HARD-working Australians are forgoing taking annual leave and those that do take holidays are failing to save before jetting off. One in five workaholics don’t take any time off and of those that do, one third don’t stash away any money before going on leave. Suncorp Bank’s Holiday Habits Report, released today says Australians pay $54 billion each year on holidays or $9000 a household, but 19 per cent are left paying for their trips up to three months after they have returned home. The report, which surveyed 1000 Australians, found domestic vacations are more popular — 68 per cent holiday locally while 32 per cent go on international getaways. Suncorp Bank’s regional manager, Monique Reynolds, said many Australians were choosing local travel ahead of trips overseas but needed to have a better savings plan. “The Australian dollar has been going up and down which is potentially influencing Australians’ decisions to holiday at home,’’ she said. “They are choosing more affordable and accessible holiday locations instead of spending all their money on an expensive overseas trip. “But about 31 per cent of Australians don’t save at all for holidays.” The report shows about 13 per cent of Australians pay for a holiday using a credit card. “The last thing you want is to come back from a holiday and have to pay it off. It causes undue stress,’’ she said. AMP financial planner ­Dianne Charman said taking time off work was important but urged Australians to steer clear of getting themselves deep in debt. “By putting a holiday on a credit card, you are potentially putting yourself in a trap of overspending because it’s not really your money,’’ she said. “If you have allocated yourself $1000 spending money and your credit card has a $5000 limit then you’re going to splurge. “The best thing people can do is to put money into a holiday account each pay and ­ideally pay for the holiday in full or at least pay for the airfares and accommodation.” Source: couriermail.com.au