Expedia.com Americans Continue to Experience “Vacation Deprivation” but are Determined to Make a Change in 2002
Bellevue, Wash. – May 13, 2002 – “Vacation Deprivation” hits again as Americans continue to give back almost $19.5 billion in unused vacation time to their employers, according to the second annual survey commissioned by Expedia.com®, the nation's largest online travel agency.
For the second year in a row, the survey revealed that American workers do not take advantage of their vacation days primarily because they feel too busy to take a vacation. Americans currently neglect an average of 1.8 vacation days per year and wish they could take more of their current paid vacation days available.
But the survey showed that there's hope. While the survey revealed Americans returning billions of dollars to their employers in unused vacation time, they want to make a change. In fact, 57 percent of respondents indicated they plan to take all their vacation days this year, in an effort to prioritize rest, relaxation and spending time with loved ones.
“Consumers seem conflicted regarding downtime. While many Americans feel too busy to take vacation, the desire to utilize it has become a top priority,” said Erik Blachford, president of Expedia North America. “Expedia.com wants to do everything possible to help Americans overcome 'Vacation Deprivation' by offering rich vacation planning solutions providing convenience, flexibility and savings in one place.”
“Workplace stress can take its toll. In order to maintain a strong state of mental health, the human body needs a release and a source of replenishment,” according to Dr. Dorothy Cantor, president of the American Psychological Foundation and author of What Do You Want to Do When You Grow Up? “An ideal vacation should eliminate stress, encourage relaxation and provide opportunities for rejuvenation, making the benefits of the experience immeasurable.”
The survey was conducted earlier in 2002 by TeleNation, a service of the Marketing Facts, an independent market research and polling firm.
Sidebar for editors: Expedia Vacations to the rescue! Travelers can relieve “Vacation Deprivation” by taking advantage of three-day weekend holiday ideas listed below.
*The prices for the packages listed below are per person, based on double occupancy. Prices vary based on dates, availability and departure city.
Holiday/Date Expedia Vacations to the Rescue Deprivation Remedy
Flag Day, Friday, June 14 Office Waiver Weekend – for those who'd rather wave the flag than catch the wave… celebrate Flag Day in America's most patriotic cities Washington D.C.: Visit the Nation's Capitol and stay at the Hyatt Regency.
Sample air/hotel package: From Seattle as low as $346
Package includes roundtrip airfare and two-nights accommodation at the Hyatt Regency.
Boston: Experience an unforgettable New England vacation.
Sample air/hotel packages: From Chicago as low as $446
From Dallas as low as $541
Package includes roundtrip airfare and three-nights accommodation at the Wyndham Tremont Boston. Rates not valid for travel from June 1 to June 9, 2002. Offer runs through June 30, 2002.
Philadelphia: Enjoy a stay at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel in the center of Philadelphia, near museums, restaurants and shopping.
Sample air/hotel package: From Chicago as low as $359
Package includes roundtrip airfare and two-nights accommodation at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel.
Father's Day, Sunday, June 16 Pops is Tops! – Take a long weekend and tee off with Dad to celebrate Father's Day South Carolina: Charleston National Golf Course and Dunes West Golf Course
Sample air/hotel packages: From New York as low as $415
From Boston as low as $453
Package includes roundtrip airfare and three-nights accommodation at the Charleston Riverview Hotel.
*Add a round of golf at Charleston National Golf Course from $61 or a round of golf at Dunes West Golf Course from $44
Palm Springs: La Quinta Resort and Club PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course
Sample air/hotel packages:From Oakland as low as $376
From Seattle as low as $434
Package includes roundtrip airfare and three-nights accommodation at La Quinta Resort and Club.
*Add a round of golf at the PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course from $55
Summer Solstice, Friday, June 21 Summer Solstice Sizzlers – spend the longest day of the year in style, not in the office San Francisco: This Bay Area destination is filled with numerous attractions. Enjoy accommodations at the Hilton San Francisco and Towers.
Sample air/hotel packages: From Los Angeles as low as $315
From New York as low as $471
Package includes roundtrip airfare and three-nights accommodation at Hilton San Francisco and Towers. Offer runs through September 30, 2002.
*Add ground transportation or a City Pass that includes the Museum for Modern Art, cable car rides, a bay cruise and more to your vacation
Bastille Day, Sunday, July 14 Un Jour En Vacances – say oui, oui to a wine and cheese getaway in Paris Paris: Hotel Williams Opera is located in the very heart of Paris between Opera, Gare du Nord and Sacré Cæur making it an ideal base to discover the highlights.
Sample air/hotel package:From New York as low as $939
Package includes roundtrip airfare and four-nights hotel accommodation at Hotel Williams Opera.
Sister's Day, Tuesday, August 6 Sisterly Love – surprise sis with a spa getaway Phoenix: Relax and enjoy a stay at the Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Sample air/hotel package: From Los Angeles as low as $433
Package includes roundtrip airfare and four-nights accommodation at the Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Miami Beach: Soak up the sun at the Dezerland Beach Resort and Spa.
Sample air/hotel package: From New York as low as $309
Package includes roundtrip airfare and four-nights accommodations at the Dezerland Beach Resort and Spa.
Banish Vacation Deprivation Blues! Friday, August 16 Be Gone Vacation Deprivation Blues! Spend a long weekend in rocky mountain country to ensure you're not vacation deprived Spend the summer in the mountains at beautiful resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek.
Sample air/hotel packages: Stay at The Lodge at Vail From San Francisco as low as $507
Enjoy accommodations at the Arrowhead Village in Beaver Creek
From San Francisco as low as $474
Packages include roundtrip airfare and three-nights accommodation at The Lodge at Vail and Arrowhead Village.
Labor Day, Monday, September 2 Summer Slacker's Last Call Before Fall – enjoy the last days of summer in a city that's perfect for a weekend getaway New York City: Take a bite out of the Big Apple this Labor Day.
Sample air/hotel package: From Miami as low as $478
Package includes roundtrip airfare and three-nights hotel accommodation at the Waldorf Astoria Landmark Hotel.
Offer good August 30 through September 2, 2002.
*Add a New York City pass for $38 dollars and visit seven famous NYC museums & attractions.
About Expedia, Inc.
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