What are some of the top signs you need a vacation? A new survey of 2,000 Americans by OnePoll and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has found that missing work deadlines, grumpy mornings and sleepless nights are some good indicators.
In the survey 41 percent of respondents said that they were prompted to get away because of waking up grumpy in the mornings, while 39 percent were told by coworkers that they needed a vacation. In fact, the report found that the average American utters the phrase “I need a vacation” roughly three times per week.
Other circumstances that prompted respondents to look into booking a vacation included a difficult commute (34%), sleeping through their alarm (33%) and having a relationship end (31%). Parental or family stress can also be a factor: 38 percent said that this type of stress led them to believe that they may be ready for a getaway.
Beyond the stresses of daily life, Americans will also use holidays as an excuse to get away, according to the report. Sixty-one percent of those surveyed have gone on a vacation soon after the end of the holiday season and taken time with their families to unwind and recharge. A further 65 percent of Americans say that the holidays “stress them out,” which is probably why it takes the average American just 20 days after New Year’s before they take their next vacation.
After the holidays have ended, nearly half (49%) of respondents said that they find themselves exhausted, while 47 percent said that they were prompted to head out on a vacation after the holidays simply because they needed a break from their extended family. Respondents also said that they use the time to connect one-on-one with a loved one or enjoy some alone time.
Americans are apparently hesitant to spend the holidays with the family these days, according to the study: 44 percent of those surveyed would rather take a trip by themselves than spend the holidays at home with their family. In fact, 34 percent would go so far as to give up chocolate instead of staying home with the family over the holiday season, while 33 percent said that they would rather stand in line at the DMV than spend a full holiday season at home with their family.
Unfortunately, not all Americans have the luxury to get away during the holidays. Over a quarter (26%) have not taken a vacation in the last year, and nearly three in 10 haven’t had the chance to go on even a weekend getaway in the last year, either.
At the same time, over half (53%) have started looking into a trip or vacation abroad because they were fed up with something in the United States and wanted to experience something new. In fact, 67 percent of respondents said that they have booked a trip or vacation because they were trying to get away from something at home. Nearly three in five say that personal issues lead them to consider booking a trip, while 54 percent cited career-related issues.
Related Stories
Stats: What Makes a Good Tourist?
Stats: 25% of Travelers Don’t Feel Adequately Rewarded
Stats: Celebration Travel Trend to Watch in 2020, Virtuoso Says