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Time to discover Oz

Ten reasons why now is a great time to holiday in Australia.

While many Australians are finding it harder to take a holiday due to work and life pressures, there are indications that there are plenty of reasons why workers need to unlock their leave.

Annual leave saved by full-time employees has grown 11 per cent from December 2006 to December 20081 and this is having many flow-on effects.

However, to increase productivity in the work place as well as mental wellbeing, it is now more important than ever to take a holiday.

Editor of Men's Health, Bruce Ritchie explains, "The best way to reduce stress - and reap the personal and health rewards - is to take a holiday. Reduce the hassles even more by cutting customs out of the equation and seeing more of Australia."

Tourism Australia's No Leave, No Life program is encouraging Australians to take their entitled annual leave and provides tools to make it easier for them to do so.

The program's website includes holiday competitions, tips on planning leave, as well as ideas for a quintessential Australian travel experience.

Just as important is finding ways of saving money in the current climate, so here are 10 reasons why holidaying within Australia is more cost-effective, fun and stress-free than holidaying abroad:

• Petrol prices - at a five year low
  
  
• Exchange rates - overseas travel is less affordable
  
  
• Enjoy the comfort of travelling in your own car - and you can take the dog too!
  
  
• Less baggage - your limit is as much as you can fit in your car
  
  
• No airports - avoid the delays and stress
  
  
• Explore your own turf - do you really know your country?
  
  
• Shorter travel times - spend your time - and your money! - on holiday, not travelling
  
  
• Discover something new - do something you've never done
  
  
• Enjoy a longer weekend break - leave after work on Friday and return early Monday morning
  
  
• Home away from home - no need to worry about currency or language barriers.

Bruce adds, "The No Leave, No Life program empowers employees to fight for a good work/life balance and ensure people can operate at their best - both professionally and personally. A holiday is a fantastic way opportunity to take some well needed time out and get a fresh perspective on what really matters while spending time with those close to you."