There is Proof! Vacations are GOOD for YOU.

 

A variety of medical studies show that vacationing is good for your heart. Believe it or not, simply taking a vacation every year can cut your risk of heart attack by a whopping 50 percent!

Make the most of it:
The evidence suggests that where you go is less important than simply taking the time to go. Start planning your vacation today—sit down with friends, the family or your significant other to set a date for a trip. Then start planning, but keep stress low by involving everyone—give each family member a specific task or divide up the duties with friends. Most importantly, stick to the plan and don't be derailed from taking the time off you need and deserve.

 

 

While on vacation, travelers rate their overall health one full point higher on a scale of 1 to 5, according to a survey by YPartnership, a marketing firm that focuses on entertainment and leisure travel.

Make the most of it:
Increase that feeling of good health by being a healthy traveler. See the sights of a city by walking instead of cab-ing to destinations, sign up for a local 5k race that's on while you're off, or explore a public park on foot.

 

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In his book Go Away, Just for the Health of It, Dr. Mel Borins reported that a study by the South Coast Institute for Applied Gerontology of more than 100 women aged 65-92 found a positive relationship between taking vacations and increased intellectual functioning.

Make the most of it:
The mere act of immersing yourself in a new environment is a learning experience. You can take that benefit to the next level by signing up for a class while you're away. Many resorts now offer activities as a fun way to expand your mind without taxing your brain.

Blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of epinephrine—a stress hormone—drop even after mini-vacations of only a few days, according to Dr. Borins.

Make the most of it:
Find that perfect weekend like a mini 3-4 night cruise – we have them going out of many Homeports! Best of all, last minute getaways can often be surprisingly affordable.

 

A survey of steel workers who took an extended vacation found that time off had a huge impact on family and work life, with workers reporting more shared experiences with spouses and children, as well as an increase in feelings of efficiency and interest at their jobs.

Make the most of it:
The more time you can spend with your family, the better...as long as it doesn't break the break.

 

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Mental Health of almost 20,000 Canadians showed that physically-active leisure—namely, travel—has been found to directly contribute to higher levels of physical and mental health, especially during times of stress.

Make the most of it:
Active vacations are the best bet for throwing off work-related stress—whether mental or physical.

 

According to the U.S. Travel Association's compilation of research studies, overwork costs employers about $150 billion a year in stress-related absences, and workers get no more done when they work 50-hour work weeks than when they work 40-hour work weeks. The association notes that European workers, who are granted much more vacation time than American workers, had higher productivity growth than the United States in most years between 1981 and 2000.

Make the most of it:
Bring the numbers to the attention of your boss—just for general information, not when you're requesting time off. Then block out your vacation time and start planning your travel. Be sure to include plenty of downtime for simply sleeping in, lounging by the pool or rekindling a romance. Need ideas on where to go?