A recent study conducted by the online health management service Budu and the travel planning platform OneTwoTrip explored how people unwind in the middle of the year. The findings show that roughly one out of three Russians estimated they needed 15 to 20 days of summer to feel truly rested, while about a quarter believed that 8 to 10 days would suffice. This snapshot of summer breaks was shared with readers after a careful review of the results by the outlet socialbites.ca.
More than half of respondents cited heavy workloads and resulting fatigue as the primary reason for taking a vacation. A smaller yet notable portion saw travel as an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, while a portion of people were simply too occupied with work to take time off, health concerns included. In short, rest was seen as both a necessity and a luxury by different groups within the population.
The main stressors of daily life were identified as high levels of work or home-based burnout and a lack of new experiences, which together accounted for more than half of the reasons people felt exhausted. Additional pressures came from managing household chores, which affected almost one third of respondents, and the challenge of carving out time for self-care and hobbies. Work-related anxiety also emerged as a persistent theme, underscoring the mental toll of modern routines.
During the summer, more than one third of participants chose the sea or coastlines as their retreat to combat fatigue and stress. A notable minority also sought out cultural enrichment and natural beauty by visiting historic capitals, major cities abroad, mountains, exotic destinations, and island getaways. This diverse mix of options reflects how vacation choices are shaped by both personal interests and perceived health benefits.
Although nine percent indicated a vacation aimed at improving physical or mental health, only five percent actually pursued such an approach within the season. A small share, three percent, preferred sanatorium-style stays that offer medical procedures to enhance relaxation. The survey also highlighted the practical preferences of travelers: almost one third valued hotels that provide spa and massage facilities, while gym access mattered to a smaller segment of respondents.
Nearly half of all respondents admitted to indulging more freely during holidays, choosing meals with fewer dietary constraints. A notable portion acknowledged losing the day-to-day routine while on break, and some even described themselves as feeling lazier during the vacation period. These patterns illustrate how holidays can temporarily relax strict schedules and health routines, often influenced by the sense of freedom that comes with travel.
For many, vacation proved beneficial in alleviating mental fatigue caused by work and household chores. A substantial share reported improvements in mental well-being, while a similar proportion described physical relaxation as part of their time off. A small group indicated that routine activities still lingered in the background, but overall wellbeing improved during the break.
When it came to the most effective ways to unwind, exploring new places topped the list for the majority. A large portion of respondents found that discovering unfamiliar locations during vacation offered the best mental and physical recharge. Rest by the water, including swimming and emotional renewal near beaches, also played a key role for many. Time spent in the sun remained a popular method for recharging energy and mood, underscoring the broad appeal of outdoor leisure in the summer months.
Finally, a curious note emerged about balancing travel with personal obligations. While many people enjoyed the freedom of vacation, a portion still carried some work-related thoughts or unfinished tasks into their time off. This suggests that even extended breaks may not fully detach individuals from their daily responsibilities, yet the overall impact on wellbeing remains positive for most participants.
Across the board, the findings highlight a simple truth about vacations: rest is not a one-size-fits-all remedy. People choose length, style, and destination based on their unique fatigue patterns, health goals, and the practicalities of life. For some, the best cure is a sun-soaked beach; for others, a deep dive into history, culture, or restorative spa experiences. What remains clear is that taking time away from the daily grind offers meaningful relief, particularly when vacations are aligned with personal health and happiness goals.
Unions at the state level, including those advocating for women’s rights, were not directly addressed in this study, but the broader context of welfare, work-life balance, and access to health-focused vacation options remains a relevant conversation in many regions, including North America and Europe. The overall message is simple: regular, thoughtful breaks can dramatically reduce fatigue and improve wellbeing over the long term.