Background

Over the past several months there has been increased media coverage of staycations – a vacation at home or close to home. The travel industry must be proactive in shaping a message that helps reinforce the notion of travel as a birthright and encourages Americans to take a vacation and get away from the stresses of everyday life. For the past several months, the Travel Industry Association has been highlighting numerous travel trend surveys available that
outline the mental and physical health benefits of planning and taking a vacation with family, friends or a significant other.

Key Data

• One out of four American leisure travelers believe a vacation is a birthright (24%).
  
  
• Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one's life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health.
  
  
• Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) while on vacation.
  
  
• They also get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 additional minutes after their vacation.
  
  
• Research by the Mayo Clinic found that stress leads to a fight or flight response, which, unchecked for too long, can cause health effects that include anxiety, irritability, insomnia and depression. The conclusion was that, among other things, Americans need to take a mini-vacation from the usual routine.
  
  
• Life satisfaction also increases during vacation, and these effects continue after returning home, according to a study of employees at the University of Tennessee.
  
  
• Rather than detracting from work, vacationing and having a fulfilling life outside of work enhance business accomplishments.
  
  
• An inability to take a break can lead to stress, burnout, and a greater likelihood of feeling betrayed and angry when things do not go well at work.

For more information, visit www.tia.org/pressmedia/benefits.

Picked this up the www.ustravel.org

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(c) Feb. 2, 2012 by Terry Ausenbaugh, H & A Media Group; "The Nugget"