Why do some people never take vacation?

Whether it's anxiety around planning the logistics to care for kids and pets, fear of being replaceable at work, or concern about a massive workload upon return, all roads lead to unused PTO and a massive uptick in employee burnout. Workers' reluctance to take time off has been an issue for years.



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People are afraid to go on vacation
They may either be worried that if they take time away from work there'd be no one there to cover their responsibilities or afraid that taking time off could make them appear replaceable and put their jobs in jeopardy.

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Not only are you at risk for burnout, one nine-year long study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, suggests not taking at least one vacation a year may increase your risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease. So, not only are you killing your joy, you're possibly killing yourself. Give yourself a break, people.

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However, most studies agree that at least two vacations a year can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Two vacations a year might seem like a lot to some and not enough to others, but that's truly the minimum number of vacations we're talking about here.

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A positive, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and with more meaning in your life. Positive vacations have a significant effect upon energy and stress. In our study, 94 percent had as much or more energy after coming back after a good trip.

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The study revealed that vacationers need eight days to fully unwind and feel refreshed. However, happiness peaked at eight days and fell dramatically after 11, making seven to 11 days the perfect vacation length.

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Take at Least 1 Week Off to Reap the Most Benefits
According to study co-author Ty Ferguson, PhD, a research associate at the University of South Australia, a week or two of vacation time “is long enough for a person to 'settle in' to the change in a new routine in how they spend their time.”

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Here's the full breakdown of responses from the survey around top barriers to travel in 2023: Lack of money: 27%. Lack of time off from work or school: 26%. Family and other commitments: 13%.

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During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.

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Right off that bat, know this: Solo travel is a very normal thing to be afraid. However, if you've been dreaming of that bucket list trip but don't have a travel buddy, it's time to release the fear and enjoy your adventure.

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Even a short trip can completely change your future path. Of course, the longer you travel, there is more time to think and reconsider whether you are fully satisfied with your personal and work life. Decisions you will make abroad do not have to be somehow fundamental, but it can change your life indefinitely.

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