vacation – Topical Fruit

1 in 4 People Use Zero Vacation Days?

A new report found that 23% of employees didn’t take a single vacation day in the past year, even though most of them technically have PTO.

You’ve probably heard it from your boss or HR team: “Make sure you take time for yourself!” Which sounds lovely… until you try to schedule a week off and suddenly you’re treated like you just asked to take the breakroom coffeemaker to Mexico.

The main reason? Work has become like a treadmill that’s on fire.

43% say their workload is just too heavy to justify taking time off, and 30% worry they’ll drown in emails the second they get back. Another 29% say they feel guilty about requesting PTO because it might make them look “less committed,” and one in four workers say their boss would probably react badly if they asked for a whole week off. (Apparently, “mental health” is only encouraged on weekends and national holidays.)

Then there’s the “unlimited PTO” trap… a perk that sounds amazing until you realize it’s really code for, “We’ll never tell you what’s too much, but you’ll know when you’ve crossed the line.”

Workers in tech know this game well: unlimited vacation, but somehow every week is the wrong week to take it.

And sure, some people say they don’t have enough PTO to take a real vacation anyway. A day off to do laundry and cry into a sandwich doesn’t count.

Here’s the thing: time off actually helps companies. It boosts morale, focus, and productivity. It even makes workplaces feel more like a team instead of a group therapy session that charges by the hour.

So yeah, “take time for yourself.” Just make sure it’s not during a busy quarter, before a product launch, after a holiday, or on any day ending in “Y.”

42% of Dog Owners Say the Best Part of Vacation Is… Coming Home to Their Dog

For dog people, traveling is basically a countdown to getting home and being smothered in fur and slobber.

A new survey of 2,000 dog owners confirms what every pet parent already knows: the highlight of any vacation isn’t the beach, the food, or the overpriced souvenirs… it’s that tail-wagging, zoomie-filled reunion at the front door when they return from the trip.

Here’s how obsessed we are with our dogs:

🐶 42% say coming home to their dog is the best part of the trip
🕐 53 minutes is how long it takes before the average person starts missing their pup
🧠 13 times a day is how often people think about their dog while traveling
📱 19% have asked a pet sitter to put the dog on the phone
📹 17% have FaceTimed their dog
🧳 76% say summer travel plans depend on whether they can find good dog care
😭 22% say missing their dog can ruin their trip
🔮 1 in 5 claim they “always” know what their dog’s going to do before they do it

People also have plenty of vacation anxiety when it comes to their dog.

40% of dog owners say they constantly worry about their pup while traveling
32% don’t trust anyone else to understand their dog’s quirks
34% are afraid their dog won’t get enough love
And the same number worry their dog won’t get enough walks or playtime

We’re so deep in the dog-parent lifestyle that 40% of us worry more about the dog’s needs than our own. (Only 19% say the reverse, which feels like a lie.)

But here’s the kicker: while we’re focused on belly rubs and ball tosses, only 28% think about giving their dog mental stimulation, and just 29% prioritize socialization. That’s like feeding your kid lunch but never letting them go to recess or read a book.

Moral of the story: If you’re going to leave your dog behind, make sure they’re living their best life too… because odds are, you’re the one who’s going to suffer more.

The Perfect Vacation Is Three Hours from Home

If the long holiday weekend left you craving a real getaway, you’re not alone. A new survey is offering fresh insight into what many Americans consider the “perfect vacation”—and it might be closer (and pricier) than you’d think.

According to a recent report from Talker Research, the ideal vacation lasts 11 days and takes place roughly three hours from home. Whether that’s an exciting prospect or a letdown may depend on how badly you want to avoid airports.

And speaking of avoiding airports, that “perfect” distance of three hours might help explain the trip’s jaw-dropping price tag: an average of $8,800 per person. That breaks down to around $800 a day, meaning this “ideal” trip would likely include premium accommodations, fine dining, and plenty of activities—or perhaps a short-haul flight and some serious splurging.

So what are travelers looking for on this getaway? According to the poll:

63% want a beach destination,
53% are after “the great outdoors,”
43% crave a mix of big cities and historical sightseeing,
And 31% prefer visiting landmarks and outdoor attractions.

But while preferences vary, one key theme emerged: relaxation. The perfect trip isn’t just about checking off tourist boxes—it’s about completely unplugging, making new memories, and enjoying the freedom to do absolutely nothing (or everything) on your own terms.

Whether your dream vacation includes a beach hammock, a hiking trail, a full-service experience, or a self-guided tour, the key takeaway is this: a meaningful break doesn’t have to be far away—but it might cost you.