Editorial: Relax and unwind on break away

For many people the knowledge that they are going to go on holiday soon is what keeps them going.

They work hard, but when it is time for a break, they take full advantage of it.

How many times have you asked someone how they are, only to be told: "I need a holiday."

There is something to be said about walking out of work knowing that you will not be back for a couple of weeks. You can just switch off your mobile phone (although some of us never do that) and just unwind.

Sometimes the stress has built up to such a degree that even when you go away, it takes at least a day or two to unwind and stop thinking about work.

This is, of course, quite easy to do when you are at a luxury beach resort. Everything seems better on holiday - the food tastes better, the drinks stronger, the sun brighter, etc.

A new survey by global in-car navigational company Tom Tom found that many Kiwis (36 per cent) go on holiday to simply relax and do very little.

Our story today shows that this is even more so for those of us from Hawke's Bay (39 per cent).

The survey also showed that the majority of us will take our holiday this year somewhere in New Zealand, with Sydney being a preferred choice for those heading abroad.

The problem is that in these difficult economic times, not many people can afford to go on holidays or if they do, they do not want to spend too much money.

The survey backs this up, with 22 per cent of respondents saying they chose a destination simply because it was the cheapest option they could find.

Sometimes those are the best holidays as well. A quiet bach - out of season - in the middle of nowhere (as long as it is not too cold) is a great way to unwind.

Going on vacation and staying with family also brings the cost down, but unless it is an old relative with a big empty house, it can be tricky for a large family to squeeze into a house with the existing occupants.

Having said all that, sometimes spending a couple of weeks kicking around the house and enjoying the area you live in can be enough to recharge the batteries.

That is the beauty about holidays, we can do what ever we like. The key is not to get bored. When you are bored, you know it is time to go back to work.