Planning a Vacation Has Transformative "Halo Effect" That Extends Beyond the Actual Holiday

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - January 18, 2016) - With frigid weather, holiday bills piling up and failing New Year's resolutions, the third Monday in January is often believed to be one of the saddest days of the year. But, while some might be feeling down, for the majority of Canadians, planning or even thinking about a vacation can create feelings of joy that extend beyond vacation time. A recent survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Sunwing Vacations found a vacation mindset starts long before the actual vacation begins for most Canadians, creating a positive holiday "halo effect."

"Research shows that taking regular vacations can alleviate stress and depression, contribute to an increase in positive emotions and improve overall health," said Louisa Jewell, Founder and President of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association. "Simply planning and booking a vacation can enhance your well-being, especially during weeks and months of dark and dreary weather."

Vacation mindset "halo effect" can extend positive feelings beyond actual time off

• Seventy-two per cent of Canadians plan vacations at least a month in advance
• One-quarter of vacationers mentally begin their vacation at least a week before their trip and 22% start as soon as they book.
• Half of vacationers agree they often think about their next vacation as soon as they return from their last.

In addition, just knowing a vacation is coming can be transformative

• Ninety-five per cent of Canadian vacationers agree just knowing that a vacation is coming up brings them joy.
• Seventy per cent of vacationers still in the rat race agree they feel more motivated at work knowing they have a vacation coming up.

"The sheer idea of vacation brings excitement, and that joyful feeling extends far beyond the dates of one's actual trip away," said Rachel Goldrick, Corporate Communications Manager, Sunwing Vacations. "Almost half of all Canadians spend more than 20 hours planning and thinking of vacation prior to takeoff. This 'holiday halo' is equivalent to half a work week of time spent in the positive vacation mindset, a period we like to refer to as 'Sunwing Mode.'"

Sunwing Mode is a play on the phrase, 'vacation mode' and expresses the positive state of mind you enter when you are in the process of planning, travelling or remembering your vacation. Get into #SunwingMode and visit sunwing.ca or visit your local travel agent.

About Sunwing Vacations
All Sunwing Vacations packages include award-winning Sunwing Airlines' Champagne Service, which features a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, hot towel service, Hot & Fresh Bistro Meals™ served with a choice of wine at lunch and dinner, and complimentary in-flight entertainment, including first run movies. Passengers who have booked packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America or a Florida fly/cruise itinerary also benefit from a generous complimentary 23 kg free baggage allowance. For just $50 more per flight segment, travellers can upgrade to Sunwing's Elite Plus service, which features advance seat selection, complimentary headsets, separate check-in at a majority of airports, advance boarding, 30 kg baggage allowance, priority baggage handling, and extra legroom seats. 

About Survey
A survey of 1514 Canadians was conducted between December 14th and December 17th , 2015 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Leger's online panel has approximately 460,000 members nationally -- with between 10,000 and 20,000 new members added each month, and has a retention rate of 90%.

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