Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor of Dept. of Tourism, Hospitality and Event | Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at the University of Florida
Let’s talk about the importance of taking actual, restorative time off—and I don’t mean logging into Zoom calls from a hammock or “just responding to one little email” in the airport lounge. I mean a true mental escape. The kind where you forget what day it is, and your biggest decision is beach or brunch (or both).
Burnout: The Slow Burn with a Side of Inbox Guilt
You don’t wake up one day and say, “Today, I shall be burnt out.” No, it’s sneakier than that. It starts with:
Feeling tired even after sleeping like a rock
Forgetting why you liked your job (or people) in the first place
Snapping at your dog because your Outlook froze again
Needing three cups of coffee just to open your laptop
Thinking “vacation” means working from a sunnier Wi-Fi zone
And the worst part? Low-quality vacations—where you're technically “off” but spiritually tethered to email—do more harm than good. Your body may be poolside, but your brain is still stuck in a meeting that could’ve been an email.
The Great American Vacation Mystery: Where Did All the Days Go?
According to the U.S. Travel Association (2019), “over half of American workers (55%) didn’t use all their vacation days—leaving 768 million days unused. Of those, 236 million vacation days were completely forfeited, translating to $65.5 billion in lost benefits. If Americans used those days for travel, it could generate $151.5 billion in additional travel spending and support 2 million more U.S. jobs.” Less vacation means less travel spending, which hits the $1.1 trillion tourism industry like a sad little ripple in what should be a splashy pool of prosperity.
So yes—when you skip your vacation, you’re not just hurting yourself. You’re hurting beach towns, ski resorts, quirky roadside attractions, and every ice cream shop within a 50-mile radius.
Vacation: It’s Not Just for Fun (But It Should Be Really Fun)
Let’s be clear: vacation is not just about stopping work. It’s about restoring your whole self. It’s your chance to reclaim recreational joy—whether that means dancing like nobody’s watching, hiking like you’ve got a deer to impress, composing songs only you know how to sing, enjoying oil painting, or perfecting the noble art of lying still. Spend quality time with people who love you even though you never cc them on anything. Use the silence to rediscover who you are beyond job titles and email signatures. And never underestimate the power of rest: a well-rested brain is basically a superpower in slacks.
Use your vacation days. All of them. A fully present break can benefit not only your mental clarity and performance but also your relationships and overall quality of life. A restful vacation refreshes your mind, reignites your creativity, and makes you a stronger contributor upon return. So go ahead—take that well-deserved time off. Your health, your loved ones, and yes, even the travel economy, will thank you.
Ironically—and my staff is probably chuckling as they read this—I’m writing this during my vacation. I love what I do. My career brings me fulfillment, and my office often feels more like a place of purpose than pressure. When I’m focused on reaching goals and crossing tasks off my list, I feel energized and inspired. It’s not about overworking—it’s about passion. This rhythm of meaningful work and intentional rest is what drives my efficiency, clarity, and optimism. So yes, even while I’m enjoying the sun with SPF 50 and a coconut drink in hand, don’t be surprised if inspiration strikes—and I start typing. It’s a balance I choose, with joy and intention.
March 28, 2025
[Image Credit: New York Times]
