We feel that taking a holiday is an important part of life. We’re lucky enough to jet off from time to time, so we know the benefits it can have on our general wellbeing. That’s why we recently carried out research, speaking to 2,000 Brits, half of whom had been on holiday in the last 12 months and half who hadn’t. This research allowed us to see the value of taking a holiday at least once a year.
The lure of the sun, sea and sand with complete escape from the stresses of home came out as the most beneficial holiday. 39% of respondents stated they felt there were more benefits from a holiday abroad than staying at home in the UK, which only 14% of people rated as more beneficial. Here’s a look at the benefits a holiday can have on your body, mind and work.
Going on Holiday is Good for your Body
One of the most interesting results from our survey was the comparison between those who have and haven’t holidayed in the last 12 months when compared over several wellness factors. We asked respondents to rate themselves on different factors relating to wellbeing and compared the results of those who said they felt ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
According to the results, the effects of time spent unwinding by the pool and soaking up vitamin D from the sun are clearly very positive. Of those who had been on holiday in the last 12 months, 43% said their overall health was good, this is compared to a much lower 29% of those who hadn’t.
Further to this, those who had been away in the last year showed significantly higher levels of energy and fitness. 32% of people who had been away recently felt their energy levels were good, this is compared to 22% of people who hadn’t had a break in that period. Similarly, 32% who’d been on holiday said their fitness levels were good, compared to only 23% who hadn’t.
Despite a holiday only being a temporary break from the norm, the effects clearly make a difference long-term. 38% of our respondents who had been on holiday in the last year said they were getting good quality sleep, just 25% of those who hadn’t been away could say the same.
Taking an annual holiday also helps relieve stress, with 36% of people who’d been away saying they had low levels of stress. Unfortunately for those who haven’t been away, they’re more likely to suffer from stress, with only 26% reporting low levels.
Dr Luke James, UK Insurance Medical Director at Bupa, commented on the findings, “Going on holiday can be good for your health. Too much stress can negatively impact your physical health; taking a holiday can have restorative health effects by removing you from the day-to-day stresses from your regular routine. Furthermore, research has shown that taking holidays can even help to prolong your life.
For some, holidays are the perfect time to catch up on sleep. Keeping a clear schedule whilst you’re away and not setting your daily alarm clock can help you get all the uninterrupted sleep you need and make sure you’re not expending any unnecessary energy.
Taking part in holiday activities – like walking, surfing, climbing, jogging, swimming and cycling – may help to improve your fitness levels whilst you’re away, depending on the speed and intensity of the exercise.”
Taking a Break is Good for the Mind
Considering the fast pace of everyday life, it’s no wonder that taking care of our mental health is becoming an even bigger issue. Taking some time out of work to switch off our minds on holiday could play a key role in maintaining good mental health.
Our study revealed that half (48%) of those surveyed who’d holidayed in the last 12 months reported that they felt happy in their everyday lives, this compared to only 33% of those who’d not been on holiday.
The research also showed a similar pattern when it comes to respondent’s mental health. 46% of people who’d been away in the last year said they felt their mental health was good. Those who haven’t been away didn’t feel quite so positive, with only 34% saying their mental health was good. There was a similar difference when looking at anxiety levels, with 37% of those who’d holidayed saying they had low levels of anxiety, compared to 26% of those who haven’t.
Finally, we looked at the effects an annual holiday could have on a relationship, finding that getting away and soaking up some sun has real benefits. Over half (53%) of those who’d been away said they felt positive in their relationship, with only 39% of those who hadn’t saying the same.
Calvin Benton, Co-Founder of message-based therapy app Spill, provides further insight: “We’re dealing with an unprecedented level of stimulus in our daily lives whilst feeling the pressure to be productive at work, attentive at home and fun with our friends – all exacerbated by the magnifying glass of social media.
“According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation in 2017, 74% of adults were so stressed or anxious at some point last year that they ‘felt like they couldn’t cope’. It’s more important now than ever to take proper holidays: it’s when we have a chance to reset our circadian rhythm, which hugely influences our hormone production and mood. It helps us clear our heads so that we can come back to work ready to be creative and productive. Taking a holiday deals with the symptoms of stress and anxiety.”
A Holiday Positively Affects Work Performance
We asked respondents to answer some work-related questions, giving insight into the importance of holidays within the workplace. The new research has shown there were several points where workers who had been on holiday felt more positive than those who haven’t been away.
45% of people who have been on a recent holiday said they had a better work-life balance, compared to 30% who hadn’t.
We’ve also proven that holidays have a great benefit on motivation within the workplace, with 39% of people who’d been on holiday rating their everyday motivation as good or very good, this is compared to less than a quarter (24%) of those who hadn’t been on holiday. The same can be said for productivity, which 43% of those who’d been on holiday rated as good, compared to 28% who hadn’t.
Taking time away from work has also shown to have positive effects on the careers of our respondents. 37% said they’d felt more positive about their career after taking a holiday in the last year, whereas on 22% of those who hadn’t been away felt the same positivity. This career motivation could be linked with an increase in finances, 41% of those who’d holidayed reported having good finances, with only 26% of those who hadn’t saying the same.
Darren Yap, founder of Wimble Wellness, specialists in practical mindfulness training to reduce workplace stress, said about the results: “When you take time out from work, especially for a holiday, your mind takes a proverbial breather. I find that when I take time out, even for 20 minutes to do some exercise or practice mindfulness, it has a refreshing effect on the brain and allows me to focus better when I’m back at my desk. Going on holiday will only result in wider-reaching benefits.”
British Workers Prioritise Holiday
As part of the survey, we asked respondents to tell us what factors they felt were most important when looking for a new employer. From this, we were able to ascertain the top ten most important things to UK workers.
Top 10 most important things to UK workers:
1. Salary – 96%
2. Holiday Allowance/Annual Pay Rises – 91%
3. Pension – 89%
4. Learning and Training – 84%
5. Flexible Working Hours – 81%
6. Opportunities for Promotion – 78%
7. Extra Days Holiday with Time of Service – 74%
8. Health Insurance – 61%
9. Perinatal Leave Packages – 55%
10. Ability to Buy Extra Holiday – 44%
As the results clearly show, holiday allowance is an extremely important factor for employers and ranks as more important than the likes of pension and opportunities for promotion. The fact that holiday allowance comes alongside annual pay rises and second only to salary shows that employers must focus on this area in order to attract the best staff.
To support the findings of the research, we compared the minimum holiday allowance of the top ten countries in the World Happiness Index. This correlated with our study, showing that nations with a higher minimum allowance are higher placed. Of the top ten, eight nations had a higher minimum allowance than the EU minimum of 20 days.
Position in World Happiness Index | Country | Minimum Allowance | Public Holidays | Total Holiday Allowance |
1 | Finland | 25 | 11 | 36 |
2 | Denmark | 25 | 11 | 36 |
3 | Norway | 25 | 10 | 35 |
4 | Iceland | 24 | 12 | 36 |
5 | Netherlands | 20 | 8 | 28 |
6 | Switzerland | 20 | 7 | 27 |
7 | Sweden | 25 | 9 | 34 |
8 | Austria | 25 | 13 | 38 |
9 | Luxembourg | Private Sector: 26 Public Sector: 32 Aged 50-54: 34 Over 55: 36 | 11 | 37 43 45 47 |
10 | UK | 20 | 8 | 28 |
Lowest | Turkey | 12 | 14.5 | 26.5 |
Methodology
- The survey research in this study is accredited by the Market Research Society and meets ESOMAR guidelines on opinion polls and published surveys
- Full survey results are available for journalists on request
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much. As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!). The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!! Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 1 day ago -
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 3 days ago -
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 3 days ago -
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements. I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 4 days ago -
Carole
Just booked a two centre Caribbean holiday through eShores and Rachel was extremely helpful. She listened to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her pleasant and friendly manner made it easy to discuss our requirements and made the whole process so easy.
Posted 4 days ago -
John
I found eShores efficient and helpful. Dave Felton found me good times, prices and hotels for a twin trip to Krakow & Warsaw and dealt effectively with any concerns I had. Definitely recommended.
Posted 5 days ago -
Debbie& Mick
Nick arranged a 2 week trip to Argentina & Brazil for us in March. We were happy with the itinerary he put together and his choice of hotels. We had a good level of contact from taxi companies for collections at airports & hotels. On our return he checked everything had gone smoothly which was a nice touch. I mentioned that I was looking for a beach holiday in a couple of months and he put together some hotels at a good price so I’ve booked again with him. I would definitely use Nick, EShores, again and recommend them to friends.
Posted 5 days ago -
Claire
Travel consultant Laura was very friendly and helpful and found us the itinerary we were looking for and made slight changes for us very happily and was always contactable to discuss any queries, thank you Laura.
Posted 6 days ago -
AmandaVictoria
Our second holiday booked with eshores and also recommended to friends and family who have also booked their holidays. Always a great service and lots of patience ensuring right choices made for a perfect holiday. Definitely recommend and thanks again Michelle for helping organise another amazing trip for next year 😊
Posted 1 week ago -
Sheelagh
Nick Chadwick has arranged 2 far east hilidays for us in the past 6 months.. The first involved 5 stops throughout Malaysia and Singapore and on a recent second holiday we returned to Borneo as we love the island so much. Everything went to plan and I have no hesitation in recommending this company. We will definitely use again.
Posted 1 week ago