For some people, work could feel less like a career and more like an endurance race. Deadlines pile up, meetings stretch late, and even weekends are swallowed by endless notifications. You wake up tired, drag yourself through the day, and collapse into bed at night, knowing tomorrow will be exactly the same. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing burnout.

According to the Wellness at Work Report 2024 by global employment platform Employment Hero, 67% of the Malaysian workforce experienced burnout in 2024, placing the country among one of the highest in the world for workplace stress. Burnout doesn’t affect only a specific group of people. The study showed that Millennials were the most affected (69%), followed by Gen Z (64%), Gen X (61%), and Boomers (38%).

Despite the mounting stress, quitting your job is not always an option. With the rise in living costs and financial commitments, the treadmill keeps moving. Instead, more Malaysians are beginning to recognise that a short, purposeful holiday can offer the pause they need to rest and reset. This is further supported by Scoot’s Solo Travel Trend Report, which found that the second most common motivation (47%) for travelling solo among APAC travellers is the desire to take a break and focus on themselves. 

There’s Relief in the Smallest Getaways

Burnout often builds quietly through routine. One of the best ways to care for yourself is to step outside that pattern, even if only for a few days. 

A short trip can be just enough to break the routine and reset your mindset. As Scoot’s Solo Travel Trend Report reveals, three in ten solo travellers choose to journey alone to break free from everyday responsibilities. Even a short escape can feel like a breath of fresh air to help you reset, see things differently, and embrace the freedom of moving at your own pace.

Matching Escapes to Your Energy

The beauty of a short break is how adaptable it can be. Some escapes energise, others soothe – and choosing the right one makes all the difference.

A Quick Fix in Singapore

For those experiencing burnout but still able to keep it together, Singapore offers a blend of organised buildings, greenery and a clean environment that can help to ease mental clutter. Only an hour’s flight away, spend a couple of days exploring the ArtScience Museum, unwinding in the Botanic Gardens, or enjoying a quiet meal by the river. A weekend here could feel like a mental cleanse.

Cultural Therapy in Chiang Mai

When stress digs deeper, slower rhythms can work wonders. Chiang Mai offers just the right pace, with its peaceful temples, cosy coffee corners and the option to take a meditation or wellness retreat. The city invites you to pause, reflect and breathe more gently. It is a refreshing escape from the fast pace of city life, and a chance to reconnect through culture, calm and quiet charm.

A Full Recharge in Taipei

For those running on empty, Taipei offers a rejuvenating escape that blends serenity and culture. The city is a haven for food lovers, where every street corner serves something warm and soul-soothing. Known for it’s rich tea culture, Taipei’s tea valleys are surrounded by nature and heritage, a perfect space for you to.

Start your day with a bowl of beef noodle soup, enjoy a quiet moment in a mountain teahouse, then take a walk through the peaceful alleys of Jiufen or relax in the hot springs of Beitou. Taipei reminds you that rest can be simple, and recovery begins with the little things.

Time to Take that Short Break

Burnout often creeps in quietly as it progressively builds through unchecked routines until exhaustion feels normal. But stepping away, even briefly, can make all the difference between surviving and actually living. A short trip might just be the mental reset you never realised you needed. So, pack light, take a deep breath and let travel guide the way. 

If you are thinking about a quick escape, Scoot flies to over 60 destinations across Asia and beyond. From wandering through Singapore’s vibrant cityscape, savouring street food in Taipei, to finding cultural calm in Chiang Mai, each destination offers not just a change of scenery, but a chance to pause, breathe, and rediscover yourself.

To make things even more relaxing, Scoot’s Scoot-in-Silence cabin on the Boeing 787-9 offers a quiet zone with extra legroom, adjustable headrests, and fewer distractions, which could be an ideal way to start your trip feeling calm and comfortable.