Many studies have shown that Americans often leave vacation days unused, but a recent survey reveals that when they do take time off, it’s frequently spent not on trips but on sleep. A report from Princess Cruises found that 72 percent of Americans use at least one vacation day to sleep in, and 40 percent take an entire week off specifically to catch up on rest.
Using vacation days for sleep may seem like a missed opportunity, and the survey found other common non-leisure uses as well. Nearly 70 percent of respondents schedule vacation time to handle errands and responsibilities such as family emergencies, medical appointments, caring for an ill relative, or home repairs. These practical needs often displace recreational travel or relaxation.
Guilt about taking time off is widespread. Almost half of those surveyed said they feel guilty when they truly relax or travel during vacation days. Stress also follows many travelers: more than one-third of Americans, and about half of millennials, report carrying work-related stress with them while on leisure trips. This tendency to stay connected to work is especially pronounced among people in the Northeast, whereas travelers in the Midwest are more likely to disconnect and enjoy their time away without worrying about work.
Gender differences emerged as well: women reported feeling more guilty about relaxing while on vacation compared with men. Fatigue impacts travel plans, too — around half of Americans and a majority of millennials skip activities or events during trips simply because they are too tired.
These findings suggest that Americans often view vacation days as a resource to manage everyday responsibilities and recover sleep, rather than as dedicated time for travel and recreation. Employers and individuals alike might consider ways to encourage more restorative and genuinely restorative use of time off—whether through workplace policies that limit after-hours communication, promoting flexible scheduling, or helping employees plan meaningful leisure activities that reduce guilt and stress.
Ultimately, reclaiming vacation days for true rest and enjoyment could improve well-being and productivity. With many people currently using days off for errands, caregiving, or catching up on sleep, shifting norms around vacation use may be necessary to ensure that time away from work provides the mental and physical benefits it was intended to offer.