We ‘need’ a holiday every 56 days!

A Holiday Hypermarket survey has shown that the average Brit ‘needs’ a holiday every 56 days. A survey of 2,000 travellers revealed tiredness and stress take their toll just eight weeks after returning to work from a break. It also emerged that most of us only manage to take time off twice a year – often months apart. And over half said holding out for a holiday causes their productivity at work to suffer.

Kay Dixon, General Manager at Holiday Hypermarket, said: “It’s no surprise that we lose that ‘refreshed’ feeling so soon after returning from holiday. With such pressure to get back into the normal routine it can feel like our time spent relaxing abroad was just a dream. But as the research shows, throwing ourselves back into work too hard can mean we feel the need for another holiday very quickly. Taking a day off here and there is sensible, but a regular trip abroad can be more beneficial for both our mental well-being and our productivity when we return.”

The research showed that being overtired was the main culprit for constant getaway dreams. Over a third of those surveyed said the main reason they book a holiday is feeling they want to ‘live’ instead of existing for work.

An overwhelming 77 per cent believe it is unhealthy to go a whole year without taking time off to go abroad, yet one in five admitted they don’t stick to this themselves. Indeed, a recent YouGov / Croner poll report showed that only one in three workers take their full holiday entitlement.

And it’s not just energy levels that suffer, as over half feel their motivation drops when they need a holiday, admitting their work isn’t at its best or they simply can’t be bothered to do things properly. Tellingly, nearly two thirds rated their productivity at five out of ten or below before taking a holiday, whereas a huge three quarters of adults rated it at eight or above when they return.

The research showed that a beach holiday is the most desirable type of break for over four in ten adults, while city breaks and adventure trips are also popular. But jumping on a plane when they’re exhausted isn’t always possible for over half of the adults polled, who said that ‘powering through’ is the only option.

Kids needing to be at school and not having someone to replace them at work means that the majority of hard-working adults are resigned to staying put. Cost is also a big factor with a recent Travel Channel survey showing that a quarter of Brits can’t afford an overseas holiday.

And certain stress triggers can worsen the desire to just get up and go. An ongoing problem at work is the most common reason adults are provoked into booking a getaway. The daily commute, being caught in rain and a broken down appliance at home were also reasons adults are inspired to book a holiday.

Also making the list of ‘last straw’ reasons for booking time off was the boss taking multiple holidays, noisy and inconsiderate neighbours and having a petty argument with a partner. Kay Dixon of Holiday Hypermarket said, ‘’Although doing well at work and home is obviously important, it’s difficult to perform at your best without a positive mind set.

“On your worst days, it’s a great morale booster knowing you have a holiday to look forward to.”