New Data out of the US and Canada suggests we’re all overworked and not taking the vacations we truly need. “When 2013 ended, almost 70 per cent of North Americans had not taken all of their vacation time, says Right Management, which ­advises companies around the world on workforce issues.” (The Province)

According to StatsCan in 1970 Canadian couples worked a combined 57.6 hours a week, in 2008 this number was an astounding 13% higher at 64.8 hours a week. That’s nearly a full extra day of work. As the Canadian market place gets more expensive and costs rise, the working population needs to find a way to support themselves and typically they end up working more. In fact many people are not only working longer hours at their workplace but also taking work home with them.

The reality is that not only North Americans are working longer hours every week they’re also taking less vacation time every year. Although this is a slightly new habit for the North American culture it is not too surprising. During the 2008 recession when employers were laying off employees, the employees thought the best way to avoid being laid off was sticking to their desk and skipping vacation for the year. As the years went by this habit did not revert back to the previous vacation taking habits.

The Importance of Vacations

These longer work hours every week plus less or no vacation time every year is leading to many people to be overworked. Vacations give your brain some time off and let it relax. Even full-time athletes don’t go to the gym 365 days a week, they have their rest days. Just like our body our brain needs a break. “It should come as no surprise that vacations that include plenty of free time bring stress relief, but research shows that a good vacation can lead to the experience of fewer stressful days at least five weeks later! That means that vacations are the gift to yourself that keep on giving.” (About.Com)

“I pace myself by taking a week-long vacation every four months,” Marrisa Mayer told CNN Fortune. (Huffington Post) If Marrisa Mayer the CEO of Yahoo! can make time for a three vacations a year why can’t we?

If you’re ready for that Vacation then give us a call and book today! You can also book your Flight, Hotel, Car or Vacation Package directly from our website.

Sources: Huffington Post; The Province; About.Com