For almost one person in five, work continues to make an appearance even during the holiday period. This is according to a survey conducted by Sifo, the Swedish institute for public opinion and consumer research and analysis, on behalf of First Camp, which shows that 18% of respondents are never able to completely leave their work commitments behind while on holiday.
The study, conducted in May 2026 through the Sifopanelen online panel, involved 3,606 people aged between 18 and 79, including 1,076 people who stated that they had stayed at a campsite during the past three years, in a tent, caravan, motorhome or camping cabin.
For the majority of respondents, just a few days are enough to regain the right balance: just over 35% of respondents stop thinking about work already on the first day of their holiday, while a further 29% manage to do so after two or three days. Overall, therefore, almost two people in three manage to switch off during the first few days of their holiday. According to the analysis, outdoor holidays also help people relax more quickly: among those who have been camping in the past three years, almost two in three campers say that they are able to unwind within the first few days of their holiday.
“In a daily life where many people are constantly connected, holidays are becoming increasingly important for recovery. Camping often offers precisely what many people lack in everyday life: time outdoors, fewer screens, quality time with family and friends, and the freedom not to have to plan every minute. All of this creates good conditions for unwinding and being more present in the moment,” says Johan Söör, CEO of First Camp.
The signs that show the holiday has really begun
But when do people realise that they have finally entered holiday mode? For many, the clearest sign is the loss of the rhythms and reference points typical of everyday life. For 29.4% of respondents, the decisive moment is waking up without an alarm and not even knowing what time it is, while 28.2% recognise that their holiday has truly begun when they completely lose track of what day of the week it is.
Other signs include being able to read books that one normally does not have time to read (12.7%), having a beer or a glass of wine during the day (12.5%) and, for 11.7%, not opening work emails even once.
According to Petra Lindfors, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology at Stockholm University, distancing oneself from work-related demands is an important element in recovering energy and well-being. The way of achieving this balance, however, varies from person to person. Some seek simplicity and contact with nature, while others, on the contrary, prefer comfort, activities and services. Camping can offer both experiences.
“Camping holidays can look very different today. For some, it is about a tent, motorhome or caravan and a simple holiday. For others, it is about a cabin, a swimming pool, activities and comfort. What they have in common is that holidays often represent a clear break from everyday life, where one can let the calendar play a smaller role and instead spend time doing what one feels like doing here and now”, concludes Johan Söör.
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