Vacations are good for you! A well-deserved break from routine can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. But what if you never get the chance? According to Expedia’s 2022 Vacation Deprivation Study, at least 60% of Canadians reported feeling vacation-deprived lately. In this blog, learn why vacations are important, how to make the most of your time off, and some tips on how to plan an unforgettable vacation that will make all your hard work worth it.
Why You Need A Vacation
A well-deserved break from routine can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. Vacations have been linked to a decrease in stress, a boost in productivity, and even an increase in happiness.
According to Expedia, 83% of British Columbians don’t think that a "workcation" – which has become more and more popular thanks to more working remote jobs in a post-COVID-19 landscape, is not the same as taking a “real” vacation.
Respondents to the study were loud and clear about the benefits of taking a vacation, with 94% agreeing that “regular vacations are important for general health and well-being.”
The Science Behind Your Break
Of course, most of us know that taking a vacation is a good thing. It has lots of benefits for your mental and physical health. However, what if you don’t have the time, money or the energy to take one?
The science behind vacations is pretty interesting. Studies show that people who take vacations are more likely to be happier and healthier than those who don’t. Taking time off from work or other responsibilities allows your body to recover from any negative effects of stress. It also boosts creativity and productivity by giving you time to reflect on your routines and what you want out of life.
Expedia’s report said that Canadians take fewer vacation days than the global average, and that could be what’s leading them to feel vacation-deprived.
Vacations also give you the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. This helps strengthen your relationships with the people in your life on both an emotional level and a physical level (through activities like hiking, biking, swimming). Finally, vacations help you re-energize so you can return ready to tackle everyday challenges again!
How To Make The Most Of Your Time Off
Whether you’ve been blessed with three weeks off, or just a few days, there are ways to make the most of your time off.
Some people like to use their time off as a way to catch up on work and spend less time relaxing. Others use their vacation time as a way to explore new places without any work responsibilities weighing them down.
It all depends on what your goals for your break are and how far in advance you decide on them. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a great way to learn about who you are and what makes you happy. However, if you need some help figuring out where to go or what to do while on vacation, we can help! Book a 45-minute tour or a 2-hour rental with us to really reap the benefits of some relaxing and quality time.
How To Plan An Unforgettable Vacation
When it comes to planning your vacation, think about what you would like to do and where. For example, if you want to spend more time relaxing and less time travelling, choose a destination that is closer to home. If you want more adventure in your vacation, pick a destination with lots of activities for all ages.
The report reads that working adults in BC plan to take an average of 20 days of vacation this year, with 23% of respondents already having a trip booked that they’re anticipating.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians have felt confined to local travel only. Now, with travel restrictions in Canada evolving, maybe a “real” vacation is a good idea, after all.