Travel idea! 11 reasons why taking lots of short holidays is the best

By Evlin DuBose · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
Collage of a person smiling while an airplane takes off

Look, it is satisfying to bank all your annual leave and spend it in one go. After all, living somewhere overseas for a few weeks (or months!) is an experience like no other. But could taking many short holidays instead of one long one be better for you? Absolutely!

So this year, why not try taking more Mondays off? Here are the pros of this travel hack.

Short holidays are the best because...

They even out long public holiday dry spells

Lonely surfboard

A three-day weekend is the highlight of any month, especially if it’s a public holiday – no need to spend any paid time off! 

But public holidays can be few and far between, so why not sprinkle some magic into your work schedule? It would certainly make the long slog between June and October more manageable!

Four-day weeks are the best

4 3D checkmarks

Looking forward to a three-day weekend is incredible, sure, but only having to work a four-day week? Absolutely hands-down the bees knees. Iconic. Peerless. Simply the best.

You get to know your amazing local area

Vacation flamingo

If you only have three days to take a holiday, your best option is to take short, self-contained trips to somewhere nearby and special. And luckily, living in Australia means you’re spoiled for choice. 

If you live in Sydney, why not go to the Blue Mountains? Melbourne has the breathtaking Yarra Valley, Brisbane has the Gold Coast, and so on. You might be surprised at the wonders in your own backyard!

Whirlwind holidays are peak adventure time

Vintage car with travel suitcases and floaties on top

Don’t worry: if you’re sick of exploring Australia after years of lockdowns and travel bans, our beautiful big island is next door to some pretty spectacular neighbours like New Zealand, Fiji, and Bali. 

So if you haven’t jet-set to the rest of Oceania yet, why not take a whirlwind three-day weekend holiday to these vibrant places and explore? Limited time means you must make the most of it!

Short holidays are cheaper holidays

Wallet with sparkles

Because you can’t travel as far over a three-day weekend, you’re not spending nearly as much on transport, travel insurance, accommodation, or food as you would going overseas. This makes frequent short holidays a budget-friendly travel option. 

So if the cost of living has been biting your wallet hard, consider taking more Mondays off this year. Split an Airbnb with friends and pre-pack a few meals – you’re only going for three days!

You don’t have to worry about lots of luggage

Suitcase brimming clothes

Speaking of packing luggage like a pro, a three-day weekend means you don’t have to take nearly as much with you. Even if you’re an over-packer, there are still only so many pairs of underpants and board games you’ll need for two nights away. You may not even need travel documents!

Plus, taking lots of small holidays is a great way of training yourself to take less with you in general.

You get lots of practice travelling

A stack of suitcases

Taking full advantage of small holidays means you’ll quickly become well-practised in packing, planning, and travelling by the time you work up to an epic vacation overseas. You know what works for you, what you need to take, and all the cheapest, easiest travel companies you like to work with. Score!

You have frequent breaks to look forward to

Three pink flamingo floaties

Working long hours without a holiday can leave you feeling stressed, uninspired, and burnt out. But if you take many small breaks throughout the year, you give yourself something to look forward to and shake things up.

It can help with your productivity

Clipboard with a checkmark

If you feel passionate about your career, giving yourself more three-day weekends is a great way to build rest and recovery into your schedule. Exhaustion can hamper productivity, but if you feel rejuvenated every month, then hey – the sky’s the limit!

There’s no need to schedule work cover or those out-of-the-office emails

Bell alert

Long vacations can be a headache when it comes to organising the chaos you leave in your absence. Someone needs to watch your assignments or step into your shoes while you’re gone, which may require extra training or planning on your part so you don’t leave your coworkers hanging.

Instead, three-day weeks eliminate the need to manage things in your absence. The company won’t burn down without you for a day – and you don’t need to schedule those out-of-the-office emails!

We need more rest

Collage of rainbows, mountains, and a traveller

Rest should come in many forms: daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. But while we may be fairly good at scheduling big vacations at Christmas or little tea breaks during the day, it’s important to shorten the work week (and month) where possible, too. 

In fact, it’s way better for your mental health, energy, and productivity if you’re not constantly on the edge of burnout. Putting more three-day weekends into your calendar can remind even the most dedicated and work-obsessed among us to relax. Take it easy! Life is for living.

Heading to Bali or New Zealand for a three-day weekend? Compare travel insurance policies below.

Compare international travel insurance policies

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market. Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 15 May 2025 Important disclosures
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO2025. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Gold Plus
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 or Unlimited

    Specialist Travel Insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions (T&Cs apply). No upper age limits. Unlimited medical cover available with 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Unlimited cancellation cover available. Fast online quote process.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose from $2,000 up to $100,000

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 to Unlimited

    Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). Optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports available. 24/7 emergency support. Get a quote in minutes. Reduce your premium with variable excess. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864 970 579 (AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $20,000

    Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

    Go to site
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Cheap travel insurance
Maximise your annual leave

Today's travel insurance deals