In case you missed it (ICYMI), Memorial Day weekend is approaching. The pools are open, the weather is warmer, the days are longer, and summer is almost here! With all the excitement and plans for a busy, relaxing, and active summer, many people fear taking time off.
This is the time of the year when so many working-class folks take a few days or weeks off and enjoy the summer. These vacations can be a resort near your home or an exotic retreat in another country. From going on a cruise across the Pacific to exploring a zoo in Sydney with your family, you could do anything you wanted. You might think it seems impossible to go on a vacation for Memorial Day weekend, but I assure you it is not.
Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof: A recent survey from the U.S. Travel Association reported that 41% of American workers do not plan to use all of their PTO despite it being part of their worker’s compensation plan. Despite this, 96% of those surveyed recognized the importance of taking time off. To make the most of these weekends, some people prefer to go to Hawaii’s beaches and participate in water-based activities such as sailing, snorkeling, and whale watching (probably with help from kaikanani.com services). In contrast, others enjoy hiking in the Appalachian mountains. It is important to take time off from work and go on a vacation for relaxation and enjoyment.
In honor of Memorial Day, this week, in case you missed it, is packed full of interesting and insightful articles focused on helping you unplug, escape the office, and enjoy your well-deserved time off!
Escaping the office
The struggle is real. Escaping the office and taking a vacation proves to be seemingly impossible. In fact, according to a recent survey by Trip Advisor, 77% of employed U.S. residents said they worked over vacation in the past year (compared to 40% of the other countries featured in the survey — Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, and the UK). A recent article, Americans Struggle To Escape The Office On Vacation [Infographic], highlights some reasons people have trouble unplugging during their time off.
Prepping for vacation
While vacation can be incredibly fun and relaxing, the frenzy of getting ready to take time off and the mountain of working waiting for you when you get back can feel painfully overwhelming. Check out this Inc. article, 4 Great Ways to Prepare for Your Vacation (and Be Happy Upon Return), featuring great insights and advice from Inc. columnists on how to avoid work stress during your time off!
Tips include:
1. Set reasonable expectations. – Kevin Daum
2. Leave no stone unturned. – Peter Economy
3. Invest your time upfront. – Marla Tabaka
4. Plan deadlines around holidays. – Eric Holtzclaw
12 Great Memorial Day Getaways
If you’re a notorious procrastinator, this list is for you! You still have time to capitalize on the long weekend. BudgetTravel.com put together a list of twelve spectacular Memorial Day getaways you can escape to across the country! The list is packed full of affordable activities and entertainment in St. Louis; The Jersey Shore; Austin, TX; Charleston, SC; Columbia Gorge, OR; Washington, D.C., Palm Springs, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Denver, CO; New York, NY; Atlanta, GA; and Miami, FL. Check out the list and take advantage of some free weekend activities!
Google it! Memorial Day Weekend Plans
Curious about what everyone is up to this Memorial Day Weekend? Google has the answer for you! According to information provided by Google – and published in a recent Forbes article, Where The Data Says Americans Are Headed This Memorial Day Weekend, here are some interesting weekend trends.
You can expect massive crowds in
1. Myrtle Beach
2. Ocean City, MD
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Pisgah National Forest
5. Disney World
6. Yellowstone National Park
7. San Diego Zoo
8. Hershey Park
9. Catalina Island
10. Hualalai, Hawaii
And, when people are not at the beach, you’ll likely find them at:
1. Cemeteries
2. Cafes and restaurants
3. Gas stations
4. Furniture stores
5. Ice cream stores
Check out the article for the full list!
Don’t forget to relax!
It’s important to unwind and unplug during vacation. The best way to achieve that relaxation is through proper planning. Pack everything you need to elevate your pleasure at the vacation spot. Also, don’t forget to check the weather conditions of the location you are heading to, especially if you are going overseas.
Say, for instance, you are heading to Oldham in the UK. Checking the Oldham weather before starting the packing can help you pack smart. If the weather predicts chilly weather, then you can pack warm clothes, shoes, gloves, and similar items. Alternatively, if it predicts bright sunny scenes, then you can pack light and add a lot of sunscreen.
That said, time away from the office certainly keeps us happy and healthy. Go to a relaxing place with your family. If you are traveling with a dog or kids, spend as much time with them as possible. Times like these allow us to relax, reflect, and recharge. People who take time for themselves have increased focus, energy, and positivity.
Happy Memorial Day and enjoy the long weekend!
PS: If you’re looking for a really interesting read, grab a copy of the June issue of TIME Magazine, the cover article, Who Killed Summer Vacation?, is definitely worth reading!