Use it or lose it, companies say.  But with jobs at risk and economic woes lingering, more than half of American workers are too worried and busy to take all their vacation days, according to a survey released today by Westin Hotels & Resorts.

According to the Westin Hotels “Wellness in Travel” study of 1,500 Americans, more than half of workers fail to take all their vacation days.  Just how desperately is America in need of some time off?  More than half (58%) of respondents feel they are in more need of vacation than last year and 64% have canceled vacation due to work worries. The cancellations come even as respondents pine for the benefits of time away from their desks.  More than 67% feel healthier on vacation, while 64% sleep better while taking some time off.  Married folks take note – rest and relaxation can also contribute to wedded bliss.  More than half of those surveyed feel taking vacation contributes to a stronger marriage. 

As a result of the findings Starwood Hotel’s wellness brand has developed a campaign to educate consumers on the health benefits of taking vacation and encourage them to take some much needed time off. The campaign highlights the importance of taking time off for stress relief, productivity and health and gives consumers the chance to win a free vacation.  Beginning on September 15^th consumers can visit www.travelandbewell.com to learn more about the health benefits of vacation, travel tips and sign an online pledge promising to take their remaining vacation days before the end of the year.  To encourage consumers to take care of themselves by enjoying vacation days they have earned, each person who pledges to take time off will be entered to win one of 200 four-day vacations at any Westin Hotel in North America. And for those consumers why try their luck but don’t win, the Westin brand wants to make it easier than ever for   them to get away. Available through the end of the year, Westin guests will receive a free night when they stay three nights or more. Consumers can visit www.westin.com/weekends to book.

The “Wellness in Travel” survey is not the only recent research to highlight the health and wellness benefits of vacation. Recent clinical research has proven the clear link between vacation and health.

According to the Framingham Heart Study (2000) men who take regular vacations are 32% less likely to die of heart attacks than those who do not; women who do not take vacations are up to eight times more likely to suffer from heart disease than women who take two vacation breaks a year.

Women who take a holiday once a year or more are almost twice as apt to be satisfied with their marriage as those who escape less often, researchers at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation in Wisconsin say.

The more often people engage in leisure activities, including going on vacation, the more likely they are to have a low body-mass index, a study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine reports.

The survey revealed just how dire America’s need for rest and relaxation is:  

• 48% of those surveyed are happier and more positive in their workplaces and personal lives after taking a vacation.
• More than three-fifths of the respondents had cancelled or postponed a vacation this year (64%).
• On vacation, over 30% of respondents check in with their work every other day, followed by 25% of respondents who check in every hour.
• More than two-fifths of the respondents usually require three to four days to unwind on a vacation (41%).
• More than half of the respondents felt that compared to last year they were more in need of a vacation now (58%).

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