The report reveals that 94 per cent of Irish believe regular holidays are important for their general health and wellbeing and 95 per cent agree that holidays are important for their happiness.

Holidays also have a significant impact on peoples’ relationships, with 87 per cent of Irish holiday makers believing that vacations improve their personal relationship with their partner while 85 per cent say that regular holidays make them feel more connected to their friends and family.

Catching up on sleep while on holidays is important for Irish people who get an average of 48 minutes more sleep per night when they are away. When they return from holiday, 89 per cent of Irish people agree they feel better rested, while 90 per cent say that they feel less stressed and more relaxed after being away.

We are more productive at work when we make time for holidays too

Globally the Irish have one of the best attitudes to holiday and are reaping the benefits. Almost three-quarters of workers say their bosses are supportive of time off for holidays – well above the global average of 55 per cent. As a result the Irish are the nation least likely to suffer from guilt for taking holidays with less than 1 in 10 feeling guilty about this. Irish bosses are clearly seeing the benefits of regular holidays with 75 per cent of workers admitting they are more focused at work on their return. To make sure they keep focused and have something to look forward to one in three book their next holiday within a month of returning.

Andy Washington, Managing Director, Expedia UK and Ireland said: “The results of the Travel Wellbeing Report highlight the importance that Irish people place on holidays and the benefits to overall health, happiness and relationships. Holidays give people the chance relax and rejuvenate which in turn has a knock on effect on workplace productivity."