According to the U.S. Travel Association, 429 million vacation days in America went unused last year and the epidemic is getting worse. Fortunately, there is a movement afoot to persuade American workers to use all of their vacation days as the benefits of taking time off become clear. There is a plethora of articles about why people should take vacations and solid data to back it up. Are you one of those Americans who allowed their hard-earned vacation days to slip between their fingers? Here we simplify the conversation into some quick and easy points:
1. Vacations relieve stress. Stress ages you and negatively affects the part of the brain that controls memory and concentration.
2. Vacations boost health. Studies show that workers take fewer sick days after they take a vacation. People who take regular vacations report feeling healthier.
3. Vacations increase productivity. Companies that give employees more vacation days show large increases in productivity. Taking time off also allows you to be more creative in all areas of your life.
4. Vacations make you happy. Nine out of ten Americans say their happiest moments come from vacations. A recent Dutch study showed that even the process of planning and anticipating a vacation makes people happier.
5. Vacations increase bonding with family and friends. The shared experience of a vacation creates lasting memories and forges close connections. And studies show that people receive greater satisfaction from shared experiences than from material goods.
Aside from the personal benefits, there is also a positive effect on the economy when we go on vacation. According to Gary Oster, executive vice president of USTA, if everyone took just one more day in earned vacation that would increase economic output by $73 billion.
Your vacation time is a precious asset and using a travel advisor can maximize your returns. Have a look at our website under Destinations or our Facebook page to get some great ideas for your next memorable travel experience.
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