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).  

I often get my best ideas on vacation.  There’s something about being out of my normal surroundings, observing new things and allowing my mind to wander, that seems to spark new connections in my brain.  This phenomenon isn’t unique to me.  Apparently 20% of successful entrepreneurs got the ideas for their start-ups while on vacation.  When an idea comes to you while on vacation, you have some time to think it over and let it marinate before your brain gets pulled back into day-to-day work, so you’re better able to capture the idea and capitalize on it.  Vacations are fantastic for creativity.

They also help us perform better at work.  Our bodies and minds need rest.  Even if you have to work extra hard before you leave and when you get back, it’s still beneficial to relax for a while.  Taking time off doesn’t hurt your productivity—it may even make you more productive.

And then there’s the obvious: taking vacations makes us less stressed and happier at work and at home.  In this way, taking regular trips can improve our health.  You owe it to yourself to step away for a while and enjoy a little rest and adventure.

There are approximately three and a half months left in 2018.  If your job offers paid vacation days and you haven’t used them yet, now is the time.  Take some time off, and don’t stay at home where you’ll feel compelled to fill the days with chores.  Your workplace will survive without you, and travel doesn’t have to be expensive.

For our recent trip, we kept costs low by staying in a townhouse we found on Airbnb and driving instead of flying.  The townhouse owners offered a discount for bookings of at least a week, and we had a full kitchen that allowed us to save some money by cooking a few meals ourselves.  If you can’t afford a hotel or rental house, consider visiting relatives or friends in another area.  Here are some other tips for vacationing on a budget.

While I’m a little sad that this year’s summer vacay has come to an end, I’m feeling refreshed and ready to tackle what lies ahead.  I hope you have a great week!

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