Americans Are Always Thinking Of Their Next Vacation, Even While On Vacation
Most of us would love to be on permanent vacation. I am one of those people! Unfortunately, our work gets in the way of all that free time to travel. But that doesn’t mean it’s not on our minds, pretty much all the time. According to a new survey, 20% of Americans are “always” thinking about planning their next vacation, while still on vacation. In fact, I have been known to book a vacation while on vacation myself. And not, not in I really love this place kinda way. So, let’s come back. Travel is my air, and I am always looking for my next great adventure. Well, apparently I’m not alone!
According to SWNS Digital, a poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults plan their next vacation on vacation:
- The average American spent 11 days on vacation in 2023 and they want to spend 15 days on vacation in 2024.
- If they had unlimited paid days off, they’d want to up it to 18 days.
- It makes sense as 89% of respondents say vacation lowers their stress levels, even temporarily, while 84% say it can relax them and ease stress for as long as two weeks after they return.
- That may be why 86% consider vacations a form of self-care.
- And a getaway doesn’t need to be action-packed to be enjoyable, in fact, eight in 10 would like a “do-nothing” vacation where they lounge by the pool, beach or inside relaxing or reading a book.
- Some travel conditions are less than ideal, and for 23%, sharing a hotel room or having a small hotel room is a dealbreaker.
- Respondents say their dream hotel room would include Wi-Fi (55%), a private balcony or outdoor area (41%), a large bedroom (37%), and a full-sized kitchen or kitchenette (32%).
- When the vacation is over, 21% admit they want to be on vacation again the day they get back, while that feeling sets in within a week for 27%.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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