Here’s why Aussies decided not to take a holiday over summer
If you were stuck in the office over the break, turns out you weren’t alone, according to new research from Finder.com.au.
The research shows one in three Aussies (33 per cent) didn’t go on a summer holiday and worked during December and January without time off.
Of those who stayed back, 40 per cent lacked the funds for a summer getaway, while 32 per cent has a trip planned for a different time of year.
A further 28 per cent simply didn’t want to pay the summer tax for a holiday.
Angus Kidman, Travel Expert at Finder, said that while the new year period is often seen as the ultimate time to escape the daily grind and head overseas, doing that can carry a hefty price tag.
“It’s no secret that prices often skyrocket during the holiday season, but keep an eye out for January specials.”
“Many airline companies opt to start the new year with a bang and will produce a handful of last-minute deals.”
Kidman said with annual leave, there are a number of savvy hacks you can use to maximise your holiday time per year.
“Though the legal minimum for annual leave is 20 days for full-time employees, it’s possible to extend this to as much as 49 days if you plan your leave well in advance.”
“Booking around public holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday can extend the number of days you get away from work without cutting into your annual leave.”
For example, if they play their cards right, Victorians can score 58 days off in a row by using public holidays.
State/Territory | Number of days off |
Victoria | 58 days |
ACT | 56 days |
Tasmania | 53 days |
Queensland | 52 days |
WA | 52 days |
Northern Territory | 52 days |
South Australia | 51 days |
NSW | 49 days |
NSW, Easter (April): take 7 days off and turn it into a 16 day holiday
- Take the week of Good Friday off, and the week of Easter Monday/ANZAC Day off, and for 7 days annual leave, you get 16 days off in a row – that’s almost 2.5 weeks off.
- Dates: Saturday 13 April – Sunday 28 April
- Ideal for: a pilgrimage to Turkey/Gallipoli
QLD, Royal Queensland Show (August): take 4 days off and turn it into a 9 day holiday
- Take the week of the Royal Queensland Show off
- Dates: Saturday 10 August – Sunday 18 August
- Ideal for: a trip to Bali
VIC, Melbourne Cup (November): take 4 days off and turn it into a 9 day holiday
- Take the week of Melbourne Cup off, and for 4 days annual leave, you’ll get 9 days in a row.
- Dates: Saturday 2 November – Sunday 10 November
- Ideal for: Japan in late Autumn
Find more info for all states and territories here.
Why aren’t you going away this summer? | |
I can’t afford it | 40 per cent |
I have a trip planned for a different time of year | 32 per cent |
It’s too expensive that time of year | 28 per cent |
I have to work | 18 per cent |
It’s too crowded | 17 per cent |
I don’t like holidays | 5 per cent |
I’m out of annual leave | 2 per cent |
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