home more exhausted than ever.
A new survey of an independent panel of 1009 Australians commissioned by award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go found a startling 75 per cent admitted they finish a holiday feeling more tired than when they left. One in five (21%) confess they always need ‘a break after my break’, while only a quarter (24%) return genuinely refreshed.
Sabotaging our valuable holiday time at the top of the list is poor sleep from red-eye flights, late nights and lumpy hotel mattresses, tops at 34 per cent. Closely followed by itinerary overload with 27 per cent admitting they cram so much in that their escape becomes an endurance event. Planning and organisation stress drags another 18 per cent into the fatigue zone, and the stress of work preventing 7 per cent of Aussies ability to switch off.
“We’re seeing travellers treat a seven-day break like a seven-day sprint, long haul flights, packed sightseeing, poor sleep,” says David Mayo, Commercial and Marketing Director of Insure&Go.
“Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience when travelling, it can heighten the risk of illness and accidents. Tired travellers may be more likely to ignore early symptoms of sickness, misplace valuables and make impaired decisions that can quickly derail a trip.”
Gen Z and young millennials are bearing the brunt of the post-trip burnout. A staggering 83 per cent of 18- to 29-year-olds drag themselves home tired with only 17 per cent saying they feel refreshed. One of the biggest culprits is the stress of juggling bookings and logistics cited by over a quarter (26%) with 24 per cent blaming an over-full itinerary.
More than three-quarters (78%) of Generation X 30-49 year-olds and 69 per cent of Boomers (over 50s) return fatigued with poor sleep from long flights, late nights and uncomfortable accommodations as the major cause: 29 per cent for Gen X and 42 per cent for Boomers. However, Boomers pace themselves better than any other cohort, with 31 per cent finishing a trip genuinely refreshed, almost double Gen Z’s recovery rate.
“If your holiday leaves you needing another holiday, you’re not alone,” says David. “Fortunately, just a few practical changes can help ensure you return rested, restored and ready to go.”
Five holiday health hacks from Insure&Go
- Schedule a buffer day at each end of your trip for genuine rest.
- Prioritise sleep, consider booking red-eyes where possible or add an extra hotel night after late arrivals.
- Slash itinerary bloat and build in lazy mornings or pool afternoons.
- Switch off work emails and enable emergency contacts only.
- Check your insurance policy covers medical treatment abroad.
