May 27, 2025, 1:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Is there a perfect vacation length for maximum relaxation? A research team from Finland investigated this question and arrived at a fairly clear conclusion.
For many, vacation is the best time of the year, and, as stated in the Federal Vacation Act, it should be used for relaxation. While some prefer to relax on the beach, others are drawn to hiking in nature or exploring exciting cities. All types of vacations can be relaxing—however, the duration of a break apparently also determines how relaxed we truly are. A research team from the University of Tampere in Finland claims to have discovered, in relation to longer summer vacations of at least 14 days, when the relaxation effect begins and how long it lasts after the vacation.
The Perfect Duration of a Vacation for Relaxation
For their findings published in the Journal of Happiness, the researchers surveyed a total of 54 employees about their vacation experiences. The vacations of the respondents lasted an average of 23 days. Participants were surveyed multiple times: before, several times during, and after the vacation. They were asked about vacation experiences, work-related activities, and sleep duration/quality. After evaluation, the scientists concluded: “Health and well-being increased rapidly during the vacation and peaked on the eighth day.” So, to be truly refreshed, one should take at least an eight-day vacation.
The factors that were particularly important for well-being during and after the vacation were also examined. According to the researchers, relaxation, enjoyment of activities, and pleasure, such as good food, played the most significant roles. However, the freedom to decide which activity to pursue during the vacation was also relevant. “It may not be crucial which specific activity vacationers engage in, as long as they find the activity enjoyable,” the study states. Unfortunately, the study also shows that one quickly returns to everyday life after a vacation. According to the researchers, recovery is back to baseline within the first week after resuming work.
The findings of the Finnish scientists align with those of other experts. “I recommend at least two weeks of vacation at a stretch once a year, preferably three. It can take up to 14 days, and in some cases more than 14 days, for real recovery to occur and stress hormones in the body to decrease,” “Stern” quotes psychotherapist Dr. Gerhard Zimmermann from Mainz. According to a report by the “Ärzteblatt,” scientists even found that longer vacations can extend life.
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Short Vacations Also Have a Relaxation Effect
In fact, other studies suggest that shorter vacations can be just as relaxing as longer trips. “Effects like reducing stress and feeling better do not differ between short vacations and longer trips,” explained psychologist and professor Verena C. Hahn, according to a report by “Wirtschaftswoche.” A summary of various vacation studies showed this. The key to relaxation is fundamentally the ability to completely disconnect from daily work during the vacation.
The Finnish researchers from the University of Tampere also acknowledge at the end of their study that the overall satisfaction of travelers does not necessarily increase more than with a shorter vacation. “Frequent recovery breaks could be more important for maintaining well-being than the duration of a single recovery episode,” it states.
Ultimately, this means that everyone must determine for themselves how often and how long they want to vacation each year to achieve maximum relaxation.