Three-quarters of Aussies say their holiday leaves them wrecked, not rested

Australians might be clocking up the frequent-flyer points – with 23 per cent (5.2 million) planning an overseas trip and 57 per cent (13 million) a domestic holiday[1] in the year ahead – but new research has revealed they’re coming home more exhausted than ever.

A new survey of an independent panel of 1009 Australians commissioned by award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go found a startling 75 per cent admitted they finish a holiday feeling more tired than when they left. One in five (21%) confess they always need ‘a break after my break’, while only a quarter (24%) return genuinely refreshed.

Sabotaging our valuable holiday time at the top of the list is poor sleep from red-eye flights, late nights and lumpy hotel mattresses, tops at 34 per cent. Closely followed by itinerary overload with 27 per cent admitting they cram so much in that their escape becomes an endurance event. Planning and organisation stress drags another 18 per cent into the fatigue zone, and the stress of work preventing 7 per cent of Aussies ability to switch off.

“We’re seeing travellers treat a seven-day break like a seven-day sprint, long haul flights, packed sightseeing, poor sleep,” says David Mayo, Commercial and Marketing Director of Insure&Go.

“Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience when travelling, it can heighten the risk of illness and accidents. Tired travellers may be more likely to ignore early symptoms of sickness, misplace valuables and make impaired decisions that can quickly derail a trip.”

Gen Z and young millennials are bearing the brunt of the post-trip burnout. A staggering 83 per cent of 18- to 29-year-olds drag themselves home tired with only 17 per cent saying they feel refreshed. One of the biggest culprits is the stress of juggling bookings and logistics cited by over a quarter (26%) with 24 per cent blaming an over-full itinerary.

More than three-quarters (78%) of Generation X 30-49 year-olds and 69 per cent of Boomers (over 50s) return fatigued with poor sleep from long flights, late nights and uncomfortable accommodations as the major cause: 29 per cent for Gen X and 42 per cent for Boomers. However, Boomers pace themselves better than any other cohort, with 31 per cent finishing a trip genuinely refreshed, almost double Gen Z’s recovery rate.

[1] https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9852-share-insights-press-release-overseas-travel-and-intention-march-2025

Q. What’s the top reason your holiday leaves you drained instead of relaxed?

“If your holiday leaves you needing another holiday, you’re not alone,” says David. “Fortunately, just a few practical changes can help ensure you return rested, restored and ready to go.”

Five holiday health hacks from Insure&Go



1. Schedule a buffer day at each end of your trip for genuine rest.
2. Prioritise sleep, consider booking red-eyes where possible or add an extra hotel night after late arrivals.
3. Slash itinerary bloat and build in lazy mornings or pool afternoons.
4. Switch off work emails and enable emergency contacts only.
5. Check your insurance policy covers medical treatment abroad.
   

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Ewenson | 0409 079 559 | [email protected]

About InsureandGo

InsureandGo (InsureandGo.com.au) is one of Australia’s award-winning online travel insurance specialists. Since it was established in Australia in 2012, InsureandGo has covered more than 2 million Australian travellers. Owned by Europ Assistance, which operates in more than 200 countries, InsureandGo has an expansive, 24/7 global assistance network. InsureandGo Australia has won numerous awards and recommendations for its services including the 2024 Canstar Award for Outstanding Value in ‘Outstanding Value – International Travel Insurance’ for the second consecutive year and ‘Outstanding Value – Seniors Travel Insurance’ for the third consecutive year, the 2024 WeMoney Award for ‘Best for Seniors Travel Insurance’ for the second consecutive year, the 2023 Finder Award for Travel Insurance – Domestic, and the 2023 WeMoney Award for ‘Best for Value – Cruise Travel Insurance’. More information about InsureandGo’s awards can be found here: https://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-insurance-awards/.

This insurance is underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 140 219 594, AFSL 552106, trading as InsureandGo and other brands, holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent. Any advice is general advice only and does not take account of your particular circumstances. Before purchasing, decide whether this product is right for you. Consider the PDS and TMD at www.insureandgo.com.au/policy-wordings.