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

Today, Expedia released its 24^th Vacation Deprivation report¹, finding that Gen Zers in New Zealand are more vacation-deprived than any other generation. While only 25% of Baby Boomers report they feel like they don’t have enough time-off, a whopping 65% of the youngest workers claim to have the sneaky syndrome. 

FOMO is keeping Gen Z from taking a vacation 

While Boomers take time off more frequently, nearly half of Gen Z New Zealand workers (43%) 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 (49%) saying they have a fear of missing out on something important at work when away, versus 21% of Boomers.  

Another reason that makes it difficult for Gen Z to take time off is guilt. Fifty-five percent feel guilty having coworkers covering their work when on vacation, and 54% feel the need to apologize for taking vacation time. Whereas about a quarter of Boomers share the same concerns. 

It’s all about big bucket-list trips 

Despite being on the fence about missed opportunities, Gen Z New Zealand workers still dream big. For many, it’s their bucket list destinations that keep them going. A quarter (27%) 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, 35% plan on taking one big trip versus a few smaller trips, and 29% intend on reducing their spending on other things to allocate more toward having a bigger budget for their travels.   

Meanwhile, a quarter of Baby Boomers are planning on spreading their annual leave evenly across this year versus taking one big trip, compared to only 14% of Gen Zers.  

“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, Travel Expert at Expedia. “Some 63% say they feel overwhelmed by the process; even more (73%) 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 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 Sale. 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.