Take That Vacation, Betties and Beaus

Do you all remember how relaxed I was when I came back from that much-anticipated vacay last week? Well that feeling has stuck right with me since re-entering the "real world" -- just in time for my social world to ramp up for the Fall and Holiday season. Sure, it's been tough to re-adjust to no 4pm-cocktail hours and no 10am-brunches on a random weekday, as you might expect it to be :) But the memories of that week on the high seas are enough to boost me through until my next week-long vacation (plus some) at the holidays.

Did you take your summer vacation early this year, and now are wondering if and when you will ever get away again? Are you stressed about trying to use up all of your vacation days this year? Do you have days to take, but don't want to "waste" them if you can't actually afford to get away anywhere?

Don't delay, my fellow Betties (and Beaus). Take those days! It doesn't matter if you go anywhere other than your living room. It's the mental break that is worth it. As if you need them, here are some reasons to DEFINITELY "get away," as soon as possible.

Reason #1: Americans are the most overworked country EVER. Read it and weep. Or read it and have a martini, as I was inclined to do. Not at the office though, obviously :P

Reason #2: Americans take less vacation than anyone else. We remain the only industrialized country in the world that has no legally mandated annual leave.

Reason #3: At least 134 countries have laws setting the maximum length of the work week; the U.S. does not. 86% of men and 66% of women work more than 40 hours a week. Ugh.

Reason #4: This graph. Double-ugh.


P.S. The 20-Something Finance blog is a goodie...

Reason #5: Why would you work through a day that your employer is literally giving you for free to take off? 

France gets 30 days off each year by LAW, and we can't even take our measly 10 to 15 (on average) days? This is just getting sad. What is stopping you? Start researching destinations, or staycation ideas.

And while you are at it, sign this pledge that Westin is hosting, and be eligible to win one of 200 4-night stays at one of their posh hotels. So even if you can't afford to leave town on your well-earned vacation days, you might be able to enjoy a taste of luxury right here at home :)

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation to Westin. Other than it being utterly fabulous and my hotel of choice if/when I have hotel money to splurge. Just sayin.