UAE millennials are the most ‘vacation-deprived’ generation in the country, according to a new report by online travel agency Expedia.
The study, part of Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation report, found that half of UAE millennials struggle with taking, planning, and enjoying a holiday, making them the least likely generation to completely unplug from work.
Despite most UAE employees being entitled to 30 days of annual leave, the study revealed that millennials are more likely to feel overwhelmed by the process of planning a vacation, with 57 percent finding it stressful.
“Vacation deprivation is feeling like you don’t have enough vacation time but it’s a sneakier, more complex syndrome than that. Vacation deprivation is also not taking all the vacation time you’re entitled to because planning feels overwhelming,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.
This mental burden often results in millennials not taking all the vacation time they’re entitled to, with over 30 percent admitting to not taking any annual leave last year.
Regular breaks reduce vacation deprivation
The report found that the majority of millennials tend to take one longer vacation a year, with only 5 percent who take a break from work every month. In contrast, the UAE Gen Z workforce takes time off more frequently and reports lower levels of vacation deprivation, at 35 percent.
Despite encouragement from employers to prioritise time-off, this pattern looks set to continue. The study found that millennials do not plan to change their vacation habits, and will be taking the same amount of vacation time in 2024 as they did in 2023.
Time, guilt and finances affect time-off plans
Over 70 percent of millennials recognise the importance of taking time-off for health and well-being, however many struggle to actually get away.
According to Expedia, one in five millennials were unable to take frequent vacations last year, citing limited personal time and saving up for unexpected leave. Vacation guilt further complicated matters, with many finding it difficult to fully unplug due to the pressures of balancing work schedules amidst staffing shortages and demanding workloads.
However, financial constraints are the biggest obstacle for aspiring millennial travellers, with 29 percent saving for a bigger vacation as the main reason for postponing trips.
Delaying vacations is a trend spanning generations. Over one in five Gen Z’s also postpone trips to save for bigger vacations. However, this tendency is most common among Gen X, where 34 percent prefer saving for a longer trip over taking more frequent vacations.
Importance of taking frequent holidays
According to UK psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman, vacations are crucial for overall health. “Everyone’s ideal vacation looks different, but having meaningful downtime is absolutely essential for our mental and physical health,” said UK psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman.
Expedia’s research showed that over two-thirds of UAE millennials felt their mood boost when they were on holiday. However, according to Spelman, the benefits of holidays extend beyond the trip itself – known as the ‘halo effect’.
UAE millennials who booked a trip saw their mood improve by 44 percent, and 35 percent felt happier overall during the planning stages before their vacation.
Looking globally, countries where employees book more frequent vacations, the overall ‘vacation deprivation’ rates are also lower. Japan boasts the lowest vacation deprivation globally, despite only having 11 days annual leave. Japanese employees are seven times more likely to travel monthly on average compared to other countries and utilise weekends more effectively.
According to Spelman, regular vacations offer a “reboot” for the mind and body, reducing stress levels, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting long-term happiness. They create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and expose individuals to new experiences that enhance cognitive flexibility.
“I am championing the idea that no vacation days should be left behind and I challenge everyone to take time off, rest, relax and enjoy vacation time with your loved ones.” Spelman said.
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