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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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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