I Could Have Had a Vacation
Q: I really need a vacation after this winter, any recommendations? — Susan P.
A. Susan, any time I see a rogue daffodil poking its cheery little head up through a patch of chilled earth, I'm reminded that I've endured another winter without benefit of a warm-clime getaway.
Why is it so difficult for me to book a vacation? Granted it's not as if Americans are blessed with heaps 'o' days off. Perhaps it's an odd global tradeoff; Americans get huge food portions, while Europeans get more vacation days.
At 12 days, it's really nothing to brag about, but Americans take the least amount of vacation of any industrialized nation. In fact, American workers are estimated to leave more than 574 million vacation days on the table each year. (Source: Expedia Vacation Deprivation Survey)
What's particularly ironic (or more accurately, pathetic) is I do have vacation days available, and I do work for the world's largest online travel marketplace. I have no excuse. (This is where someone suggests therapy.)
When I look in the mirror, I see the face of vacation dysfunction. It hit home this year when friends began to email me stories about Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). Only after reading an article about depressed hamsters, did I begin to connect the dots. I mean who can't relate to a hamster (click here, for case in point).
So Susan, starting right now I'm a new man, one who plans, books and takes a winter vacation. I will honor Labor Day by making it my deadline to book my sunny retreat for February.
This seems to be about the time I begin to resemble Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
Let me keep it simple Susan; here are my two recommendations for next year's winter vacation.
1. Just book it.
2: Location must have at least three of the following:
A. Susan, any time I see a rogue daffodil poking its cheery little head up through a patch of chilled earth, I'm reminded that I've endured another winter without benefit of a warm-clime getaway.
Why is it so difficult for me to book a vacation? Granted it's not as if Americans are blessed with heaps 'o' days off. Perhaps it's an odd global tradeoff; Americans get huge food portions, while Europeans get more vacation days.
At 12 days, it's really nothing to brag about, but Americans take the least amount of vacation of any industrialized nation. In fact, American workers are estimated to leave more than 574 million vacation days on the table each year. (Source: Expedia Vacation Deprivation Survey)
What's particularly ironic (or more accurately, pathetic) is I do have vacation days available, and I do work for the world's largest online travel marketplace. I have no excuse. (This is where someone suggests therapy.)
When I look in the mirror, I see the face of vacation dysfunction. It hit home this year when friends began to email me stories about Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). Only after reading an article about depressed hamsters, did I begin to connect the dots. I mean who can't relate to a hamster (click here, for case in point).
So Susan, starting right now I'm a new man, one who plans, books and takes a winter vacation. I will honor Labor Day by making it my deadline to book my sunny retreat for February.
This seems to be about the time I begin to resemble Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
Let me keep it simple Susan; here are my two recommendations for next year's winter vacation.
1. Just book it.
2: Location must have at least three of the following:
- sun
- sand
- pool
- umbrella drinks
- opportunities for squinting
- 1:1 loafer to lounge chair ratio
- sunset cruises
- easy access to limes
Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, who thinks a poolside puupuu platter is nature's most perfect food, looks forward to your questions, comments and tips.
Comments
I really enjoy reading Tom's comments and information it brightens my day
Posted by: Beverly Sigler | March 23, 2007 8:39 AM
I enjoyed this article so much it made me laugh out loud!!! Always the best medicine!Thanks for giving me the opportunity!
Posted by: Marili Rounds | March 23, 2007 9:22 AM
I personally recommend the island of Roatan, Honduras. March-April is a perfect time as it's not very rainy. It's a small island, very inexpensive to stay a week, $500 for a cabana rental, 80 cent beers, and amazing lobster and shrimp right out of the sea. While it's a Central American locale, the primary language spoken is English since the island was settled by the Brits a long time ago. Spanish is also spoken. $1 water taxi to get from one point of the small island to the next. Easy ferry access to the mainland to go see some ruins. One main paved road runs the length of the 30 mile island. It's truly a "escape" kind of place. 80 degree crystal clear water, a large reef, calm dense sea water, few annoying tourists as it's a diver's paradise. Snorkling is incredible. They take dollars or local currency (Lempiera). It's definitely got the sun, sand, 1:1 chair ratio. You might have to scrounge for limes, but you'll find plenty of bananas. Some Americans started a hydroponic greenhouse for greens and strawberries you can find in the local markets.
In short, this tropical parasise is where I would go if I were ever to "drop out".
Posted by: Jon L | March 23, 2007 12:25 PM