How many times????
 

I have a general questions for all you travelers?? <BR>How many times a year could you or do you take a vacation??? <BR>

Average 12-15. Often just 3 or 4 day long weekends. 1-3 weeklong trips. Half plane trips, half drive trips.

And while you're answering Jan - why is it that Americans get so little vacation - I understand 2 weeks is normal, is that right? How did that come about? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I take 5-6 vacations ( typically 7-10 days each time ) a year.

Remember that the people who post here are generally not representative of average America -- they have more money (on average, although not universally), probably are high enough on the career/business ladder to be able to dictate their own schedules, and are committed travellers. <BR> <BR>My husband and I, who must be strictly budget travellers, get away perhaps 3 or 4 times during the year and only one of those trips is for as much as a week or more. Otherwise, it's a matter of tacking a day or two onto a holiday or business trip and pretending it's vacation. To be honest, some of the time I spend on this forum is a substitute for actually traveling -- a great break from my regular work (which only gives me a total of 20 days/yr. off, 10 holidays and 10 vacation days.

Couldn't agree with you more, Norm! We usually get 2 weeks of vacation per year. Last year we did one "big" vacation to the Virgin Islands. This year will be 2 smaller vacations, one week each. Friends in France tell me that the French are baffled at how the Americans "only" get 2 weeks. They get so many weeks--I've lost count of them all! I also use this Forum as my Surrogate Travel Escape.

That's an interesting point, Rob. The French in particular view Americans as being too obsessed with work, material things and one-upsmanship (and I'm of the opinion there's a kernel of truth in there). Most other cultures are less work-obsessed. Japan is certainly an exception, though. <BR>Some argue that the US wouldn't be the country that it is without the prevailing attitude toward the value of work. Probably true. Trade-offs do exist, however.

I couldn't agree with you all more. <BR>It does seem like we Americans get so little time for vacation. I usually try and stretch my time as far as I can and carry over vacation days for the following year. I also stretch the holidays for longer weekends. That can be hard when everyone at work tries to take off the holidays too. We ususally try and take 2-3 vacations a year. With the rise in Airfare/gas this will definetely make traveling more expensive! But I LOVE to Travel, so what can you do... <BR>Jan

At least two major trips each year of 10-14 days each, preferably to places I've never been before, plus as many little weekend getaway trips as I can manage -- usually about six to ten of those shorter ones per year. <BR> <BR>It's true that on average Americans get less vacation time than Europeans, but there are a few employers here that are quite generous!

Lisa, I suspect you have one of those generous employers! I get 15 days a year, plus 2 floating holidays (I use those for religious holidays) and many, but not all, federal holidays. We try to take 1-2 longer vacations with several weekend getaways. However, with a 15 month old, the way we travel has changed. I, too, use this board as a vacation substitute!!

Couldn't agree more about the 2 week thing. Fortunately, I work for an investment bank that gives 5 weeks vacation to management. That allows my husband and I to try to take 2 vacations a year, and still have time for long weekends or days here and there. But of course, you never know when the vacation policy will change so we try to enjoy it while we can. 2 weeks in this day and age, and the amount of hours the average American works is about as close to slave labor as one can get!!! Ridiculous.

This is a very interesting question and has elicited very interesting answers. My husband and I are in our 40's and are very much middle class America. We both have demanding jobs, but we do not work in excess of 45 hours per week. I am also a part time student. We own a home. Therefore, we have other priorities beside work which often fill our time off. I get 15 paid days off per year. Period. My husband gets two weeks plus the normal 5 sick days. If we could, we would travel four times per year. This year, we went on a cruise and have gone to Las Vegas. Considering that we have a home which we must maintain, friends and out of town family to visit, earn a decent living and live well, I'd say that we feel very lucky to be able to actually "get away" as often as we do. I love to read this forum as it provides an escape for me, too.

Yes, indeed - Fodors is a handy substitute when travel isn't possible. <BR> <BR>For most of the years of our working and married life, the spouse and I were able to do one good US road trip a year (two weeks), also worked in a 3-week trip to UK and a two-weeker to Ireland. Since embarking on a 'semi-retired' lifestyle four years ago, we've been fortunate enough to do a trip each spring and fall, and are hoping we'll be able to maintain that skedule! (Semi-retired, b/t/w, means you work twice as hard for half the money.....but it sure beats the 5-day/job life we left behind)

Most of the people who post on this forum have much more than average "off work" time in their lives than the average American. I can get 4 vacations in at the most and none for longer than <BR>7 days. Actually only two of those 4 vacations can be longer than 5 days. Like my children, most young Americans who are having the babies and buying their first houses, have much less time than that, even if the funds are there for that purpose. No job that I have ever had has given me more than 4 weeks of paid vacation. I wiggle out two more than that by extending academic breaks which are really "unpaid" time.

I am a 45 year old single male living in the US and get 6 weeks vacation per year. Typically during a year I will go to Europe for about 10 days, someplace in North America for about 10 days, visit my elderly parents 2500 miles away 3 times (esp. at holidays) and take a few long weekends with the remaining days for personal things or short excursions. I am not wealthy by any stretch of imagination. Making the most of my time off is a priority for me -- who knows what tomorrow may bring; I want to see some things before I get 'old' and perhaps can't.

Great discussion - love this board! "Clark" and I have taken our kids on a long road-trip for the past five summers, and have also been fortunate to go somewhere each spring-break, also. We also try to get away for the weekend as much as our kids' schedules allow. "Clark" and I also try to get away by ourselves or with another couple for a weekend or two. <BR> <BR>Our philosophy is that we can't afford NOT to travel! You can't put a price on memories!

We try to getaway as much as possible. <BR>Usually Florida once a year (love disney world).. My thing is also the money... It's so easy to charge a vacation..So we try to save our pennies... It is easier to travel not having children. Me and Hubby can pick up and travel anytime without worrying about kids, more expenses, sitters etc... <BR>Rada

Hell, if you're a college student you're lucky to get 1 vacation!!!!! We dont have money like some of you. We have to spend ours on tuition. I'm assuming most of you are homemakers, or white collar workers that make a pretty decent living. Vacation time depends on the person's situation.

I would love to travel 365!! In reality, it actually depends where my boyfriend and I decide to go. We are fortunate, he has 5 1/2 wks and I have 3 wks. We are fortunate on time but not always money. If we do a two weeker one year then we may only go on day trips or 3 day trips a couple times. If we do a one weeker one year then we may take 3 other long weekend trips. After our 10 day Florida trip this year, we won't be taking any trips for the rest of this year because all our money is going towards Alaska Aug 2001 (YIPPEE!) <BR>I think every employer in America should allow at least 3 wks.! Travel is important for the mind, body, and spirit!

Lisa <BR> <BR>I totally agree... Some employees are only given 5 vacation days during the year??? That sucks!!!I think every employee should be allowed 1 day a month off and 3 or more weeks vacation a year... You feel so refreshed after a vacation...Fortunatlly I've been working at my job over 10 yrs so I earn 1 PTO day (paid time off day) per pay period. Which equals out to be 2 days per month... Me and DH love to travel often.. I can't imagine only receiving 5 vacation days a year... <BR>Jan

Tiff <BR> <BR>Are we supposed to feel sorry because your a student? I've been working for 23 years to be able to afford the vacations we take. That's life! Most of us at one time was in your shoes. Put your time in and one day you'll be able to do the same as us "old folks".

Go easy there Karl. I don't think Tiff was asking for sympathy. I think she was saying, remember that even though lots of career people get only 10-15 days off, there are those who don't even get that. Just a perspective broadener.

Tiff & Freud <BR> <BR>Didn't mean anything negative. Just pointing out to Tiff that she is just starting out. Besides, if I remember that far back, there was a lot of time off during school. Christmas break, spring break, time off between terms. In retrospect it doesn't seem all that bad. Just another perspective.

At the risk of being blasted, I must ask this question. Why does anyone think an employer should be required to give a certain number of days for vacation? There was no mention of offering extra work, just a quest for something free. My husband has his own business and can take as many days as he chooses. However, the days he is gone, there is no money coming in. <BR> <BR>Vacations are a luxury we enjoy tremendously. My husband and I travel extensively, but haven't always had the good fortune to do so. We've worked hard, planned ahead, and are able to travel while we are still young enough to enjoy it. <BR> <BR>I hope everyone has the good fortune to travel as much as they choose for as long as they choose. This just might be a worthy goal towards which to WORK. <BR> <BR>Sorry about the soapbox...

We take one real vacation each year with the kids, a week somewhere like the beach. We do make 3-6 short weekend trips in a year tho up to VA, DC, or the mountains. We also make an annual trip to the midwest to visit family.

Hi All <BR> <BR>I love to travel at least three times a year!!! I think we each make sacrifices and deserve a little break each time of the year whether having a family, School, or running your own business..It's up to the type of lifestyle you lead whether you'll be able to travel often or not.. We make the choices and have to live with them <BR>whether we like them or not.. Everyone should be entitled to some type of vacation time each year... excluding holidays.. <BR>Olga

Olga, why do you think you are "entitled" to a vacation?

Dear Mr. Stalin (er, Me): <BR>Everyone should be "entitled" to a vacation (that is, time off from work) because in the USA at least, the people rule their own destiny and there is no logical reason why humans in their right minds would mandate that workers should go at it 52 out of 52 weeks a year. Bad for worker morale. Bad for personal stress levels and productivity. Bad for family life. Need I go on? <BR>Any student of social or psychological science will tell you that leisure is a NECESSITY for mental well being and productivity. <BR>

To Olga's pal. Stalin, me? Hardly. One is entitled to nothing. One gets what one earns. The key word both you and Olga left out is -- what have you earned? I'm really not trying to be argumentative, but I get so tired of people saying they are entitled to something when the reality is -- you are only entiltled to what you work for -- I mean really work... not just put in your time and think, "Gosh, I'm entitled to ----(fill in the blank)."

Me <BR> <BR>I know what you are saying. My parents owned their own business for 30 years. They chose that lifestyle. No boss, terrible hours, no weekends off, hardly any vacations, but they loved it. <BR> <BR>However, I chose the private sector. I have worked the last 23 years at a business that gives vacations. I am entitled to my four weeks a year because of seniority. Private sector understands that if you want good people and to retain those people, you have to give benifits. One of those benefits is vacation time. So while I understand your argument, I don't really agree with it.

I really wish that meagain was entitled to more vacation time so she would go away and give everyone a rest.Is it just me or is meagain everywhere annoying everyone?? Please give it a rest !!

The message was: <BR>------ <BR> <BR>Author: Tiredofme ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 8/09/2000, 8:42 am ET <BR> <BR> <BR>Message: I really wish that meagain was entitled to more vacation time so she would go away and give everyone a rest.Is it just me or is meagain everywhere annoying everyone?? Please give it a rest !! <BR> <BR>------ <BR> <BR>Sorry, I really didn't mean to annoy you. It was my belief that this was an open forum which allowed different opinions to be posted, even if they differ. <BR> <BR>So, you are saying, I shouldn't post?

Post away "Meagain"! Don't let the X*#&%^@)% get you down. ALL are welcome here!

Me Again: <BR> <BR>I for one agree with you 100%. The problem is not you at all. Your opinion is just as valid as any other. There just happens to be some very immature people on this forum

Sorry "Tiredofme", despite the fact that some opinions here seem nutty or askew, evryone's opinion is welcome and makes for more interesting exchange of ideas. BTW "Me", I was being sarcastic with the Stalin reference. I know, Iknow, it's hard to recognize sarcasm (as opposed to downright nastiness) in a sterile medium like this, no facial expressions or vocal intonation. I just couldn't resist. No offense, of course. <BR> <BR>Again, though, my point was that while individuals may choose to own their own business, work 365d a year without vacation, etc., it would be very inappropriate for employers to have the legal option of forcing workers to do the same. Laws should reflect the will of the people as a whole and serve the best interests of the majority. Vacations are a right, not a benefit, IMO. Happy, healthy workers increase productivity and make work more enjoyable for everyone involved. <BR>And BTW, I run a company of 68, so I'm not speaking as a disgruntled employee. And morale here is great (paid vacations, tuition assistance, full med-dent, pension/prf sharing, bonuses, company paid travel to educational seminars, etc.) <BR>So why am I here? Lunch hour. Planning a trip! Bosses need time off, too.

Olga's pal: Sure wish there were more employers like you. Many in America still go by the WWII era work ethic of <BR>life is hard &gt; work work work to get ahead. It is a right to have some time off to daydream. Most don't have much time for that in the new millenium. BUT it is also my antiquated opinion that about 50% of 30 and under Americans hardly "work at work" and still have an exaggerated opinion of extended "rights to off work" time. My youngest son thinks a four day work week is his <BR>"norm." The life philosophy is changing again. Where I work coming to work on time seems like an impossiblity to the same people who want 4 or 5 weeks of vacation.

Time off is important. Don't get me wrong, I am all for vacations (we take around 8 weeks a year...). Those employers who want good employees take care of them and provide the benefits that make them happy campers including vacation time and personal time. But to mandate by law that an employer MUST give x number of days/weeks vacation a year is not where the government belongs... unless, of course, there are also laws to mandate employees must actually work, put in a required number of hours, and show up on time, etc. &lt;said with a good deal of sarcasm and a smile&gt;. <BR> <BR>It stresses me that many people think they are entitled to a vacation but don't really understand the connection between EARNING a vacation. Not to pick on the younguns (was one myself once upon a time), but an earlier poster hit the nail on the head with a reference to the work attitude of many young adults. <BR> <BR>I think we all agree that vacations are wonderful, everyone should have them...or why would be here on Fodor's in the first place? &lt;smile&gt;

Gotta love this site! Here we are, all bitching about working so hard and messing on the internet for most of the day! However, I digress... have worked hard for 20 years to buy the house, educate the kids, etc. but we downscaled the house, eat out less and go away on 4 day weekends 3 times a year and 10 day vacations twice a year (I take unpaid time off from work to do this). My husband is self employed and we schedule our vacations around his "least earning days". It's a question of priority.

You wrote: <BR> <BR>Author: lin gitterman ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 8/09/2000, 3:15 pm ET <BR> <BR>Message: Gotta love this site! Here we are, all bitching about working so hard and messing on the internet for most of the day! <BR> <BR>----- <BR> <BR>LOL. You put a smile on my face!

Jeanette, <BR>I would say it is probably lower than 50%. I do not work less than 40 hrs and I don't expect to work less than 40 hrs. Most of my friends whether single or married also do not expect to work less than 40 hrs. We all work hard because our workload keeps us busy and doesn't give us time to surf the net or e-mail friends all day. I have worked at the same company for 9 yrs. and I feel I am "entitled" to my 18 days vacation a year.