Numerous studies show Americans are not using all of their available vacation days. A recent survey from Princess Cruises highlights another trend: when people do take time off, many use it to sleep rather than to travel. According to the report, 72 percent of Americans use at least one vacation day to sleep in, and 40 percent take a full week off to catch up on rest.
While some may view using vacation days for sleep as a missed opportunity, nearly 70 percent of respondents report scheduling time off to run errands or manage personal responsibilities. Common reasons include family emergencies, medical appointments, caring for an ill family member, and home repairs.
The survey also reveals a widespread sense of guilt and stress tied to time off. Almost half of Americans feel guilty when they relax or travel during vacation days. More than a third of all travelers — and about half of millennials — bring work-related stress with them on leisure trips because they can’t stop thinking about job responsibilities.
Geography and gender play a role in how people experience vacation-related stress. Travelers from the Northeast report higher levels of stress while on leisure trips, whereas a majority of people in the Midwest say they can leave work worries behind. Women are significantly more likely than men to feel guilty about relaxing during vacation.
Fatigue also affects travel plans: roughly half of Americans and over half of millennials skip activities or events while traveling because they are too tired. The findings suggest that many vacation days are being used for practical needs or recovery rather than sightseeing and recreation, and that emotional barriers — like guilt and stress — can limit how fully people enjoy their time off.