Asia most vacation-deprived region in the world

The Asia Pacific region is the most vacation-deprived market in the world, finds new study.

Singapore has climbed one spot from the year before and come out as the sixth-most vacation-deprived country in the world. Besides Singapore, six other spots in the top 10 are taken up by Asian nations.

Almost nine in 10 Singaporeans feel that they deserve more vacation days – up from the 76% who felt the same the previous year. Majority of professionals (77%) even expressed a willingness to take a pay cut for one extra day of vacation.

Brand Expedia’s global vacation study found that six in 10 (63%) Singaporeans feel they are deprived of vacations – up from 57% in 2017 and 41% in 2016.

Diving into the generational differences in Singapore, the study found:

• 67% of younger workers aged between 18 to 34 feel vacation-deprived
• 65% of workers aged 35 to 49 feel the same
• 52% of workers aged 50 and above feel the same

Interestingly, about half of professionals surveyed say they take fewer days of annual leave than the amount they receive in a year.

But that’s not because they’re not keen on a break – most cite an inability to get ‘time off’. Other reasons include the desire to save up for a longer holiday and an inability to afford travel.

For those who do go on holidays, the study found that most Singaporeans don’t know how to ‘switch off’, with more than half admitting they stay connected while on vacation. About 79% say they check emails or voicemail while on a holiday – out of which about a third check them at least once a day.

The ‘always on’ culture prevails in Singapore, as about one in three professionals feel they are expected to be available for colleagues even while on a break. Singapore was among the top three countries globally struggling with the practice, trailing behind India and Malaysia.

READ MORE: 7 in 10 struggle with 'always on' culture

When reviewing the impact of vacations on overall well-being, the study revealed that vacations play a crucial role in improving professionally.
- 86% return to work with a more positive attitude
- 85% return more focused
- 84% feel more productive
- 92% “resets” any feelings of stress and anxiety
- 91% say regular vacations vital for health and well-being, and allows time with loved ones
- 89% feel rejuvenated and have a better outlook on life after a vacation

Most vacation deprived countries in the world were found to be:

1. India
2. South Korea
3. Hong Kong
4. Malaysia
5. France
6. Singapore
7. Thailand
8. Italy
9. US

Least vacation deprived countries:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Mexico
5. New Zealand
6. Brazil
7. Germany
8. Taiwan
9. UK
10. Spain