For holiday-starved Aussies, Airbnb declares 2026 the year of ‘Weekending’
Airbnb is promoting 'Weekending,' short weekend trips, as a solution for Australians suffering from a lack of holidays, citing survey results that highlight the benefits of short-term travel for refreshment and strengthening family bonds.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:06
Key points
Three out of four working Australians are not taking regular holidays, with nearly 90% saying it is difficult to take time off work.
Around 80% of travellers feel that shorter trips are more relaxing and enjoyable than longer holidays.
Eight out of ten people say that shorter trips allow them to refresh from daily busyness faster than longer trips.
*This is an excerpt from “For holiday-starved Aussies, Airbnb Declares 2026 the Year of ‘Weekending,” released on February 8th Australian time.
Australians love holidays, but the reality is that many find themselves spending their days without even taking short breaks, due to packed schedules and financial burdens, leaving their paid leave unused.
A new survey by Airbnb (Note 1) reveals that three out of four (76%) working Australians are not taking regular holidays, and nearly 90% find it difficult to take time off work. Without adequate rest and refreshment, the risk of burnout is a concern. This is where Airbnb proposes 'Weekending,' or short weekend trips.
*Note 1: Unless otherwise stated, all figures are cited from YouGov. The total sample size was 1,030 adults, with fieldwork conducted online from January 8th to 11th, 2026. Figures have been weighted and are representative of the Australian adult population (18+).
Short Trips to Fill Australia's Holiday Gap
'Weekending' is about enjoying a brief escape from the everyday. It's about finishing work early on a Friday and heading out on a spontaneous road trip, or waking up in a new place on Saturday and returning home truly refreshed by Sunday or Monday. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the survey results.
Approximately 80% of Australians feel that shorter trips are more relaxing and enjoyable than longer holidays.
Eight out of ten people say that shorter trips allow them to refresh from daily busyness faster than longer trips.
Around 70% of Australian travellers want to travel more freely and spontaneously in the future, and weekend getaways make this possible.
Psychology expert Sabina Read explains the background:
"When we live in the same cycle of work and home without taking regular breaks, 'time compression' occurs, making days feel like they pass in an instant, which impacts our mental and emotional health. Experiencing something new for just two to four days reactivates the brain's memory-forming functions, increasing life satisfaction and fulfillment."
"The stress of daily life can also lead to burnout. While it may not always be possible to take extended time off work for a complete break, short trips allow us to create distance from our daily routines, lowering stress hormones like cortisol and helping to avoid burnout. Regular short trips are important for long-term health maintenance."
Short Trips are Perfect for Busy Families Too
For parents in particular, taking holidays is an even greater challenge. 85% of respondents feel that taking time off is hindered by various reasons, with over half citing cost as the biggest hurdle to travel. Long holidays can be a significant mental and financial burden for parents. 'Weekending' can be a viable solution in this regard. 80% of respondents say they enjoy the time with their travel companions more on shorter trips and feel a stronger connection.
"Even for a short period, traveling with loved ones allows us to create more fulfilling memories. The time spent face-to-face with loved ones, combined with new experiences, imprints memories more deeply and strengthens lifelong family bonds," says Sabina.
Let's watch our children come alive even for a short time away from their daily environment. Sabina adds, "Children develop confidence, resilience, and trust by seeing their parents relax and enjoy themselves away from their usual environment. Pack together, cook together, and share what you're looking forward to. The experience and memories themselves become the best souvenirs."
With about 70% of people wanting to travel more freely in the future, 'Weekending' is a proposal to make the most of the upcoming weekends rather than waiting for the ideal time for a long trip. Furthermore, by adding a day or two before or after the weekend, unused paid leave can be gradually utilized.
No Need to Travel Far to Switch Off
Truly escaping daily stress is simpler than you might think. 47% of working Australians say that driving just two to three hours away is enough to change their mindset, indicating that short trips to nearby locations can provide the same restorative and healing effects as international travel. Regional towns and coastal villages welcome weekend travellers, bringing economic benefits outside of peak seasons. Additionally, the increasing number of people taking short trips by adding paid leave days around the weekend brings welcome additional revenue to local businesses.
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb's Country Manager for Australia, says: "Australians don't want travel to feel like a major undertaking. 'Weekending' is about making it easy to get away, even for just one or two nights. With less planning and pressure, more time can be spent refreshing, reconnecting with loved ones, and creating lifelong memories."
"Furthermore, for those considering becoming hosts, it's an excellent way to supplement the costs of their own 'Weekending.' With the help of a co-host, listing management support can be obtained, allowing hosts more time to enjoy their own weekend getaways."
"Weekend travellers also bring new vitality to local communities. They help fill cafes throughout the year and create buzz in local markets. This is welcomed by local residents, and visitors can experience the unique charm of the area firsthand."
To help plan trips smoothly, Airbnb has prepared guides outlining the best 'Weekending' regions and popular tourist spots in each state.
About Sabina Read
Sabina Read is a psychologist, speaker, broadcaster, and podcast host who describes herself as a 'life sherpa.' She supports organisations, leaders, groups, and individuals in navigating change, stress, relationships, leadership, mental health, and well-being. She possesses a rare ability to combine evidence-based psychology with warmth, humour, and real-world insights. In her own words, she ultimately supports people in 'living better human lives.'
She served as the resident psychologist for the highly regarded Melbourne radio program '3AW Afternoons' for 14 years, while also co-hosting the podcast 'Human Cogs' and hosting 'The Separation Guide.' She also serves as the resident psychologist for TMRW, an innovative medical platform that combines cutting-edge diagnostic technology, AI, and clinical expertise to translate complex information into clear insights.
Her work is underpinned by a strong commitment to social contribution, and she also holds roles as a board member for The Reach Foundation and a mentor for Mentor Walks.
'Weekending' Tips
New South Wales
Pokolbin
Listings:
Currumbin
Listings:
FAQ
Why does Airbnb recommend 'Weekending'?
Based on survey results showing that short trips are effective for refreshment and strengthening family bonds due to a serious holiday shortage in Australia, they are proposing it as an easy travel style.
What kind of trip is 'Weekending' specifically?
It refers to short, casual trips, such as leaving right after work on Friday or traveling to a nearby place over the weekend. Refreshment is possible even without long vacations.
What are the effects of 'Weekending'?
It can lead to escape from daily life, stress reduction, avoidance of burnout, deepening bonds with family and loved ones, and increased life satisfaction.