Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to take advantage of paid vacation time? Apparently, about 40 percent of the work force. According to research from Alamo Rent A Car conducted January, 2015, about 40 percent of American workers who receive paid vacation as a job benefit do not use all of it. And, of those who do use at least part of their vacation time, only half unplug – or turn off their devices – while on break.
When asked why they didn’t use all their vacation days, 47 percent of participants responded that they were too busy at work. In fact, 19 percent reported five days or more of paid vacation went unused in 2014. That said, those who claimed to have used all of their paid vacation were more likely to unplug while on their trips (54 percent vs. 37 percent of respondents).
The study also found that parents are more likely to get paid vacation than non-parents (59 percent vs. 47 percent). At the same time, parents tend to take shorter vacations than non-parents. About 37 percent of parents reported their family vacation lasted five days or less versus 26 percent of non-parents.
Alamo’s research suggests that younger American workers are finding it increasingly difficult to leave work behind. About 35 percent of millennial respondents report they are likely to work every day while on vacation. In addition, about 29 percent of this group says that completing work prior to taking vacation is an additional stressor.
Vacation trends
Alamo’s research identified several vacation patterns among respondents, including the following:
- Frequency, length and timing.
- Thirty-eight percent of respondents prefer taking two vacations per year, and they are six times more likely to vacation during the summer.
- Thirty-six percent report taking family vacations lasting, on average, six to seven days.
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- Fifty-three percent of respondents use screen time on vacation to keep everyone entertained during the flight or drive.
- Dads report being more likely than moms to approve the use of electronic devices for their children on vacation (98 percent vs. 93 percent).
- Six percent of parents do not let their children use any electronic devices on vacation.
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- The greatest source of vacation stress appears to be over-spending. Forty-six percent of respondents report feeling apprehensive about this.
- About 26 percent of respondents say they find packing to be stressful as well.
It may surprise some to learn that, depending on where one lives, he or she is more likely – or less – to receive paid vacation time. Midwesterners reportedly are the most likely to get paid vacation time (62 percent of respondents). Of these respondents, 43 percent seek a warm and sunny destination. (Perhaps the Midwest weather is a factor?) About 13 percent of respondents from the West say they prefer outdoor vacations, while respondents from the South are more likely to schedule weekend getaways or cruise vacations. Northeasterners, on the other hand, appear to prefer vacations to theme or water parks (about 14 percent of respondents).