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.
In times of high-stress and job instability, we need a break. An ambitious research project that started in 1948 known as the Framingham Heart Study has made strides in isolating certain risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Three generations of study participants over twenty years routinely filled out questionnaires. Research data shows that women who traveled every six years or less were virtually eight times more prone to heart disease or heart attack.
The relationship between lifestyle and stress is clear. Another study released in 2000 that involved 12,000 men over nine years had parallel results. Those men who did not take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of death from a heart attack by 33% while also increasing their risk of death from other causes by 21%. The results also indicate that mental health is affected by vacations. Scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin report an increased rate of depression with a decrease in the frequency of vacations.
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.
It seems that economic progression is still on a downhill slide. Neutralizing the negative consequences is essential to our well-being. Earmarking funds for a leisurely and luxurious vacation is now urgent. After all, we are entitled.
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.
In times of high-stress and job instability, we need a break. An ambitious research project that started in 1948 known as the Framingham Heart Study has made strides in isolating certain risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Three generations of study participants over twenty years routinely filled out questionnaires. Research data shows that women who traveled every six years or less were virtually eight times more prone to heart disease or heart attack.
The relationship between lifestyle and stress is clear. Another study released in 2000 that involved 12,000 men over nine years had parallel results. Those men who did not take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of death from a heart attack by 33% while also increasing their risk of death from other causes by 21%. The results also indicate that mental health is affected by vacations. Scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin report an increased rate of depression with a decrease in the frequency of vacations.
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.
It seems that economic progression is still on a downhill slide. Neutralizing the negative consequences is essential to our well-being. Earmarking funds for a leisurely and luxurious vacation is now urgent. After all, we are entitled.
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 tips and solutions for luxury travel.
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