I need to take a vacation! There might be more underlying this statement than most people realize. Recently, studies have shown that your health may depend on it.
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
The correlation between stress and way of life is evident. In 2000, the results of another study involving 12,000 men over a period of nine years had similar results. Men who did not travel on an annual basis were 33% more prone to dying from a heart attack and had a 21% risk of dying from other causes. Mental health is also indicated to be affected by travel. According to research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin, the instances of depression increase as frequency of travel decreases.
This is real evidence that vacations are necessary to your physical health. It is time to rethink our vacation plans. As budgets tighten, it may be a good idea to consider all the options. The up-and-coming travel giant, MOR Vacations, recently announced a new product that may address the issue of family travel on a shoestring budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.
According to the BLS, one-quarter of Americans who work in the private business sector are not afforded paid vacation time. Further, there are 127 countries that do have mandatory paid vacation time. The U.S., however, is not among them. The editor of Take Back Your Time, John de Graaf, is lobbying for an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would guarantee three weeks paid vacation to anyone who has worked at a job for a minimum of one year. Although a tough sell, this arrangement is more tempting to business because vacation time is more predictable than sick time.
Economic indicators are still pointing downhill. Making up for the negative effects is necessary to our continued health. Allocating funds towards a lavish, tranquil vacation is even more compelling. We all have it coming.
A travel club lifetime membership could turn out to be a worthwhile investment. Stay away from timeshare rackets with recurring anniversary fees and long, drawn-out payments. Consider the options with a one-time, front-end fee and completely transferrable membership. Even more valuable is automatic VIP status for new members and free travel passes for unlimited guests. A travel product with these attributes will help balance your work-life responsibilities and squeeze every cent out of your travel budget.
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
The correlation between stress and way of life is evident. In 2000, the results of another study involving 12,000 men over a period of nine years had similar results. Men who did not travel on an annual basis were 33% more prone to dying from a heart attack and had a 21% risk of dying from other causes. Mental health is also indicated to be affected by travel. According to research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin, the instances of depression increase as frequency of travel decreases.
This is real evidence that vacations are necessary to your physical health. It is time to rethink our vacation plans. As budgets tighten, it may be a good idea to consider all the options. The up-and-coming travel giant, MOR Vacations, recently announced a new product that may address the issue of family travel on a shoestring budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.
According to the BLS, one-quarter of Americans who work in the private business sector are not afforded paid vacation time. Further, there are 127 countries that do have mandatory paid vacation time. The U.S., however, is not among them. The editor of Take Back Your Time, John de Graaf, is lobbying for an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would guarantee three weeks paid vacation to anyone who has worked at a job for a minimum of one year. Although a tough sell, this arrangement is more tempting to business because vacation time is more predictable than sick time.
Economic indicators are still pointing downhill. Making up for the negative effects is necessary to our continued health. Allocating funds towards a lavish, tranquil vacation is even more compelling. We all have it coming.
A travel club lifetime membership could turn out to be a worthwhile investment. Stay away from timeshare rackets with recurring anniversary fees and long, drawn-out payments. Consider the options with a one-time, front-end fee and completely transferrable membership. Even more valuable is automatic VIP status for new members and free travel passes for unlimited guests. A travel product with these attributes will help balance your work-life responsibilities and squeeze every cent out of your travel budget.
About the Author:
David Loren Sullivan is an avid traveler and affiliate with MOR Vacations. Visit his web page for more ideas and solutions for luxury travel.
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