September was the month when I left the U.S. for the first time. We went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico for a wedding for four of the most perfect days I've ever had on a vacation.
We all know that going on vacation is good for your mental health, but once again, a new report reveals Americans really aren’t taking advantage of their vacation days:
Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation study finds:
- The average American took less than 12 vacation days last year
- That’s six fewer than the global average last year.
- It’s no surprise then that 59% of Americans admit to feeling vacation deprived.
- The past two years saw Americans embracing “workcations,” meaning they went to new destinations to work remotely.
- But that really wasn’t satisfying for many, with 61% saying they don’t look at them as “true” vacations.
- And while work flexibility is great, 54% of people say it makes it difficult to unplug while out of the office.
- In fact, while 78% of people prefer to be “unproductive” while they’re away, 50% still bring their laptops, and 41% have even joined zoom calls while on a getaway.
So, why aren’t folks taking more vacation?
Well, 52% say they feel guilty when co-workers have to cover for them. 44% even feel they must apologize or make excuses for being out of the office. This is despite the fact that 80% of people say their colleagues support them using their PTO.
I will never understand not taking vacation days!