Media Release

Give me a break! 33% of Aussies aren’t going on a summer holiday

    • Lack of holiday funds is holding travellers back
    • 28% of work-bound Aussies don't want to pay the summer tax
    • How to turn 20 days of annual leave into 49

14 January, 2019, Sydney, Australia – If you’re stuck in the office over the break, turns out you’re not alone, reveals new research from Finder, the site that compares virtually everything.

One in three Aussies (33%) aren’t going on a summer holiday and will be working in December and January without time off.

Of those staying back, 40% lack the funds for a summer getaway, while 32% have a trip planned for a different time of year.

A further 28% simply don’t want to pay the summer tax for a holiday.

Angus Kidman, Travel Expert at Finder, said that while the new year period is often seen as the ultimate time to escape the daily grind and head overseas, doing that can carry a hefty price tag.

“It’s no secret that prices often skyrocket during the holiday season, but keep an eye out for January specials.”

“Many airline companies opt to start the new year with a bang and will produce a handful of last-minute deals.”

Kidman said that with annual leave, there are a number of savvy hacks you can use to maximise your holiday time per year.

“Though the legal minimum for annual leave is 20 days for full-time employees, it’s possible to extend this to as much as 49 days if you plan your leave well in advance.”

“Booking around public holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday can extend the number of days you get away from work without cutting into your annual leave.”

For example if they play their cards right, Victorians can score 58 days off in a row by using public holidays.

State/TerritoryNumber of days off
Victoria58 days
ACT56 days
Tasmania53 days
Queensland52 days
WA52 days
Northern Territory52 days
South Australia51 days
NSW49 days

1.NSW, Easter (April): take 7 days off and turn it into a 16 day holiday

  • Take the week of Good Friday off, and the week of Easter Monday/ANZAC Day off, and for 7 days annual leave, you get 16 days off in a row - that’s almost 2.5 weeks off.
  • Dates: Saturday 13 April - Sunday 28 April
  • Ideal for: a pilgrimage to Turkey/Gallipoli

2. QLD, Royal Queensland Show (August): take 4 days off and turn it into a 9 day holiday

  • Take the week of the Royal Queensland Show off
  • Dates: Saturday 10 August - Sunday 18 August
  • Ideal for: a trip to Bali

3. VIC, Melbourne Cup (November): take 4 days off and turn it into a 9 day holiday

  • Take the week of Melbourne Cup off, and for 4 days annual leave, you’ll get 9 days in a row.
  • Dates: Saturday 2 November - Sunday 10 November
  • Ideal for: Japan in late Autumn

Find more info for all states and territories here: https://www.finder.com.au/annual-leave-hack

Why aren't you going away this summer?
I can't afford it40%
I have a trip planned for a different time of year32%
It's too expensive that time of year28%
I have to work18%
It's too crowded17%
I don't like holidays5%
I'm out of annual leave2%

Source: finder.com.au

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Disclaimer

The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.

About Finder

Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.

Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.

We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.

12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel

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