Not All Vacation Days Are Created Equal

Project: Time Off finds that those who travel are better off than those who stay at home.

In its State of American Vacation 2018, released in May, vacation research and advocacy group Project: Time Off (PTO) reported that “mega-travelers”—those who used their most or all of their paid time off to travel—were healthier, happier, and more successful than “homebodies,” who used their vacation days to stay home and relax or take care of personal business.

While it may not be a surprise that survey respondents who used their time off to travel reported greater satisfaction with their vacations, the mega-travelers also derived other benefits from their vacation, reporting greater happiness with their company, job, personal relationships, and health. Not only were they happier by 22 percentage points compared with the homebodies, but they also reported a higher likelihood of receiving a raise or bonus. Mega-travelers even have a greater appreciation for their job, with 59 percent being “extremely” happy with their company. Fewer than half of homebodies felt the same way.

As it turns out, vacation days are meant for just that: vacation. Resorts know travel improves lives, and sharing these study-backed findings with owners in email blasts and promotional materials may be a catalyst for bookings. After all, who can argue with statistics?

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