More Aussies go over a year without a holiday

Over one third of Australians haven't had a holiday in over a year, the latest research from Roy Morgan shows. In the 12 months to August 2012, 35% of Australians over the age of 14 had no holiday within the past year, up from 31% in August 2008. Also, those Australians who do take leave are going less often, with the proportion of us taking three or more trips a year down to 36% while those heading off only annually or twice a year is up 1% to 29%.

The picture is similar in New Zealand with fewer taking holidays since the global financial crisis. In the 12 months to August 2013, 30% of New Zealanders did not take a holiday in the past year, up from 25% in 2008.

According to Jane Iannielo, International Director of Tourism, Travel & Leisure at Roy Morgan Research there are a number of reasons why holidays have been pushed down the priority list including cutting down their spending, favouring longer international travel over frequent domestic travel and hoping to impress their employers and keep their jobs in an uncertain market.

"In an effort to cut down their spending, or possibly concerned about holding on to their jobs, Australians have been taking fewer holidays since the 2008 global financial crisis, with a third now taking no annual holiday at all," she said. 

However, an all work and no play lifestyle comes with a long terms cost to both employees and employers, as health problems and burnout become higher risks when employees don't take regular leave to replenish their energy stores.

"Australian holidaymakers have been making trade-offs since the GFC: cutting back on domestic holidays but taking more overseas ones."

A drop in domestic travel and corresponding increase in international holidays seems a logical development as Australians cash in on a strong Australian dollar.

Financial providers have also responded to the trend, with the rapid expansion of the foreign currency cash cards market offering some competitive products to travelers looking for a safe way to take their money overseas.

If you're looking to cash in some leave with a trip overseas, you can compare travel cards with ease, here.