Fewer Americans than ever are using their paid vacation leave compared to their counterparts in other nations. In part, this is because we receive less vacation days, with the average standing at 17.2 days per year. If this is the case, then why are we only taking off 16 days a year on average?
It could be something to do with the working culture. In fact, the United States is one of the few 13 countries in the world which doesn’t guarantee paid time off. And it’s the only advanced economy to do so. This seems even more shocking when compared to its neighbors across the pond. UK employers, for example, offer their staff an average of 28 days’ annual leave.
So, it’s essential to make the most out of your vacation days, no matter how limited they may be. Even if you’re feeling restricted and think you don’t have enough time to fully recharge your batteries, there are ways to get around this dilemma.
At some point, you’ll have to take a moment to breathe and relax a little if you want to avoid burnout. Even if it means turning your back on a culture which glorifies being overworked and overtired.
Whether you want to travel, be with family, sort out your life-admin, or seek out new experiences, follow our tips and tricks to switch off, relax and get the most out of your vacation days.
Utilize Public Holidays
Use days off in combination with public holidays and you won’t have to request any extra time off from your boss. Plus, you’ll be able to get the most out of your vacation days by taking advantage of the national holidays. Many holidays celebrated in the U.S fall on Mondays, which gives you a quick and easy way to pad out a weekend away.
If you’re planning a trip and don’t want to rush your way there and back, take off the Friday and Tuesday either side. You won’t have to make a massive dent in your paid time off but will still have a few solid days to relax and unwind. Which leaves you plenty of time for another summer or Christmas vacation!
Make the Most Out of Weekends
Even without the public holidays, you still get 103 days off a year through weekends to do whatever you fancy. Never underestimate the value of a good, old-fashioned weekend away. Sometimes just stepping outside the normality of the daily grind is what you need to recharge your batteries.
If you need more than a quick getaway, you should still make the most out of the weekends. When you take a week off, you’ll use five of your vacation days. However, use both weekends that flank those five days and you’re looking at a nine-day break.
Travel Smart
When deciding on a travel destination, choose a prime location to enhance your overall experience. However, don’t try and squeeze everything in. It’s impossible to do every activity and see every sight. Plus, the post-vacation blues will hit hard if you don’t pause for a breather.
What’s more, while managing your money can be stressful, try not to make it the focus of your holiday. And don’t scrimp on the important stuff. For example, alongside choosing a convenient location, opt for direct flights to save yourself valuable time. While they may cost a bit more, you’ll reach your destination faster and minimize your time spent hanging about in airports.
Likewise, bring along travel companions who’ll maximize your vacation experience. Use this time wisely to replenish connections with loved ones and strengthen relationships.
Travel During Non-Peak Times
Again, this is an option which might cost you more, but will save you tons in terms of time and convenience. Especially if you’re planning a trip to a popular location, like Disney World or New York, your adventure will be majorly slowed down by long lines and delays during peak months.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, and you get to do everything on your itinerary, we’d recommend choosing a quieter period to travel.
Spread Your Vacation Days Across Multiple Trips
Rather than using your vacation days all in one go, plan several mini-vacations. Did you know that more people actually enjoy the build-up to a vacation more than the vacation itself? As disheartening as this sounds, turn it into a positive and make several plans throughout the year rather than just one.
Moreover, spreading your vacation time across plenty of trips will give you more to reminisce about. You won’t remember the amount of days you spent there; rather the experiences and the people you shared it with. You’ll get to discover more places and become even more worldly! So book up those flights.
Don’t Check Your Email
Tell your boss and co-workers you can’t be reached when you’re going away to fully disconnect from your work. To get the message across that you won’t be replying to emails, set up an ‘Out of Office’ (OOO) response. If you need some inspiration on what to write, take a look at these hilarious auto replies.
Also, be sure to leave your work laptop and cell at home when you go on vacation. Turn off all notifications so that your attention won’t be consumed by annoying alerts about what’s happening back at the office. A complete digital detox will help you relax and live in the moment during your vacation. You don’t want to go back to work and feel like you never really left. Enjoy every minute of freedom!
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Vacation Days?
Sick of feeling short-changed by your vacation days? It’s time to do something about it and start making the most out of your precious time off. While it might require some careful planning and precision, the rewards will be more than worth it.
Getting proactive with your vacation prep means you’ll enjoy longer breaks and be more relaxed while you’re away. Not to mention, you’ll be a better employee. Did you know that workers who use all their vacation days are more likely to get promoted?
So, it’s time to put a stop to the nonsense. Leave work behind and use all your vacation days. Not just that, use them wisely and look forward to a happier, more productive version of you.
