Take a Vacation, Already!

According to a new poll released by Harris Interactive, only half of Americans will be taking a summer vacation this year. Half of those vacationers will be visiting family and friends, whereas 35% will take a scenic trip and only 30% will visit the beach.

We’ve all heard that American workers receive fewer paid vacation days from their employers than do workers in other countries. Apparently, however, many Americans don’t take advantage of the small amount of vacation days they are granted. Thirty-five percent of respondents to an Orbitz poll said they take 0-5 vacation days per year. And nearly one in five workers said it has been three years or more since they took a weeklong vacation.

What’s the deterrent? Cost seems to a be a frequently cited reason. But a vacation need not be expensive to be enjoyable. This morning, The Today Show began a new series called America the Beautiful. They’re counting down the most beautiful destinations in the US of A, and I’m guessing there will be one not too far from the backyards of all those non-vacationers.

Okay people - you know who you are - turn off those CrackBerrys, take a couple days off, and get out there!