When everyday life is paused, pleasure takes over. A new Sifo survey conducted by travel agency Ticket shows that four out of ten Swedes drink more on vacation, and a quarter eat less healthily – but many also use their vacation to read, sleep and recover.

When everyday routines are replaced by sun, vacation and days off, our lifestyle habits also change. Four out of ten Swedes drink more alcohol than at home and just over a quarter eat less healthily during the holidays. At the same time, many use the holidays to unwind: almost one in three reads more, around one in four sleeps longer and twelve percent say they are more intimate with their partner – signs that the holidays provide time for both rest and closeness.

– Vacations are about breaking patterns and this is clearly visible in the results of our survey. Many allow themselves to enjoy themselves more and let go of demands, but there is also a strong desire for recovery – to read, sleep and be present. These are two sides of the same coin and it is precisely this balance that makes vacations so important, says Tiyoneh Jah, PR and communications manager at Ticket.

The results also show that 20 percent move more during the holiday – but almost as many move less (15 percent). For some, the trip becomes a break from performance-filled routines, while others see the holiday as a chance to get going.

Only 15 percent say they don't change their lifestyle habits at all when they travel. For the vast majority, vacation is a clear turning point – a time when everyday rules are exchanged for freedom, spontaneous choices and more time for oneself.
 

About the survey:
The survey is based on a nationally representative sample of the Swedish population aged 18–79 and was conducted by Kantar Sifo on behalf of Ticket.