Returning from a trip more exhausted than when you left? You’re not alone.
According to new research from Money.com.au, two-thirds of Australians (66%) say they come home from overseas holidays needing extra time to recuperate.
Among those who struggle with post-holiday fatigue, nearly one in five (17%) feel drained after every trip abroad, while almost half (49%) say it depends on the trip. Just a third of Aussie travellers (34%) return home feeling rested.
Money.com.au Editor Sean Callery says the idea of a holiday as purely relaxing isn’t always the reality. “The point of a holiday is to unwind, but if you’re not building in downtime, you’re just trading work stress for travel stress. That can mean coming back needing even more time off,” he explains.
“Travel isn’t cheap, and if feeling refreshed is the benchmark for a good trip, then splurging on packed itineraries might not be giving you the best return. Sometimes, the most valuable part of your holiday spend is a couple of quiet days to recharge – and that’s usually low-cost.”
The research also reveals a generational divide. Younger travellers, particularly Gen Z (34%), are the most likely to feel exhausted after every overseas trip, followed by Millennials (21%). Baby Boomers (8%) are the least likely to suffer from a holiday hangover, with Gen X close behind (14%).
Older Australians also tend to come home feeling recharged. More than half of Baby Boomers (52%) return feeling refreshed, the highest proportion of any age group. That compares with 34% of Gen X, 21% of Millennials, and just 19% of Gen Z.
It’s a timely reminder that while exploring new places is a thrill, taking it easy once in a while might be the real secret to a great holiday.
