More than half of holidaymakers return from their break feeling so exhausted that they need several extra days of annual leave just to recover, new research has revealed.
A study of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Ralgex found that 51% of travellers felt they needed another holiday to get over the one they had just taken. On average, it takes holidaymakers 2.7 days to feel back to normal, while nearly one in six (17%) suffer from a "holiday hangover" that lasts four days or longer. Almost one in ten (9%) reported needing a full working week before feeling completely refreshed.
Who is most affected by post-holiday fatigue
Women are more likely to experience post-holiday fatigue than men, with 54% requiring recovery time compared to 48% of men. Younger travellers are affected the most, with 62% of 25-to-34-year-olds and 60% of 35-to-44-year-olds admitting they need time to recover upon returning home.
Primary causes of post-holiday aches
- Long flights - 48%
- Sitting for extended periods - 40%
- Walking more than usual - 38%
- Disrupted sleep - 37%
- Carrying heavy luggage - 34%
- Long car journeys - 34%
- Sleeping in a different bed - 30%
- Physical activities or excursions - 27%
- Drinking alcohol - 14%
- Looking after children while travelling - 8%
When comparing holiday styles, city breaks were found to cause the most physical discomfort, with 29% of respondents stating packed itineraries and thousands of steps left them in pain. Camping trips ranked second (28%), followed by beach holidays (15%).
Cruises (5%), staycations (7%), and all-inclusive holidays (9%) were reported as the least likely to leave travellers feeling achy.
Recovery advice if you are sore
Mike Rondas, general manager at Ralgex, said: "Most of us expect to return from a holiday feeling rested and refreshed, but the research shows that the journey, a different routine and increased physical activity can leave many people needing several days to recover."
"Taking a few simple steps before and after travelling can help your body bounce back. Sitting for extended periods often leads to stiff muscles, achy joints and poor circulation. A short walk or some light stretching can help loosen stiff muscles and get your body moving again."
"An overloaded suitcase or poorly packed hand luggage can put unnecessary strain on your back, shoulders and arms. Choose the right size bag for your trip, pack only what you need, and opt for wheeled luggage where possible. Long days and busy days exploring can take a toll on your muscles."
"If you’re feeling stiff and sore after travelling, take time to rest; gentle movement and using a heat muscle spray or cream can help provide targeted relief to stiff, achy muscles and joints."
