 I have some troubling news to report today, but don't panic. It's going to be okay. A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research was released the other day, and the key finding was that half of Americans will NOT be taking a vacation this Summer.
The survey, conducted in May of this year, said 43 percent of Americans won't be taking a summer vacation. The top reason for skipping a trip was the cost, cited by 49 percent of non-vacationers. Another 11 percent said they can't take the time off from work, while 3 percent said they don't like to be away from work. You can read the full study here (after you're finished reading my blog post). Folks, now I am begging. Please do not underestimate the power of a few days off away from the pressures of your workplace. Expedia commissioned a study a few years ago and found some pretty compelling reasons to travel including lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. More reading from Expedia. However, I do understand a financial constraint or a time constraint are real factors. Earlier this year we decided to embark on production of a Summer Video Series focused on one geographic area. Almost every place we planned to visit is within a six hour drive from another destination in the series. Primarily we wanted to draw the conclusion that your "backyard" is larger and more diverse than you may think. Never the less, it's a good idea to think about a mini-vacation close to home. Get out a map and draw a five hour concentric circle around your town and then pick one of the places within the zone. Anybody can do five hours in the car without going stir crazy! As far as the money goes, avoid spending more than you can afford. Stay in a clean local B&B or Inn and remember to pack snacks from home. It goes a long way in the vacation savings! These are just a few tips I can share with you. But I say, less reading and more ACTUAL trip planning is in order for you. Now get out there and take that vacation! Erik
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AuthorI am on a mission to get you traveling more often. As the host of the Emmy award- winning, nationally syndicated television television for PBS and the Create channel, "Beyond Your Backyard," I travel (on average) 25 weeks per year. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet cool people, experience new places, eat delicious food and work with the best production crew in the world. Hopefully, through this blog, you will join me on my travels and be reminded just how exciting it is to be alive! Categories
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MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY
Erik Hastings, a.k.a. Erik the Travel Guy is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of the internationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" for public broadcasting stations (PBS) and other networks/VOD platforms. Erik leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers. Read Erik's Full Bio.
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