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Burnt out Canadians planning splurge-worthy vacations, but still feel guilty taking a break to travel

Woman waiting in the airport.

New data from Expedia’s “Vacation Deprivation” study shows that Canadians are burnt out and eagerly anticipating their next splurge-worthy vacation, but some still feel guilty about taking the time off.

Expedia’s annual online study of 14,544 adults in North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, conducted by Northstar Research Partners at the end of 2021, found that 71 per cent of Canadian respondents felt more burned out than ever. Additionally, 80 per cent identified that the “workcation,” where people travel to a destination but end up working remotely from there, are not the “true” vacations many travellers are now longing for.

Expedia found that 94 per cent of Canadians agree that regular vacations are “important for general health and well-being.”

“Despite the nearly universal belief that regular vacations are critical to our health and wellbeing, the research shows we struggle to fully unplug from work,” a statement from Mary Zajac, PR manager for Expedia reads.

“Instead, we try and do it all, checking email from the pool and taking work calls while out of office. This study is a reminder that vacations should be a time to rest, recharge and prioritize the things that really matter. After all, work can wait.”

Canadians looking for a real getaway

One thing is clear about 2022 travel, Canadians are booking and planning not only to travel, but to splurge on making their next vacation as special as possible.

One-in-five Canadians have already booked a trip for this year, with many plans including splurging on upgrades (getting a bigger hotel room or booking a more luxurious seat on a flight), stopping at multiple destinations during a single trip and even booking back-up trips.

According to Expedia, working Canadians have vowed to take an average of 20 vacation days in 2022, four more than 2021.

Despite that strong travel desire, some still feel guilty for taking vacation.

Expedia found that 37 per cent of Canadian respondents feel “guilty” when they aren’t “productive” while on vacation, with 39 per cent feeling guilty leaving their coworkers to do their work while they are on vacation. However, the vast majority, 76 per cent, of Canadians said their colleagues of supportive of them taking time off.