That India is one of the most vacation deprived countries in the world is no secret. Long working hours and working Saturdays leave Indians with little time to travel. According to a survey conducted by online travel agency Expedia, “67 percent Indians have cancelled or postponed vacation plans because of work.”
According to the findings, 55 percent Indians take offs on fewer days than they are allowed, and 28 percent don't take leaves at all, as work schedule does not allow or there are not enough co-workers to cover.
But 2018 is the year that may break this spell for some people. This is a year that comes with 15 long weekends – the most in the last ten years.
While 2017 had 11 long weekends, 2016 came with just 8. The number was slightly higher for 2015 and 2014 with 13 and 14 extended weekends respectively. From 2010 to 2013, the number of long weekends could not even cross the single digit mark whereas 2009 came with 10 long weekends.
With 15 long weekends, 2018 has certainly brightened up the vacation scene. Now the onus is on you to make the most of it.
As they say make hay while the sun shines, plan those long due trips, explore hidden places and make up for all those years you spent whining about leaves.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)