However, Malaysians don’t seem to think so, as 67% say they feel they don’t take enough vacations. This was according to the 2016 Expedia Vacation Deprivation survey across 28 countries worldwide.

What’s more, based on the results, we are the third most vacation-deprived nation globally. The slightly good news is that we don’t seem to be as deprived compared to 2015 when the nation was the second most deprived in the world.

The majority are taking only 25% of their allocated leave days. The main reason most Malaysians don’t take their vacations is likely poor finances (36%).

The survey also reveals significant disparity in the number of vacation days received across the globe. From countries like Germany and France where average annual allocation for leave is 30 days, Australia (20) and Singapore (18), Malaysia is close to the lowest world bracket with its 16 days a year.

Only 51% of Malaysians use up all their allocated vacations days. But even then, there seems to be difficulty disconnecting from work as 35% admit to checking work e-mails or voicemail at least once or twice while on holiday.

“From the survey findings, we realise that a significant number of Malaysians go from six months up to a year without going on a vacation (37%). Aside from lack of money, the impossible work schedule (34%) and difficulty in coordinating time with loved ones or friends (29%) seem to be the common reasons behind Malaysians’ vacation deprivation.” said Expedia group general manager (South-East Asia and India) Simon Fiquet.

A total of 48% of Malaysians admitted that they have cancelled or postponed vacation plans because of work. Being vacation deprived does not come without consequences. Malaysians reveal that lack of vacation leaves an impact on their professional lives, with 35% admitting to being more stressed at work.

What would Malaysians be willing to give up for one extra day of vacation? The survey asked respondents on what they are willing to give up for an entire week in exchange for one extra day of vacation.

Going on vacations may leave a positive impact and improve a person’s quality of life.

From the survey, the findings reported that after returning from a vacation, Malaysians feel – happier (37%); better rested (29%); less stressed/more relaxed (28%); and in better health (27%).

They are so deprived that 42% of Malaysians stated that they are willing to give up watching television for a week to get an extra day of vacation. This was followed by alcohol and social media with 39% and 33% respectively.

There’s little doubt that Airbnb.com has become a game-changer in the way we travel and remains the best tool to find a cheap room (that won’t make you feel cheap) just about anywhere in the world.

As we head into 2017, we take a look at Japan – a favourite destination among Thais – to see how the website can serve room-seekers.

For example, you can stay in an apartment just two stops away from Tokyo’s Shibuya Station for just Bt635 a night while Yukie, who lives in Hokkaido, offers her Hello Kitty-themed room for a mere Bt1,186 per night.

So if you’re heading to Japan, check out our list for the best rooms under Bt2,500 per night.

TOKYO

Host: Tomo

Description: Cosy Japanese style house (Meguro)

Price: Bt1,595 per night

Accommodates: Two guests/ whole house

Located just five minutes walk from Naka-Meguro train station, this Japanese style house is a great base from which to explore Tokyo and its immediate surroundings. There are plenty of restaurants in the immediate area and if you happen to be there in the spring, you’ll see plenty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. After booking, host Tomo will send a detailed PDF guideline on the location and how to get the key to the room. Check in is 24 hours. There is no TV but Wi-Fi is always available. The place offers one bedroom, one bathroom, living area and veranda. It is equipped with refrigerator, air-conditioner, bathtub, hair-dryer and washing machine. Amenities like towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper and shampoo are also available. Smoking is not allowed though and all electric devices especially the air-conditioner should be turned off before leaving. From 116 guest reviews, Tomo is quick to respond and considered a nice and helpful host while the place is clean, quiet and in a nice neighbourhood. Tomo loves vegan food so vegan and vegetarian guests can ask for his advice on vegan options in Tokyo.

Host: Yoji

Location: Centre of Shibuya

Price: Bt2,374 per night plus cleaning fee and security deposit

Accommodates: Four guests/ whole apartment

Synonymous with easy access, the apartment is a five- minute walk from Shibuya train station, three minutes walk from the Airport Limousine bus boarding point, and one minute walk to the nearest convenience store, sushi restaurant, ramen shop and fast-food restaurant. Check in time is 3pm and check out is 11am. The apartment has one bedroom, one bathroom and is equipped with unlimited Mobile-Wi-Fi, air conditioner, electric kettle, cooking utensils, coffee machine, TV, refrigerator and microwave. Yoji, the host, provides bed sheets, towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Pets, parties, loud noise and drugs are all prohibited. Following the house rule is the key to a smooth stay. Most of Yoji’s guests love the place for its location and are full of praise for Yoji’s quick response to their queries.

Host: Haru

Description: Two train stops from Shibuya station

Price: Bt635 per night plus cleaning fee and security deposit

Accommodates: Two guests/ shared room

Those who love to live like the locals and with the locals should check out this place. The room is two minutes walk from the Komabatodaimae train station and two stops away from Shibuya train station. The room has one bedroom and bathroom. Check in time is anytime after 2pm while check out time is 10am. Microwave, hair dryer, towels, bed sheets, soap, shampoo, toilet paper are available. Cooking and smoking are not allowed. Wireless Internet is always available. Convenience stores and supermarkets are nearby with some open 24 hours a day. From 142 reviews, Haru, the host, is friendly, extremely helpful, listens to good music and speaks good English. While clean, it is small (exactly as shown in the photo though) but good value as a base to explore Tokyo.

OSAKA

Host: Noriyuki

Description: Few minutes from Shinsaibashi Station

Price: Bt1,818 per night plus cleaning fee

Accommodates: Two guests/ whole apartment

Located just a few minutes walk from Shinsaibashi Station, Noriyuki’s Shinsaibashi 504 is within walking distance of Dotonbori, home to the Glico Man and the Kani Doraku Crab, as well as Namba entertainment district and shopping arcades. The apartment consists of one bedroom, one bathroom, and amenities like towels, bed sheets, soap, shampoo and toilet paper. It also provides TV, air conditioner, wireless Internet, cooking utensils and cutlery. Pocket Wi-Fi is available for a fee (500Yen per day). Noriyuki’s guests admire the location, the cosy clean room and Noriyuki’s advice and help. Some complain it’s a little noisy but that’s to be expected for somewhere so close to many attractions, as well as the shopping and entertainment area.

Host: Shinji

Description: Relaxation in Osaka (Umeda)

Price: Bt1,556 per night plus cleaning fee and security deposit

Accommodates: Four guests/ whole apartment

Slap in the centre of Osaka Umeda area, this apartment is a 10-minute walk from Osaka (Umeda) Station. The room offers one double bed, two floor mattresses, bathroom and kitchen. TV, air conditioner, hair dryer, refrigerator, washing machine and wireless Internet. Amenities like towels, shampoo, hair conditioner, soap, hairbrush, shower cap, cotton and cotton swabs, razor and slippers are also listed in the offer. As the room is in a serene neighbourhood, host Shinji advises his guests to keep their voices down and respect the neighbours. Most of his guests love the clean and well-equipped room and appreciate Shinji’s kindness and quick response.

Host: Sato

Description: Reserved, independent house

Price: Bt965 per night plus security deposit

Accommodates: Four guests/ entire house

Enjoy a home away from home in a two-storey house in Kobe. The house is a 10 to 15-minutes walk to Sanomiya station and the area has lots of places to eat and shop. It is also an easy walk to the main shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife that Kobe has to offer. Sato gives detailed instructions about the “do’s and don’ts” so read carefully before making a decision. The house is equipped with pocket Wi-Fi, air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave and electric kettle. Soap, shampoo, towels and hair dryer are also available. From 120 guests’ reviews, Sato’s place is clean and fully equipped, the location is great and it’s easy to make a day trip to nearby cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka while Sato is helpful and quick to respond.

HOKKAIDO

Host: Yukie

Description: Free Wi-Fi. One minute from Sapporo station.

Price: Bt1,186 per night plus cleaning fee

Accommodates: Four guests/ whole apartment

Hop back into your childhood dream and stay in a Hello Kitty Room in Sapporo. The room is just one minute from Motomachi subway station while Sapporo Station, a major rail hub, is four stations away. Restaurants, bars, grocery stores and a shopping mall are all within 10-minutes walk. Check in is anytime after 1pm and check out no later than 10 am. The room offers cooking area, TV, heater, wireless Internet, toiletries, towels, and bed sheets. Ukie’s guests love the spacious room and its great location and most agree that Ukie is a nice host, kind, flexible and quick to respond.

Host: Akina

Description: One minute from Sapporo station

Price: Bt1,706 per night plus cleaning fee and security deposit

Accommodates: Three guests/ whole apartment

The apartment is one-minute walk from Kikusui Station, and only two stops from Odori Station, Sapporo city centre. It’s close to Sapporo’s main entertainment area and Odori Park and has plenty of restaurants with reasonable prices. There are no fussy house rules but guests should communicate with the host clearly about the “do’s and don’ts” in Japanese culture. Check in is available anytime after 3pm while check out time is 10am. TV, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker, wireless Internet, hair dryer, bed sheets, towels and toiletries are provided. Guests report that Akina, is friendly, flexible and very helpful and the room is clean and in a prime location.

Host: Kumiko & Miri

Description: Three-minute walk from station. Free Wi-Fi.

Price: Bt1,595 per night plus cleaning fee and security deposit

Accommodates: Four guests/ whole apartment

Less than five minutes’ walk to Nakajima Koen subway station, this apartment is within walking distance to Nakajima Koen and Susukino, the large amusement district in central Sapporo which is home to cafes, restaurants, sushi bars, a ramen alley and the red light district. The apartment offers Wi-Fi, a washing machine and kitchen utensils. Towels, toiletries and hair dryer are also available. Kumiko and Miri’s guests love the location though as it is located opposite a fire station, it can be a little noisy. Guests appreciate the tidy room and detailed advice and recommendations from Kumiko and Miri about Japanese culture and where to eat out.

GET INSPIRED

Once a postcard from a travelling friend or a picture in a travel magazine was the inspiration to explore a new destination. That changed with the advent of Facebook. From the Sutongpe bamboo bridge in Mae Hong Son to camel trekking in India, today finding travel ideas is as easy as logging into your Facebook account. Thanks to social network friends – and a computer algorithm that allows for the posting of holiday photos on Facebook pages – technology is changing the way we discover new places. Virtual reality too is playing a bigger role in influencing our travel choices. So sign up, get chatting with friends and other like-minded folks, and discover a brave new world of culture, food and sights.

GRAB A BED

When you’re on the road, accommodation costs often take up more than half your budget. Here too, technology has changed the way we live away from home. Airbnb.com is today the preferred tool for finding a room at your destination anywhere in the world for a fraction of the hassle. Based on the concept of “sharing”, Airbnb allows people to share their spare rooms and lodging with visitors for a small charge. Airbnb.com helps you find a cheap room to rent. One night in a decent hotel in Prague could cost you around Bt5,000, but a private room from Airbnb.com can be Bt800 per night. And not only do you end up with more money in your pocket, you also have a much better opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture.

GO SOLO

Solo travel is becoming popular, and it has nothing to do with the stigma of sad singletons. You might be surprised to find out that not all solo travellers are dreadlocked students on a journey of self discovery but professionals who want to experience the world their way. And while it starts as a solo adventure, you get to meet plenty of interesting fellow singletons at your destination. There is, of course, an app for that. Solo Traveller connects travellers wanting to see and do the same things within a specific location. The app also has a practical side as travellers can connect to share costs for taxis, tours, or anything else that’s cheaper when organised in a large group.

VISIT INDIA

Forget South Korea. India is destination that counts in 2017. Thai Smile Airways knows this and is now operating direct flights from Bangkok to Gaya, Lucknow, Jaipur and Varanasi. The direct flight from Bangkok makes travelling to India’s ancient cities more convenient and cheaper than a transit in India. A flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, for example, starts from just Bt4,910. So whether you fancy riding camels in the Rajasthan desert or dipping in the Ganges at Varanasi, check out the airfares today.

SEE IRAN

For those who have never been to Iran, the Islamic republic tends to invoke images of a dark, dangerous place full of fundamentalists. Travel is the best way to shake off such notions. The Iranian kebab is excellent, and choices of herbal teas and spices are unlimited. Iran is one of the most rewarding destinations on earth, and the Iranians are very friendly. Walking around the sublime, turquoise-tiled domes and minarets of Esfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square is quite an experience, as is being dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colours at Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz. Iran has become a popular destination for the Europeans over the past few years. This trend is expected to make its way to this part of the world in 2017, thanks to new direct flights to Tehran offered by Thai Airways International and AirAsia.

ACTION CAMERA

Forget the selfie. With adventure travel being more popular than ever, it’s no surprise that people are also looking for creative ways to document their experiences. The Samsung Gear 360 is now on the market for 360-degree video and photos. It produces some of the best spherical video you can get from a consumer-grade 360-degree camera at the moment. It is easy to use on its own or with its full-feature mobile app. The camera can be used as a single-lens wide-angle video camera. Clips can be transferred, trimmed and shared with your Galaxy phone or edited on a computer before sharing on social media platforms.

GO LOCAL

Most trips and/or vacations planned and booked are extravagant, taking you someplace far away and undeniably foreign. While there is nothing wrong with that, the trend recently has been to stay close to home. In 2017, people will treat travel as a lifestyle instead of a luxury treat and so a short ride to a new destination becomes a simple pleasure and rewarding experience. With creativity and internet connectivity, many more local destinations are making themselves known. Just take Jaboo, a noodle stand with a panoramic view in Mae Hong Son, which has seen a major rise in trade since photos were posted to the social media.

GO GREEN 

United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Both travellers and accommodation owners have chosen to become more environmentally friendly and sustainably aware in recent times. This mirrors the way in which people are increasingly finding ways to fulfil their aesthetic travel needs while maintaining cultural and environmental integrity by taking longer, more scenic routes and modes of transport. Eco-friendly stays are no longer the preserve of the few, but an expectation of the many.

Located 85 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, the Friends of Asian Elephant Foundation(FAE)’s Elephant Hospital in Lampang is the world’s first medical centre for these elephantine giants and treats all kinds of problems suffered by its pachyderm patients.

Motala, for example, stepped on a landmine in 1999 in Myanmar. She walked three days and three nights to cross the border into Thailand from where it took another 10 hours to arrive at Lampang’s elephant hospital. The poor elephant lost her left front leg.

Mosha came into the hospital in 2006 with a similar problem. The young elephant had stepped on a landmine and lost her right front leg.

Fortunately, thanks to prosthetic limbs, both elephant are now able to stand on their feet again. Mosha and Motala became the first two elephants to receive prosthetic legs thanks to the FAE and its generous donors.

Other inpatients are “Donte”, a cheeky and playful baby elephant, “Boonmee”, another landmine victim, and “Bobo”, who was abused in captivity.

You don’t have to be a sick elephant to visit the Elephant Hospital. The medical centre is always ready to welcome visitors and elephant lovers.

The hospital is right next door to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre – Lampang’s famous tourist destination that’s home to many adorable elephants.

I’ve never thought of myself as particularly claustrophobic but I find myself shivering as I squeeze through a small opening in the earth. The feeling doesn’t entirely vanish as I emerge into a dim and cold cave but I cheer myself up by imagining that I’m in a wine cellar and surrounded by casks and bottles of vintage wine. A plaque on the wall reads “Sleep Place” so perhaps it’s a hobbit hole. But there are no hobbits here, only many retired comrades.

The Piyamit Tunnel just outside Betong was dug in 1977 by members of the Malaya Communist Party in Yala to serve as a bomb shelter and a place to store supplies. Communism was rife back in the 1970s when the Americans retreated from the Vietnam War, with comrades filling the ranks of the anti-government parties across Thailand. Search and destroy raids were frequent and the communists quickly learned how to play hide and seek.

“This tunnel is a kind of secret hideout,” says the village headman, who has undertaken to show us around the tunnel.

Today Piyamit Tunnel is a reminder of the underground movement and resistance. It’s also a tourist destination, drawing visitors to this Southern province to walking through this man-made cave beneath the forest. At one end is a restaurant frequented by durian-loving Malaysian tourists. It also serves beer.

Inspired by Cu Chi Tunnel in Southern Vietnam, Piyamit Tunnel is little more than an underground passage. While the famous Viet Cong’s tunnel stretches around 200 kilometres under a labyrinth of subterranean villages, the Thai edition is just one kilometre long. On the other hands, with widths varying between 1.2 and 1.8 metres, it’s luxurious compared to the Cu Chi, which is no wider than the shoulders.

Some parts of the cave network are more claustrophobic than others and I frequently hit my head while walking from one end to the other. The tunnel, which has nine entrances, also boasts a kitchen, restroom, working station, medical station and, of course, sleeping room. All are made of earth.

Visitors are invited to live the communist experience. I lay down on the bedroom – which is no more than cold, hard earth but am much more fascinated by the “studio” room where the comrades would edit and encode messages to send through short-wave radio.

Of course, there are many things to see above ground too. The communist’s base camp is perched on the slope of the mountain. Follow the trails under the canopy and you’ll soon come across a Chinese shrine and Buddhist temple. I find that strange. Aren’t communists supposed to be atheists?

And then there is a stove named after Kongming – a Chinese strategist during the Three Kingdoms period.

“The Kongming stove is smokeless. It kept us safe from the eyes of the soldiers,” says the guide. “We would send the smoke from the burning chamber through the tunnel then release it into a wet filter.”

The anti-Communism battle ended in 1980 with a peace agreement. The communists gave up their arms and kept quiet about their beliefs, choosing instead to focus on community and country development. The communist villages were later renamed “Piyamit”, meaning a good friend.

While the communists lived a hard life as they fought against the government, they also found time to enjoy themselves. The Piyamit Museum, with photos and remnants of the Communist battle, shows the effects of fighting for what they once believed. Young comrades jumped into the tug of war when they wanted to have fun; others would lie around in a hammock or use the sewing machine.

Visitors can talk to the former communists over plates of durian and bottles of beer to hear what life was like during the 1970s and why Communism didn’t work here.

There are some fascinating stories to be heard.

IF YOU GO

+ Piyamit Tunnel is 25 kilometres north of Betong, Yala province.

+ Betong is Thailand’s southernmost district. The easiest way to reach it is by air to Hat Yai’s Songkhla province then a passenger van, which travels through the far north of Malaysia to avoid the insurgency.

Watch the video at www.NationMultimedia.com.