It takes four missed work deadlines, five grumpy mornings and six nights in a row of poor sleep for the average American to finally realize they need to take a vacation, according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 Americans found other circumstances that prompt respondents to look into booking a vacation include a difficult commute (34 percent), sleeping through their alarm (33 percent) and having a relationship end (31 percent).
When it comes to parental or family stress, 38 percent reveal it’s these instances that lead them to believe they might be ready for a vacation.
Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, the survey examined the vacation habits and behaviors of respondents and found that two in five blame fatigue for their desire to go on a vacation.
Another 41 percent were prompted to get away because they found themselves waking up grumpy in the mornings, and 39 percent were told by coworkers that they needed a vacation.
And results found the average American surveyed utters the phrase “I need a vacation” roughly three times a week.
Beyond the basic daily stressors and minor life events, Americans will use the festive season as an excuse to get away.
It turns out 61 percent of those studied have gone on a vacation soon after the end of the holiday season and taken time with their families to unwind and recharge.
While the holidays are typically filled with warm memories and togetherness, the reality is that 65 percent of Americans say the holidays actually stress them out.
It’s therefore no wonder it takes the average American just 20 days post–New Year’s before they set out on their next vacation to replenish their reserves for the year ahead.
After the festivities have ended, nearly half (49 percent) said they find themselves exhausted, having overindulged on sweet treats and presents during the holiday season.
This is one of the main reasons they look to get away for a relaxing vacation: To cleanse their bodies and get an early start on their New Year’s resolutions.
In addition, 47 percent revealed they’re prompted to head out on a vacation after the holiday festivity simply because they needed a break from their extended family, and use the time to connect one-on-one with a loved one or enjoy some alone time.
It appears Americans are hesitant to spend the holidays with family these days. It turns out that 44 percent of those surveyed would rather take a trip by themselves than spend the holidays at home with their family.
In fact, 34 percent would go so far as to give up chocolate instead of staying home with the family over the holiday season, while a further 33 percent would rather stand in line at the DMV than have to spend the full holiday season at home with their family.
“With data like this, it is apparent we all could use some well-deserved ’me-time,’ at an all-encompassing destination that offers a place to relax,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. “We encourage travelers to switch up their routines and infuse their holiday memories with some sand, sun and Caymankindess this year.”
Unfortunately, not all Americans have the luxury to get away during the holidays. Over a quarter (26 percent) have not taken a vacation in the last year – and nearly three in 10 haven’t had the chance to go on even a weekend getaway in the last year either.
However, that doesn’t mean people don’t explore the possibility of traveling or booking a vacation. Over half (53 percent) have started looking into a trip or vacation abroad because they were fed up with something in the U.S. and wanted to experience something new.
In fact, 67 percent of those studied reveal they have booked a trip or vacation because they were trying to get away from something at home.
What are Americans running from? Nearly three in five say personal issues lead them to consider booking a trip while a further 54 percent reveal career-related issues have spurred them to get away.
“It is no secret that Americans are less likely to use their vacation days but taking time to relax has proven to have tremendous benefits on our health, wellness and even our careers.” said Harris. “Next time you think ‘Man, I could use a vacation’ get your out of office (OOO) response.”
TOP 10 SIGNS OF NEEDING A VACATION
Stress at work 42%
Fatigue 40%
Parental or family stress 38%
Difficult commute 34%
Oversleeping the alarm 33%
Bad weather 33%
Minor cold and sicknesses 32%
A relationship ended 31%
Disagreeing with a colleague 30%
Friendship drama 28%
TOP 5 THINGS PROMPTING PEOPLE TO GO ON A VACATION POST-HOLIDAY SEASON
Exhausted from all the festivities 49%
Needed a break from the extended family 47%
Waking up grumpy all the time 41%
Coworkers told me I needed a vacation 39%
Hitting the snooze button regularly 36%
