I heard on the radio or read about it in the newspaper, that most Americans nowadays do not take their full vacation days. . .rather they continue to work. Some have to because they need the extra money, some prefer to in order to have a savings account, some just prefer to work, and consider it a sin to be idle.
Here in the United States, the normal vacation time is two weeks, some with more work experience earn 3-4 weeks. Then there are the holidays, usually 6-8 during the year where there is time away from work. In a lot of foreign countries, they have normal vacation time of 4 weeks. I remember one time several years ago when I was in Australia, an acquaintance I had made there told me he received 6 weeks vacation.
Everyone, no matter the job, needs to get away from the daily grind, and that break always makes a better employee. Travel agents can help advise on what to do to get away, and after some time for interviewing will be able to suggest a trip that fits your individual need or family needs.
For several years Princess Cruise Line has put out a “Relaxation Report”. Of course they are in the relaxation business, so they should know about the benefits of getting away. One of the findings of this years report is that “despite that an overwhelming 99% of Americans agree that relaxation is essential for their overall health and well-being, on average Americans spend only an hour a day dedicated to unwinding”
Some of their other findings were that 38% frequently feel guilty about relaxing and 28% of those polled felt stressed out by the mere thought of trying to relax. An interesting finding was that over half of Americans say that having a smart phone makes it harder to relax.
Some individuals like to relax and “get away” by hunting or fishing, some like shopping, some like to visit grandma. I like to cruise. The first couple of days on the ship, I’m still in the work mode, thinking about groups to manage, individuals who have called for service, general details around the office like paying bills. But after those few days, I get in the cruise mode and relax around the pool, reading a book which I enjoy doing but am too busy to do it at home, or watching a movie which I love to do but don’t take the time to do it while at home. Plus the meals and entertainment and other activities available make me forget all my “troubles” of work.
Let me suggest that you begin right now planning a time off with your “significant other” or family in the near future or coming year, and the best tip I can give you is to contact an experienced travel agent at The Travel Factory who has probably “been there, done that”. We can be reached at 4150 Southwest Dr. or contacted at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040; even better, visit us at www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.