My daughter — who starts college in September — has always enjoyed hearing stories about herself as a child. But in the last few months, as her high school days came to an end and the first chapter of her adult life looms ever more immediately on her horizon, she has become relentless about hearing tales of her childhood, especially ones that took place while on vacation.

“Tell me a story about the time we went to…”

Florida. Maine. The beach.

And the list goes on from there.

Before becoming a parent, I promised myself I would build long vacations into my life with my children, just as my parents had done for me and my brother. I realized doing that would mean financial sacrifices. Money that could have gone into a bigger house, a newer car, designer clothes, and the like was used to go places for more than a week at a time.

I’ve never regretted that decision.

To this day, I count the summers — all three months — I lived with my parents and brother in a canvas tent, used an outhouse, and ate every meal outside as one of the greatest gifts I ever received. Time with my family; time to think; time to learn how to solve problems and interact with the outdoors helped foster my creativity and shape me into the person I am today.

And I have those long vacations to thank for that.

Americans Struggle to Take Vacations

Americans are notorious for not taking vacations. According to recent research, 175 million vacation days go unused that American workers are entitled to take each year. If they do take vacation days, they often stay plugged in to office demands through any combination of Smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

The statistics are even more grim when it comes to Americans taking a long vacation (2+ weeks at a time).

In a nutshell, that hardly ever happens.

The reasons for never leaving the office run the gamut, but three of the most common reasons cited for this are:

1. “I have too much work to do.”
2. “I can’t afford to take any time off.”
3. “I may not get a promotion (of I could lose my job) if I am seen taking too much vacation.”

Ouch.

Each of those excuses are based in fear — fear of losing financially or fear of losing status. While these fears are very real for many, my question is:

What is NOT taking vacations costing Americans?

Turns out, plenty.

Research Supports the Long Vacation

Studies prove time and time again that people who get away for extended periods of time several times a year (and not just a long weekend here and there) experience increased health benefits, are more creative, and improve the overall culture of their companies, arguably because they are less stressed and more productive when they return.

The restorative power of taking a long vacation cannot be disputed.

Look around at other advanced economies and you will see that professionals are required to take vacation. These cultures believe so strongly in the regenerative power of getting away from the office that they also pay employees to go away for weeks at a time. Germans, Italians, and the French are counted among the many first-world countries that value vacations, putting their money into policies that foster a belief in and expectation of extended periods of time off.

Additionally, a recent report has found that the United States is the only advanced economy that does not require employers to provide paid vacation time. 

The obvious irony of not paying American workers to take vacation is, in the long run, these workers aren’t as happy or productive compared to the folks who are encouraged or required to go away, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on a company’s bottom line, exactly the opposite of what any smart company would want.

What was that famous line about all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?

I’m all for having a strong work ethic and being committed to a career, but even the most dedicated professional needs some extended down time now and again to keep the saw sharp, the profitability factor high, and the vault of adventure stories to share with the grandkids someday ever expanding.

Encouraging Long Vacations Makes Good Long-Term Economic Sense

Offering employees the opportunity to take time off without worrying about their job being there for them upon their return is not just a gesture of good faith, but an investment in a company’s long-term profitability.

It shouldn’t matter whether or not a vacation is paid for by an employer (but if we’re being honest, paid is better). The benefits of getting away, unplugging, and letting go far outweigh any amount of money someone would earn while hiking the Himalayas, rafting down the Colorado, or tent camping with the kids in the Catskills.

It’s always possible to earn more money. But time not taken to get away each year is impossible to get back, no matter how many vacation days a person accrues.

Long vacations make good long-term sense from so many angles. It’s about time Americans caught up with the rest of the advanced world and started taking Southwest airline’s tag line seriously.

Want to get away? There’s no better time than right now to start planning that 14-day excursion to the place you’ve been dreaming about, even if it’s no farther than the hammock in your backyard.

If for no other reason, your grandkids will thank you one day.