Booking.com’s Luke Wilson on why we ALL need a holiday
We think we speak for everyone when we say we ALL need a holiday.
Particularly around this time of year, when the mid-year blues begin to kick in.
In fact, research shows that 2.4 million Australians have gone without leave for more than a year, which is having some pretty nasty side effects on our wellbeing.
86 per cent of those who are postponing their leave experiencing burnout. Plus, only 31 per cent of us are using all our annual leave days each year.
No wonder we’re all so bloody tired!
Australia’s annual leave crisis has prompted Booking.com to take action, declaring the 15th of June annually to now be known as Book a Holiday Day.
We chatted with Booking.com area manager, Luke Wilson, to find out more.
“We get so caught up with the day to day routine as well as checking our emails at home during the evening, we really don’t give ourselves a break,” Wilson told us.
“Taking a break allows us to come back to work refreshed, well-rested and ready to take on new challenges.”
Among the countless benefits of travel, Wilson said, switching off for your health and wellbeing should be a priority.
“Whether it’s a big overseas trip, a local getaway or indulging in a staycation, taking the time to travel and explore new cultures, experiences or locations is a great way to spur creativity and look at things from a different perspective,” Wilson said.
“Travelling pushes us to get out of our comfort zones to experience new places, new food and new things.”
According to Wilson, one major reason why Aussies aren’t taking enough annual leave is because they’re saving up their leave for a big trip rather than spreading them across the year.
“While it’s always a special treat to have the opportunity to go for a 2 – 3 week holiday, it’s also important to schedule in days throughout the year to allow ourselves to have a break or ‘mini-holiday’.”
“This can be done by taking advantage of public holidays by taking one extra day for an extended break, even small breaks like this can be beneficial.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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