Despite advocating for a healthy work-life balance and additional time off, Gen Zers struggle with taking, planning, and enjoying a holiday.

Expedia released its 24^th Vacation Deprivation report ¹, finding that Gen Zers in Australia are more vacation-deprived than any other generation. While only 32% of Baby Boomers report they feel like they don’t have enough time-off, a whopping 70% of the youngest workers claim to have the sneaky syndrome. 

“Even though Aussies receive around four weeks of annual leave each year, Gen Zers left on average 2.8 days unused in 2023. If this continues over the course of their careers it is predicted they could leave behind almost four months of valuable holidays” says Rebecca Hurley, Travel Expert at Expedia. “In comparison, the Boomer workforce maximise their holiday time and on average used all of their annual leave granted in the last year”. 

FOMO is keeping Gen Z from taking a vacation 

While Boomers take time off more frequently, nearly half of Gen Z Australian workers (40%) go six months or more between holidays. Only 2% allow themselves a break from work every month. For today’s youngest workforce, the one big thing that is holding them back is FOMO, the gnawing fear of missing out. While FOMO is not exclusive to any particular generation, it’s most prevalent in Gen Z with one in two (50%) saying they have a fear of missing out on something important at work when away, versus 19% of Boomers.  

Another reason that makes it difficult for Gen Z to take time off is guilt. Fifty percent feel guilty having coworkers covering their work when on vacation and feel the need to apologise for taking a holiday. Whereas 27% of Boomers feel guilty for having their coworkers cover their work, and only 19% of them feel the need to apologise. 

It’s all about big bucket-list trips 

Despite being on the fence about missed opportunities, Gen Z Australian workers still dream big. For many, it’s their bucket list destinations that keep them going. Over a quarter (30%) report they were saving money for a big trip in 2024 and, thus, didn’t use all their annual leave days in 2023.  

This year, 27% plan on taking one big trip versus a few smaller trips, and 31% intend on reducing their spending on other things to allocate more toward having a bigger budget for their travels. The top bucket list destinations that Gen Zers want to experience this year include witnessing the Northern lights (65%), exploring Japan during the blossom season (55%), or seeing the Great Pyramids of Egypt which is equally tied with diving in the Great Barrier Reef (44%). 

“Creating a travel bucket list is easy, it’s the planning and booking that Gen Z struggles with because they put a lot of pressure on themselves,” says Rebecca Hurley. “Some 56% say they feel overwhelmed by the process; even more (64%) find booking travel stressful because they never know if they’re getting a good deal. That’s why the Expedia app provides tools and resources such as price tracking and smart shopping to help travellers with every step of their travel journey. After all, Expedia is for realising big travel dreams.” 

Now through July 14, vacation-deprived Expedia members can save 25% or more on thousands of hotels with Expedia’s Winter Deals. With deals valid for travel through the end of October, it’s the perfect time to become a member and lock in a trip to ensure annual leave doesn’t get left behind this year.