I just returned from a lovely beach vacation in the Florida panhandle, so this seems like an opportune time to talk about the value of vacations.  A recent survey found that just over half of U.S. professionals don’t use all their vacation days, and the number is even higher among Millennials (especially Millennial women).  That’s despite the fact that Americans already have fewer paid vacation days than Europeans.  But taking a vacation isn’t a luxury.  There are very good reasons to take some time off and get away (aside from the fact that not taking your paid vacation days means you’re leaving money on the table and essentially volunteering).   Read more