Where Would You Go?

Chances are, you’re probably ready for a vacation. In fact, 56% of United States residents would agree as well. That’s a lot of people dreaming of getting up and going to far-off destinations.

Luckily, the world is yours for the taking. International travel has never been easier or more affordable. In a day’s time, you could be out wandering halfway around the world to experience new cultures, climates, and cuisines. Close your eyes and just imagine where you would go.

So then, why does it seem like you have other things to do instead?

In a recent analysis of the top 10 global travel destinations, Microsoft Social Engagement noticed a curious trend among North Americans. Although the United States shows up in all social conversations about various international travel destinations, more than half of the U.S. population (54%) has never left the country.

It could be our work culture. Compared with the rest of the world, the U.S. national average for available vacation days doesn’t even crack the top 10. On average, we take off less than half as many days as some of our more leisure-centric Western counterparts.

For the vacation days we do receive, the typical U.S. employee still fails to use 4 days of paid time off each year—that’s nearly an extra full week of work.  It’s all done by choice. Just consider the cumulative vacation days tossed by the wayside every year.

It’s astounding—especially considering the immense benefits that come from relaxing your mind and leaving your work behind. Even when we do go on vacation, more people work in our so-called time off than not (61%). Which is odd, considering that more than 2/3 of our bosses are supportive of their employees going on vacation.

So, which is it? Are we dying to get away or are we all talk? Take a look at the numbers in our infographic and decide for yourself.