Are You Overworked and Under-traveled?

Under-traveled. Yes, that's a new word, but I think you know the meaning; and I bet you know right away whether it describes you or not. I was recently feeling that way myself. The wave of travel last year and this is more like a tsunami, and it has kept me at my desk almost all day every day since forever. I got my travel groove back about a month ago when I escaped to St. Thomas for a few days, and shortly after my return I jetted off to the Greek isles for some travel advisor inspiration, collaboration, and overall awesome shenanigans in an unforgettable destination.

Are you thinking of skipping your vacation (again) this year?

Americans are hard-working people, yet receive the fewest vacation days per year from employers. So why is it that every year Americans throw away an estimated 415 million vacation days by skipping their vacation? If you are in a leadership role at your place of work, not taking time off can prove to be more harmful than beneficial for you and your organization. Here are four reasons why you should be going on vacation:

1. Revive your productivity and your team’s

As you know, small breaks throughout the day help you stay productive over the short term, but it’s vital that we take longer breaks from work to sustain and even build our creativity and productivity. Being away from your work environment for a longer period of time will help you gain a fresh perspective about your work, as well as providing you with the opportunity to pursue your other interests. Skipping your vacation may have a negative effect on your team's morale. It creates frustration and resentment and makes the rest of the team think that if the boss isn’t taking a vacation then maybe they had better not take one either. Remember, they might need a break from you too - give them one by taking your vacation.

2. Vacation time is part of your compensation; it’s not a “perk”

Remember when you applied for the job? You were allotted a certain number of vacation days per year as part of the compensation package. Think of it as part of your pay for doing the job; it’s not a perk or benefit. It’s a return on the investment of your time and expertise in helping your organization to reach their objectives. Would you not accept a monetary bonus at the end of the year? Of course, you would. Think of your vacation in the same way. You have earned it and deserve it!

3. Serve as a role model for others on your team

Whether you are in a leadership role or not, you need to take a vacation. Employees will look to their leaders for guidance on what is allowed and what is frowned upon. If you are the business owner, then what you model will determine what your employees do. Despite the workload that may be building on each person's your desk, it is still very important to take time from work in order to maintain your effectiveness in your role. Do you really want burnt-out employees in your office or store?

4. Show your team they can manage without you

While we all like to think that we’re indispensable, the reality is your vacation encourages the company’s growth and overall morale. I bet you never thought of it that way. Taking time off will encourage team members to develop strategies and abilities that will help them learn how to effectively hold down the fort while you’re gone. The best way to help the team to bring their best efforts is to make sure everyone takes their vacations so that they return with a fresh perspective, new ideas and renewed energy.

5. A BONUS REASON! You know a savvy, experienced, well-connected travel advisor who can remove the stress of vacation planning that makes you shudder at the thought of doing your own research, coordinating the activities, and having to please your family members in the process. All of that takes the fun out of the vacation to begin with, doesn't it? And you have enough stress, right? Besides, how will you book things that you even know are out there? That's no way to have a one-of-a kind trip.

So what is the best way to bring fresh perspective and new ideas to your workplace, and at the same time strengthen family ties, create new and unforgettable memories and invigorate your mind and body? By starting the vacation planning process today.