It may go without saying that frugal travelers are an anomaly in this world, because of our excitement to drop everything and see the world on short notice. Through either ridiculously low fares or points and miles redemption, our simple few have no shame in seeing the world as we fancy for an overall low price.
However, there are those among us – even within this group – that find it difficult at best to take a trip. Some of the most common excuses include not being able to get away from work, family obligations, or even problems watching pets while traveling. In any event, the points and miles they collect often go to waste, or collect over time to be neglected for use.
Little do they know that taking regular vacations can build family bonds, help fight burnout and even help people make more money overall. If you or someone you know has not taken a vacation in a while, here are three good reasons to get away from the desk and start seeing the world in whichever frugal way you choose.
Frequent flyers have less stress in life: One of the challenges that everyone faces in their working life is stress. No matter how satisfied we are with our jobs and what we do on a daily basis, demanding deadlines and co-workers can add stress to everyone’s lives. Without a regular escape from work, that stress can snowball and lead to serious health conditions, including obesity and hypertension.
Those findings have been documented in a commissioned survey completed by public research firm GfK. While they found Americans were taking less time off, they also discovered 90 percent of those who planned for vacations had a better health and well-being while 94 percent improved their overall outlook. Therefore, taking a vacation can help individuals live healthier lives!
Frequent flyers make more at work: In addition to lowering amounts of stress, those who make the time to take a regular vacation away from work can make even more money at their jobs. Because stress and health issues add up over time, those who remain chained to their desk may find their job performance dropping, resulting in poor performance and being skipped over for promotions and raises.
A study completed by Oxford University proved this point by researching workers and their personal growth over time at work. Those who abandon ten paid time off days during the year are over six percent less likely to get a raise at work. The consensus is clear: those who use their vacation time are more likely to earn more at work.
Frequent flyers have happier families: Although we have talked about the problems of hypermobility on families, the converse can create an opposite effect. Research shows families who travel together have more fun and get closer as communal units.
While those who travel without family have been shown to have domestic issues when returning from frequent business travel, those who do not take vacation time can also bring work problems home as well. In a study from GfK, families who do not take vacation time report more work stress bleeds over to the home, which then is carried by children. However, when planning a family vacation, a Capella University study showed parents and children grow better positive relationships through completing a trip together.
Although there are many reasons to not go on vacation, can we truly afford not to go? By getting up and getting on the move, every traveler can live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
[Image via Getty]
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com