Each year, a staggering 19 million days of annual leave go unused by workers in the UK revealing a troubling trend: a significant proportion of the workforce isn’t taking full advantage of their time off, raising concerns about the risk of burnout.
At the same time, a recent surge in Google searches for “quiet holidays” (up 464% in the past month) highlights that people are increasingly looking for peaceful trips where they can truly unwind. Brits are looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations where they can truly unwind, away from the noise and crowds of traditional tourist spots.
Travel experts at Club Med are encouraging holidaymakers to take their time off and try this new travel trend, illustrating the many benefits, including the ultimate sense of relaxation on offer.
54% of people WORK whilst on holiday
When people don’t take annual leave it can lead to burnout and reduced productivity at work. People often don’t take annual leave due to concerns about workload, fear of falling behind, or pressure to appear dedicated to their jobs. However, time away from work allows employees to rest and recharge, improving their overall well-being and work efficiency, and contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Accredited Member of the Stress Management Society commented: “When you read the results of a 2024 YouGov survey of 1000 people you can appreciate the role of a quiet, relaxing holiday and the importance of taking time away from everything to simply wind down.”
“One-third of respondents to the survey said that their bosses expected them to be available for work outside their normal hours and 78% said they were expected to reply to emails in their own time, whilst 54% were expected to reply whilst on holiday. Another survey found that a staggering 19 million days of annual leave remain untaken in the UK each year.”
“With statistics like this it’s hardly surprising that a break, and preferably regular breaks, are needed to support hard-pressed workers cope with the physical and mental pressure that they are constantly facing. Even a short break can allow the opportunity to detach from the personal and professional demands of our daily routines, help us reconnect with ourselves, our friends or our families and maybe read a book, lie by the pool, eat, go for walks and live for a while without early morning wake-up calls, stressful commutes and challenging meetings.”
“Knowing that you can travel somewhere quiet and hopefully not bump into anyone you know or join a group of people from ‘back home’ allows for a calmer, more leisurely, take each day as it comes approach to the holiday. A complete rest and recharge break.”
Four reasons why a ‘quiet holiday’ could be the BEST decision you will ever make
1. Stress will melt away
Being away from the hectic pace of daily routines—such as work, school runs, and endless to-do lists allows your brain to truly unwind. A quiet holiday, free from noisy crowds and rigid schedules, offers the space you need to relax and recharge. This freedom to move at your own pace and follow your own schedule significantly reduces stress, letting you focus on activities that rejuvenate you and foster a calm, controlled environment.
2. You can get quality ‘you-time’
A quiet holiday provides the perfect opportunity to dedicate time to yourself for you to do whatever makes you happy. Whether that be reading a book and getting lost in a story, taking a nap during the day with the sound of waves crashing or exploring your surroundings on a leisurely stroll, you’ll be able to focus on your well-being with no distractions.
3. You can sightsee in peace
A quiet holiday might involve travelling to a destination out-of-season or choosing less crowded spots. This often leads to discovering unique, lesser-known sights or enjoying popular attractions with fewer people around, allowing for a more relaxed pace and better access. With fewer tourists, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and environment.
4. You’ll feel less stimulation, leaving you relaxed, rested and recharged
Resting away from busy environments is more effective because the absence of noise, crowds, and constant stimulation allows your mind and body to fully relax. In quieter settings, you’re less likely to be disturbed by distractions or stressors, which can mean you’ll benefit from improved sleep quality.
Top three European destinations to visit this autumn and enjoy a ‘quiet holiday’
1. South of France
Named after the river ‘Charente’, Charente-Maritime, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region on the southwestern coast of France, is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant harbours. Club Med has revealed their La Palmyre resort has seen a 6% increase in demand versus 2023 as holiday goers wish to visit the beautifully sandy beaches and historical towns along the coastline. Whether you want to lounge by the sea or wander the charming streets discovering the unique history it has to offer, there’s something for every type of traveller to enjoy.
The best time to visit is spring to avoid peak tourist season in the summer and truly experience a quiet holiday. The countryside comes to life with blooming flowers and glorious greenery. However, crowds diminish in early autumn, and the warm weather persists until September, making for a great time to sightsee.
2. Cefalu, Italy
Cefalu is a picturesque town located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy, just outside of Palermo. From beautiful architecture like the cathedral famous for its mosaics to stunning attractions such as La Rocca, a rock formation, with stunning panoramic views of the town and coastline, Cefalu is a beautiful destination to explore.
The best time to visit Cefalu to avoid peak crowds is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when temperatures are mild. Club Med reports a 65% surge in demand for Cefalu during September-October, reflecting the growing trend of travellers seeking quieter, off-season holidays.
3. Evia, Greece
Whilst it’s the second-largest Greek island, Evia is often overlooked by tourists making it a hidden gem for those looking for an authentic Greek holiday. It beholds a variety of beaches with hidden and intimate coves and is home to Edipsos, where it’s said thermal springs with healing qualities can be found.
The best time to visit is between mid-April to early June and late-September to October. These months offer pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
Nicolas Bresch, Managing Director at Club Med added: “There is a shift in demand of travellers moving away from crowded spots and opting for more peaceful and secluded destinations where they can take their time exploring.
“This shift towards quieter, less crowded places reflects a positive change in how people approach travel. They’re focusing more on personal, relaxing trips where they can fully experience different cultures. This growing trend is great because it could ease the strain on popular tourist sites and help boost tourism in other areas.”
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