Are you a “Vacation Dabbler”? According to a new survey Embassy Suites conducted with Parents magazine, more than one-half of families consider themselves “vacation dabblers†who take days off sporadically throughout the year for shorter, one- to two-night trips. I would definitely put my family in this category. While we try to take one traditional family vacation per year (for a week or more), we also plan additional weekend getaways, which are scattered throughout the year. Whether it be a quick road trip somewhere in the state, or for a last-minute deal that was too good to pass up — our travel routine is anything but consistent … so yeah, we’re vacation dabblers!
It’s been said that people need at least three days to reap the full restorative effects of time off, but the reality is that families are taking shorter trips so it’s important to get as much as you can out of every vacation day.
Embassy Suites is helping families “more-imize†those vacation days to get as much fun, relaxation and family time out of them as possible with a “Get More Vacation†contest on Facebook. Between now and July 20, visitors can simply upload a picture of their family’s “vacation face†– that look of excitement and joy when they’ve finally booked that much-needed vacation – and a caption explaining how their family plans to get the most out of their summer travel, for a chance to win one of five week-long trips and $10k in spending cash!
Even if you don’t enter, you have to go and look at the entries — there are some funny ones!
To help you get more out of your vacation days, Embassy Suites has teamed up with health and happiness expert, Dr. Susan Biali, to provide advice on the benefits of vacation and ways to maximize each day off. Here are some tips to help you “more-imize†your family vacation this summer:
- Taking regular vacation makes us more productive and happier in our lives at work and at home. General rule of thumb is that people need at least three days to reap the full restorative effects of time off, but the reality is that families are taking shorter trips so it’s important to get as much as you can out of each and every vacation day.
- Looking forward to a vacation improves your attitude at work and makes you more productive, so harness the power of what Dr. Biali calls “vacation anticipation” to get a jumpstart on those good vacation feelings.
- If you’re a vacation dabbler, actually use the days to relax and do something fun – not to run around and do errands all day. That’s not a “real” day off!
- If you’re a vacation extender and traveling for a family obligation, turn that trip into a mini getaway. Look for local family-friendly sightseeing opportunities, treat yourself to a special family dinner on the road, and stay somewhere that is a treat for both you and your spouse and the kids.
- Hold onto that post-vacation feeling, as recalling fun, relaxing family times can help rejuvenate you when you’re stressed and need a burst of energy. Create a scrap book or photo album of your vacation memories and remember to look at it often.
