Travel Trends: The Working Vacation

For some Americans, the words work and vacation are mutually exclusive. However, indications are that the line between the two is getting much blurrier, if not disappearing all together.

Consider this: The average American only took 54% of their available vacation time in the previous 12 months, and only 28% of Americans plan to max out their vacation days this year. In total, Americans forfeited 212 million days of paid vacation in 2017. Those who don’t regularly capitalize on their paid time off cite many reasons including too many pressing deadlines and fear of backlash from managers and colleagues. Since workers are still susceptible to burnout, many, especially the younger generations, have decided that the solution is to work during vacation. A recent survey found 78% of Millennials plan to bring work with them on vacation. Since technology has enabled us to be available to work any time, you’re one finger swipe away from your email inbox while you’re sitting on the beach. The reality is, for some it can be self-serving. Believe it or not, around 31% of those surveyed claim they actually enjoy their vacation more and feel less stressed when they stay connected, saying that putting in the time during their vacation makes the transition back to work less stressful.