78 percent of Gem State workers failed to use all of their vacation time in 2016
BOISE – (January 25, 2018) – Idahoans are an industrious group of people, and according to a new survey by Project: Time Off, they’re also the least likely to use all of their hard-earned vacation time. In 2016, a whopping 78 percent of Gem State workers left at least some time on the table.
“It isn’t surprising that Idaho families have hard work in their DNA, but the survey results are a good reminder to take a well-deserved vacation from time to time,” says Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho.
Of the top ten states with the most unused vacation time, seven are in the Rockies and Great Plains regions. All were well above the national average (54 percent):
In 2016, American workers skipped a total of 662 million vacation days at a value of 236 billion dollars. Accordingly, AAA has teamed up with Project: Time Off to promote National Plan for Vacation Day, celebrated on January 30; a reminder to make vacation plans for the rest of 2018.
“Although 81 percent of workers said planning a vacation would make life easier, just 49 percent actually take the time to do so,” Conde said. “People are learning the hard way that if you don’t block out some time on the calendar for a little fun, other things will fill it for you.”
VACATION PLANNING TIPS
Get an early start. Just 52 percent of workers make a vacation request six weeks or more in advance. If you wait until the last minute to request time off, it will be harder to break away from a project or a busy work schedule – and harder to keep the work from piling up while you’re gone.
Start planning, start saving. Reduce stress by giving yourself more time to budget for a trip.
Talk to an expert. Experienced travel consultants, like those at AAA, can help you find the best value and maximize the quality of your overall travel experience.
Tailor plans to your circumstances. If you can’t take large vacations due to cost or time constraints, take some time off for smaller getaways. Look for fairs, festivals and other nearby activities.
More vacation planners report that they are “very” or “extremely” happy with their relationships, health and well-being, company, and job compared to non-planners. While 75 percent of planners are more likely to take a full week of vacation or more at a time, non-planners tend to take fewer days at once.
“With advance planning, Idaho workers can seize more opportunities to recharge and make important memories with friends and family,” Conde said. “They deserve it!”
AAA TourBooks and the AAA mobile app provide a variety of print and digital planning resources, including information on nearly 59,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels and restaurants. Download the app for Apple or Android, or go to AAA.com for more information.