Reveals how companies monetize our time without our knowledge and how…
The Great Vacation Squeeze
- Description
- Reviews
- Citation
- Cataloging
- Transcript
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Americans have the shortest vacations of any rich country. And they are actually getting even shorter. The US is one of only five countries in the world -- the others are Burma, Nepal, Suriname and Guyana -- which have no law guaranteeing any paid vacation time for workers. The average US vacation is a bit over two weeks, while the median is only about a week and a half, and American workers give back about three vacation days every year. Europeans enjoy five or six weeks of vacation each year and are healthier than Americans.
Vacations matter -- for productivity, happiness, family bonding and especially, health. Men who don't regularly take vacations are a third more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who do; women are fifty percent more likely, and far more likely to suffer from depression.
Making the case for more vacation time are: Shelton Johnson, a ranger naturalist in Yosemite; Rick Steves, the world's best-selling travel writer; and Sara Speck, cardiologist and director of a cardio-vascular wellness program, who tells patients to 'take two weeks and call me in the morning.'
'Finally there is a film that addresses over-work in the United States and offers a real world solution for making change. The Great Vacation Squeeze is well researched, fun, and accessible. It would be a valuable addition to a wide variety of courses including Medical Sociology, Social Problems, Social Movements, Intro, Sociology of Work and Leisure, and more.' Melinda Messineo, Professor of Sociology and Director of Freshman Connections, Ball State University
'The Great Vacation Squeeze reminds me why I became a parks, recreation and tourism professor by focusing on the power that vacations have on people's lives. While economics are the traditional starting point in studying and teaching tourism, the documentary goes beyond in examining the social, cultural, personal, educational and health benefits of vacations. The film challenges park and recreation educators and their students to better understand and better communicate the potential leisure travel plays in American's quality of life. However, the documentary doesn't stop there; it takes vacations into the role of politics and public policy in addressing the shrinking number of Americans taking vacations and the number of days they sneak away. Watching The Great Vacation Squeeze provokes and informs. I look forward to using the film in my classroom and the discussion and debates that emerge from my students.' Dr. William C. Norman, Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University
'With his typical wit, wisdom, and artistry, film-maker John de Graaf has once again revealed a universal truth that has spanned the ages since early civilizations, but has yet to fully reach modern America--that time is our most precious resource and it is best invested in life, not just work...I recommend [the film] for courses related to health, recreation, and education. Indeed, I recommend The Great Vacation Squeeze for any setting where people are concerned for the health and well-being of themselves and their communities.' Charles Sylvester, Chair and Professor, Department of Physical Education, Health, and Recreation, Western Washington University
'The film makes a strong case that many Americans today are missing out on a key element of the pursuit of happiness: time off to recharge, reflect, and reconnect. It's sure to generate lively discussion about the exceptionalism of the United States in not guaranteeing the right to take an annual break from work.' Anders Hayden, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dalhousie University, Author, Sharing the Work, Sparing the Planet: Work Time, Consumption and Ecology
'The Great Vacation Squeeze brings to light the vast differences between the United States and other developed nations with regard to paid vacation time...This well-made documentary sheds light on a serious issue that requires attention in the U.S. and can be an excellent educational tool for students in various areas, including public health, public administration, tourism studies, anthropology, labor, and economics and will hopefully initiate a serious dialogue on the matter.' Dr. Sevil Sonmez, Professor of Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, and Tourism, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
'A perfect fit for the university classroom. Students thrive on facts and well thought out testimonials from the experts and they are all here in a compact, thought-provoking format. It is a perfect opportunity to open discussion of what a quality life really entails. And, after all, it is this generation which has the most to lose if vacations keep dwindling. Someone or something needs to light their fires! This topic easily fits into subject areas of recreation and leisure studies, all the social sciences, travel and tourism, education, and of course, business.' Dr. Barbara Brock, Professor Emeritus of Recreation Management, Eastern Washington University
'Time researchers have convincing evidence that vacation time is not only related to the psychological, social and physical well-being of the individual but results in more effective and productive workers over the long term. The lack of vacation time in the United States compared to that in other countries is inexcusable. This film makes the strongest case yet for vacation legislation. I am recommending it to everyone concerned with the quality of their lives. I also believe it should be essential watching for university classes studying any aspect of the psychological, social and physical well-being of Americans and our society.' Robert Levine, Professor of Psychology, California State University - Fresno, Author of Geography of Time
'Pope Francis recently suggested that 'busyness is the enemy of human purpose.' He's right! We all need to regularly disconnect and re-create ourselves. We all need meaningful work; and, just as important, we all need meaningful play and vacations!' Al Gini, Professor, Business Ethics, Chair, Dept. of Management, Loyola University-Chicago, Author, The Importance of Being Lazy: In Praise of Play, Leisure, and Vacation
'In the 1860s when a mass movement of Americans sought 'hours for what we will,' the U.S. led the world in valuing leisure as the key to self-education, emotional rejuvenation, and physical health. That the U.S. now so dramatically trails others nations in access to vacations as legal right and as a reality thus requires the sort of lively narration and tough questioning that The Great Vacation Squeeze excitingly provides. Profoundly attuned to history, this beautiful film uniquely balances the indictment of a society unable to play and recover with making an inspirational case for change.' Dave Roediger, Professor of History, University of Illinois, Co-author, Our Own Time: A History of American Labor and the Working Day
'This film is wonderful. It accurately portrays the change in American's time use on the job and off the job; how fears about job security or (as important) work piling up when we are off the job prevent millions of Americans from taking time off; and how some employers worry that giving their employees free time will put them at a competitive disadvantage if their business rivals don't do likewise -an argument that has compelled us to create a mandatory minimum wage floor to protect both businesses and employees from exploitation.' Dr. Jennifer Glass, Professor, Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas - Austin
'Recommended...Statistical evidence plus interviews with national park rangers, a cardiologist, and travel writer Rick Steves, along with comments by vacationers themselves, make the argument that paid annual leave is critical for individual, family and societal health and well-being. As a nation struggling with increasing levels of obesity, depression, and stress, taking two weeks off to relax and rejuvenate seems to be a simple solution to a complex problem. Although the tone of program is light-hearted--since vacations should be fun--the message is an important one that deserves further consideration.' Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University, Educational Media Reviews Online
'A thought-provoking and powerful movie that places America's vacation deprivation front and center. Driving home the message that vacations are worth fighting for, this film is well worth watching for anyone who values life/work balance and quality of life.' Camille Hoheb, Founder, Wellness Tourism Worldwide, Editor, Wellness Travel Journal
'An important commentary on the role our modern lifestyle plays in decreasing our connection with the natural world. This film is a great addition to our film festival because we need to live in a way that increases our interaction with the natural world if we are to value the environment and ultimately work to protect it.' Sara Beresford, Director, The EcoFocus Film Festival, University of Georgia
'We've got to get this wonderful film out to the public. If you want to make a difference (and have a good time) show The Great Vacation Squeeze to your clubs and organizations, your church, your classes, your friends, your workplace. Start having movie parties, anywhere and everywhere! It will involve you in one of the most important movements of our time - for more time to live.' Cecile Andrews, Author, Living Room Revolution: A Handbook for Conversation, Community and the Common Good
Citation
Main credits
De Graaf, John (film producer)
De Graaf, John (screenwriter)
De Graaf, John (film director)
O'Ryan, Jackie (narrator)
Other credits
Photographers, David Fox, Diana Wilmar, Greg Davis, Restituto Bagcal; editors, Greg Davis, Cleven Ticeson; animation, Rodney Fehsenfeld; music, Michael Bade, Firstcom, Jane Fuller.
Distributor subjects
American Studies; Anthropology; Business Practices; Economics; Education; Environment; Environmental Ethics; Family/Consumer Sciences; Health; History; Labor and Work Issues; Mental Health; Outdoor Education; Political Science; Psychology; Recreation; Sociology; TourismKeywords
Affluenza,; vacations, importance of vacations, productivity, happiness, family bonding, health, Americans' short vacations, Europeans' vacation time, no vacation law, stress, overworked, heart attacks, depression, Shelton Johnson, Rick Steves, Sara Speck, Yosemite, John Muir; "The Great Vacation Squeeze"; Bullfrog Films,doc,env; shod
WEBVTT
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.480
00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:17.780
- The family vacation;
from camping to cruising,
00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:22.960
it\'s an American ideal,
as American as apple pie.
00:00:22.960 --> 00:00:26.530
Or at least it used to be.
00:00:26.530 --> 00:00:30.120
These days it would be more
accurate to say that vacations
00:00:30.120 --> 00:00:33.330
are as European
as apple strudel.
00:00:33.330 --> 00:00:36.690
- Europeans are very aware
of the laughable amount
00:00:36.690 --> 00:00:40.740
of vacation time
Americans get or take.
00:00:40.740 --> 00:00:44.270
- Our vacations are the
shortest in any rich country,
00:00:44.270 --> 00:00:47.460
and fewer of us get them.
00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:52.530
For many Americans, the summer
holiday is only a dream.
00:00:52.530 --> 00:00:54.910
Vacation time matters
for happiness,
00:00:54.910 --> 00:00:58.291
family, productivity,
and health.
00:00:58.291 --> 00:01:00.040
- I have patients come
in and they tell me
00:01:00.040 --> 00:01:02.510
that they can\'t get
control of their stress.
00:01:02.510 --> 00:01:04.519
What I tell them
is, \"Take two weeks
00:01:04.519 --> 00:01:05.900
and call me in the morning.\"
00:01:05.900 --> 00:01:09.320
- But in America, that\'s
easier said than done.
00:01:09.320 --> 00:01:11.550
Welcome to No Vacation Nation.
00:01:11.550 --> 00:01:14.360
00:01:14.360 --> 00:01:16.150
Nearly every other
country on Earth
00:01:16.150 --> 00:01:19.860
guarantees vacation time by law.
00:01:19.860 --> 00:01:22.320
But the United States does not.
00:01:22.320 --> 00:01:29.920
- We need to stop, take a
breath and ask ourselves,
00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:33.450
is this the direction
we should be headed?
00:01:33.450 --> 00:01:37.930
[MUSIC - \"I Need a Break From it
All\"]
00:01:37.930 --> 00:02:00.230
00:02:00.230 --> 00:02:03.920
- It\'s sunrise in California\'s
Yosemite National Park.
00:02:03.920 --> 00:02:09.169
00:02:09.169 --> 00:02:11.195
Backpackers are
already on the trails.
00:02:11.195 --> 00:02:15.480
00:02:15.480 --> 00:02:18.240
The famous naturalist
John Muir marveled
00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:19.625
at Yosemite\'s high country.
00:02:19.625 --> 00:02:23.730
00:02:23.730 --> 00:02:26.070
- \"Climb the mountains and
get their good tidings.
00:02:26.070 --> 00:02:28.750
00:02:28.750 --> 00:02:30.790
Walk away quietly
in any direction
00:02:30.790 --> 00:02:32.840
and taste the freedom
of the mountaineer.
00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:36.000
00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:39.370
Nature\'s peace will flow
into you as sunshine flows
00:02:39.370 --> 00:02:39.965
into trees.
00:02:39.965 --> 00:02:43.640
00:02:43.640 --> 00:02:45.970
The winds will blow
their freshness into you,
00:02:45.970 --> 00:02:49.300
and the storms their energy,
while your cares drop off
00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:54.740
like autumn leaves.\"
00:02:54.740 --> 00:02:58.250
- Linda Tran and Will Taylor
share Muir\'s sentiments.
00:02:58.250 --> 00:03:00.620
- I felt everything last
night like draining away,
00:03:00.620 --> 00:03:02.050
like all the
thoughts of the city
00:03:02.050 --> 00:03:03.760
and of work and everything.
00:03:03.760 --> 00:03:06.430
- This is phenomenal, just
like this whole panoramic vista
00:03:06.430 --> 00:03:07.330
that you have.
00:03:07.330 --> 00:03:09.910
And our campsite
is just awesome.
00:03:09.910 --> 00:03:12.380
You wake up to this.
00:03:12.380 --> 00:03:13.490
It\'s fantastic.
00:03:13.490 --> 00:03:16.080
You come back so
much more refreshed.
00:03:16.080 --> 00:03:18.650
- They say they are lucky
to be able to come here.
00:03:18.650 --> 00:03:20.880
Many of their friends
don\'t get enough time off
00:03:20.880 --> 00:03:22.180
to make the trip.
00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:23.560
- It\'s tough, you know.
00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:25.250
We come from a
culture in America
00:03:25.250 --> 00:03:27.410
where everything is
\"Go, go, go,\" you know?
00:03:27.410 --> 00:03:31.079
\"Keep up with the Joneses
and make your life better.\"
00:03:31.079 --> 00:03:32.370
I\'ve just got to find my shell.
00:03:32.370 --> 00:03:35.570
- So even in August,
backpackers like Will and Linda
00:03:35.570 --> 00:03:37.460
find it easy to
escape the crowds.
00:03:37.460 --> 00:03:43.550
00:03:43.550 --> 00:03:45.655
- Overall we\'ve
seen the patterns
00:03:45.655 --> 00:03:47.110
of visitation changing.
00:03:47.110 --> 00:03:49.600
We\'ve seen back
country use decreasing.
00:03:49.600 --> 00:03:52.800
People are coming for a
shorter amount of time.
00:03:52.800 --> 00:03:55.020
They\'re not taking the
two-week backpacking trips
00:03:55.020 --> 00:03:55.770
that they\'ve done.
00:03:55.770 --> 00:03:58.003
00:03:58.003 --> 00:03:59.378
- You should eat
breakfast first.
00:03:59.378 --> 00:04:00.794
- You have to eat
breakfast first,
00:04:00.794 --> 00:04:02.342
so we can have all
the energy to go.
00:04:02.342 --> 00:04:03.758
- You gonna need
some more coffee?
00:04:03.758 --> 00:04:05.550
- Yup.
00:04:05.550 --> 00:04:07.540
- In world famous
Yosemite Valley,
00:04:07.540 --> 00:04:11.880
the solitude of backpacking
isn\'t part of the picture.
00:04:11.880 --> 00:04:13.720
But for the
Blanco-Johnson family,
00:04:13.720 --> 00:04:16.190
nature\'s magic is just as real.
00:04:16.190 --> 00:04:18.060
- This is her first
trip to Yosemite.
00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:22.480
- They come here every
summer from Los Angeles.
00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:24.610
- I\'ve been coming up
here before I could walk.
00:04:24.610 --> 00:04:26.480
It\'s a family tradition.
00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:28.590
I\'m now bringing my kids up.
00:04:28.590 --> 00:04:32.315
You come up here, you can
really relax, slow down.
00:04:32.315 --> 00:04:35.300
You know, a cup of coffee
in the morning isn\'t rushed.
00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:36.373
I get recharged out here.
00:04:36.373 --> 00:04:37.080
- Yeah!
00:04:37.080 --> 00:04:39.430
- Are you in school
right now or on vacation?
00:04:39.430 --> 00:04:40.290
- On vacation!
00:04:40.290 --> 00:04:41.150
Whee!
00:04:41.150 --> 00:04:44.510
- Coming together, breaking
bread with family, cooking,
00:04:44.510 --> 00:04:45.910
hiking, swimming...
00:04:45.910 --> 00:04:49.070
I mean, these are life
experiences the kids won\'t ever
00:04:49.070 --> 00:04:50.442
forget, because I know I didn\'t.
00:04:50.442 --> 00:04:52.900
I mean, one of the things they
said when we were driving up
00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:55.300
yesterday, \"We get to
see the stars tonight.\"
00:04:55.300 --> 00:04:59.350
And for city kids to say
that, that\'s special.
00:04:59.350 --> 00:05:01.870
- Family vacations
create long-lasting,
00:05:01.870 --> 00:05:03.830
strong bonding memories.
00:05:03.830 --> 00:05:08.600
75% of Americans say such
memories are priceless.
00:05:08.600 --> 00:05:10.700
- There was a family
that I spoke to.
00:05:10.700 --> 00:05:13.620
It seemed like, for
them, that Yosemite
00:05:13.620 --> 00:05:18.090
was the opportunity for
everyone to reconnect
00:05:18.090 --> 00:05:20.010
on a completely different level.
00:05:20.010 --> 00:05:24.110
- Family travel also
improves school performance.
00:05:24.110 --> 00:05:27.570
But a third fewer families
vacation together today
00:05:27.570 --> 00:05:31.200
than a generation ago, while
children spend only half
00:05:31.200 --> 00:05:34.250
as much unstructured
time outdoors.
00:05:34.250 --> 00:05:37.110
Time is so tight,
that even in Yosemite,
00:05:37.110 --> 00:05:39.195
many visitors barely
leave their buses.
00:05:39.195 --> 00:05:41.750
00:05:41.750 --> 00:05:46.640
- Over the last 20 years, the
trend has been for more day use
00:05:46.640 --> 00:05:47.700
than overnight use.
00:05:47.700 --> 00:05:50.920
About 20 years ago, 80% of
the visitors here at Yosemite
00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:53.160
National Park would stay
overnight, and about 20%
00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:55.730
percent would come for the day.
00:05:55.730 --> 00:05:58.000
And that has completely
reversed itself.
00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.510
00:06:00.510 --> 00:06:03.380
In fact, the average visit
to Yosemite National Park
00:06:03.380 --> 00:06:06.510
right now is less
than five hours.
00:06:06.510 --> 00:06:07.920
It affects people\'s behavior.
00:06:07.920 --> 00:06:11.210
People aren\'t stopping to
look around or just to relax.
00:06:11.210 --> 00:06:13.320
They\'re rush, rush, rush.
00:06:13.320 --> 00:06:14.430
And I see that every day.
00:06:14.430 --> 00:06:17.310
00:06:17.310 --> 00:06:19.570
- At Yosemite\'s most
popular viewpoints,
00:06:19.570 --> 00:06:23.896
tourists snap quick photos then
hurry on to the next must-see
00:06:23.896 --> 00:06:24.395
location.
00:06:24.395 --> 00:06:38.480
00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:41.420
- People are here physically,
but they\'re not actually
00:06:41.420 --> 00:06:43.470
quite here yet.
00:06:43.470 --> 00:06:45.060
They\'re harried.
00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:46.020
They\'re rushed.
00:06:46.020 --> 00:06:47.550
They\'re looking
at their watches.
00:06:47.550 --> 00:06:51.532
All those things to keep them
from actually being here.
00:06:51.532 --> 00:06:52.990
Shouldn\'t the
entrance station say,
00:06:52.990 --> 00:06:56.090
\"Excuse me, sir, ma\'am, do
you have a clock with you?\"
00:06:56.090 --> 00:06:57.510
Well, yes, I do.
00:06:57.510 --> 00:06:58.970
\"You need to turn that in here.
00:06:58.970 --> 00:07:03.520
We need to collect all
timepieces while you\'re here.\"
00:07:03.520 --> 00:07:06.920
- Ranger Shelton Johnson
is certainly no slacker.
00:07:06.920 --> 00:07:11.226
He\'s also a gifted musician,
poet, actor, and novelist.
00:07:11.226 --> 00:07:13.280
- All those people are
going to the same place.
00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:15.100
- But Johnson worries
that Americans
00:07:15.100 --> 00:07:18.740
are becoming obsessed with work.
00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:20.830
- If your nose is
to the grindstone,
00:07:20.830 --> 00:07:23.680
are you really noticing
how blue the sky is?
00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:25.460
If your nose is
to the grindstone,
00:07:25.460 --> 00:07:27.090
are you really
noticing that there
00:07:27.090 --> 00:07:28.660
are different birds
around you that
00:07:28.660 --> 00:07:30.500
are singing a different song?
00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:32.630
I think for most of
us, we work so much
00:07:32.630 --> 00:07:36.320
and we work so hard that we
never even realize where we are
00:07:36.320 --> 00:07:37.250
and who we are.
00:07:37.250 --> 00:07:39.650
We\'re just so focused
on what we\'re doing.
00:07:39.650 --> 00:07:41.204
Which makes us like worker ants.
00:07:41.204 --> 00:07:43.570
We\'re just [DRUMMING FINGERS]
running around doing this,
00:07:43.570 --> 00:07:44.150
doing that.
00:07:44.150 --> 00:07:47.180
We never stop and just
go, \"Hey, everyone, stop.
00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:48.449
Isn\'t it a beautiful day?\"
00:07:48.449 --> 00:07:50.740
So you go across the bridge,
kind of look to the right,
00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:51.750
and you\'ll see a little slope.
00:07:51.750 --> 00:07:52.170
- OK.
00:07:52.170 --> 00:07:53.120
- And so the trail
that you\'re looking
00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:54.244
for is this one right here.
00:07:54.244 --> 00:07:54.820
- OK.
00:07:54.820 --> 00:07:57.070
- And then it\'s just a mile
walk out to Mirror Meadow.
00:07:57.070 --> 00:07:57.870
If you have the time.
00:07:57.870 --> 00:07:58.290
- OK.
00:07:58.290 --> 00:07:59.940
- Because you know, if you have
more time, you can see more
00:07:59.940 --> 00:08:02.210
and you can do more and
have more of an experience.
00:08:02.210 --> 00:08:02.480
- OK.
00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:03.345
Thank you very much.
00:08:03.345 --> 00:08:06.780
- At Happy Isles, a
popular valley destination,
00:08:06.780 --> 00:08:09.400
Ranger Johnson talks
with visitors, something
00:08:09.400 --> 00:08:11.140
he\'s been doing for 20 years.
00:08:11.140 --> 00:08:12.120
- Where are you from?
00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:12.910
- From Austria.
00:08:12.910 --> 00:08:14.050
- You\'re from Austria.
00:08:14.050 --> 00:08:16.040
So how much time are
you going to spend here?
00:08:16.040 --> 00:08:17.950
- Three weeks.
00:08:17.950 --> 00:08:19.249
- That\'s a lot of time.
00:08:19.249 --> 00:08:20.540
So I\'ve got a question for you.
00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:24.227
How does it feel to you knowing
that much of our visitation
00:08:24.227 --> 00:08:25.560
are people from other countries?
00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:28.750
And a lot of those visitors
will have two months off.
00:08:28.750 --> 00:08:30.699
- That would be nice.
00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:32.740
- I remember when I was
kid, we used to take two,
00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:34.080
three-week driving vacations.
00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:36.159
And I look back,
and I wonder how
00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:39.299
my dad was able to get
that much time off work.
00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:41.939
And you know, I could never take
two or three weeks off work.
00:08:41.939 --> 00:08:43.480
I mean, if I take
two weeks off work,
00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:46.050
I\'d feel like it\'s job security.
00:08:46.050 --> 00:08:48.880
If they could get away
without me for two weeks,
00:08:48.880 --> 00:08:52.410
then they could get away
without me permanently.
00:08:52.410 --> 00:08:56.610
I think we\'re way too
involved in our jobs.
00:08:56.610 --> 00:09:00.200
- Yeah, in some sense you\'d like
to trade salary for more time
00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:02.540
if you can.
00:09:02.540 --> 00:09:04.024
- Is a weekend
really long enough?
00:09:04.024 --> 00:09:05.940
I mean, I think if you
talk to most Americans,
00:09:05.940 --> 00:09:07.750
they\'ll feel that
they\'re just starting
00:09:07.750 --> 00:09:09.927
to get relaxed on Sunday night.
00:09:09.927 --> 00:09:11.760
- Not getting emails
or phone calls anymore.
00:09:11.760 --> 00:09:14.170
So it\'s like, hey, I don\'t
get service in the park.
00:09:14.170 --> 00:09:15.189
Turn that off.
00:09:15.189 --> 00:09:16.230
- Isn\'t that interesting?
00:09:16.230 --> 00:09:18.370
- Sometimes visitors
cite the difficulty
00:09:18.370 --> 00:09:19.985
of escaping
electronic technology.
00:09:19.985 --> 00:09:22.110
- I had the phantom ring
for the first couple days.
00:09:22.110 --> 00:09:23.565
I\'d kind of go to my pocket.
00:09:23.565 --> 00:09:24.710
I\'m like, I don\'t
even have my phone,
00:09:24.710 --> 00:09:26.001
but I still think it\'s ringing.
00:09:26.001 --> 00:09:27.359
You know, it\'s kind of said.
00:09:27.359 --> 00:09:29.650
- Do you folks think that
Americans get enough vacation
00:09:29.650 --> 00:09:30.370
time.
00:09:30.370 --> 00:09:31.110
- No.
00:09:31.110 --> 00:09:31.780
- Not really.
00:09:31.780 --> 00:09:34.155
- Now, why is it that you
didn\'t even hesitate with that?
00:09:34.155 --> 00:09:37.060
- Well, I\'m out here on
vacation because I preach that
00:09:37.060 --> 00:09:37.850
to my patients.
00:09:37.850 --> 00:09:39.960
They have to go away,
get some time away.
00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:42.580
- Back home in New
Jersey, Arnold Pallay
00:09:42.580 --> 00:09:43.750
is a family physician.
00:09:43.750 --> 00:09:45.250
- Patients will
come in and see you.
00:09:45.250 --> 00:09:46.900
And they\'re like
bouncing off the wall.
00:09:46.900 --> 00:09:48.140
And you\'ll say,
\"What\'s going on?
00:09:48.140 --> 00:09:49.265
When\'s your last vacation?\"
00:09:49.265 --> 00:09:51.242
Sometimes it could
be six years or more.
00:09:51.242 --> 00:09:53.575
And you\'ll say, \"Maybe if
vacations were the first thing
00:09:53.575 --> 00:09:57.094
you need to do before you talk
about therapy, medications,
00:09:57.094 --> 00:09:58.010
and things like that.\"
00:09:58.010 --> 00:09:59.426
And sometimes
they\'ll look at you,
00:09:59.426 --> 00:10:01.030
and they\'ll have a
reason they can\'t.
00:10:01.030 --> 00:10:02.821
- Not only aren\'t they
taking the time off,
00:10:02.821 --> 00:10:04.622
but they can barely
make ends meet,
00:10:04.622 --> 00:10:06.330
and they\'re working
three different jobs.
00:10:06.330 --> 00:10:08.620
They don\'t even
have a weekend off.
00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:12.260
- But those who can get
away appreciate the advice.
00:10:12.260 --> 00:10:13.880
- And they\'ll come
back from vacation.
00:10:13.880 --> 00:10:15.687
And two months later,
they\'ll say, \"Doc,
00:10:15.687 --> 00:10:17.520
thanks for telling me
to take that vacation.
00:10:17.520 --> 00:10:19.490
Because if I hadn\'t
listened to you,
00:10:19.490 --> 00:10:23.350
I might not feel
as good as I do.\"
00:10:23.350 --> 00:10:28.340
- In idleness there is the
opportunity for contemplation.
00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:31.730
There is the opportunity
for soul searching,
00:10:31.730 --> 00:10:34.360
for seeing, for
really, truly, clearly
00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:36.934
seeing what\'s around us.
00:10:36.934 --> 00:10:38.100
That\'s the beginning of art.
00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:39.820
It\'s the beginning of romance.
00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:41.500
It\'s the beginning
of becoming human.
00:10:41.500 --> 00:10:43.480
We can\'t lose that.
00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:56.870
00:10:56.870 --> 00:11:00.140
- It might be said that
the idea of paid vacations
00:11:00.140 --> 00:11:02.190
began in Yosemite.
00:11:02.190 --> 00:11:06.790
In 1876, John Muir
called for a law of rest
00:11:06.790 --> 00:11:09.540
that would give everyone
time off each year
00:11:09.540 --> 00:11:11.850
to reconnect with nature.
00:11:11.850 --> 00:11:13.600
- \"Cannot leave your business?
00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:15.530
But you will leave it.
00:11:15.530 --> 00:11:17.590
Killed by overwork,
you will end up
00:11:17.590 --> 00:11:20.200
in the hearse of the
jolly undertaker.
00:11:20.200 --> 00:11:23.410
We work too much
and rest too little.
00:11:23.410 --> 00:11:25.890
Compulsory education
may be good.
00:11:25.890 --> 00:11:32.590
Compulsory recreation
may be better.\"
00:11:32.590 --> 00:11:36.060
- More than 100 years ago,
President William Howard Taft,
00:11:36.060 --> 00:11:39.780
a conservative Republican,
suggested a three-month holiday
00:11:39.780 --> 00:11:42.000
for all workers.
00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:44.660
At the time, hourly
productivity was
00:11:44.660 --> 00:11:46.580
a tenth of what it is today.
00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:51.510
00:11:51.510 --> 00:11:54.470
Generally, in those days,
only wealthy Americans
00:11:54.470 --> 00:11:56.280
enjoyed holiday travel.
00:11:56.280 --> 00:12:00.190
But by the 1920s, greater
access to automobiles
00:12:00.190 --> 00:12:04.250
allowed the middle class to
join the exodus from the cities.
00:12:04.250 --> 00:12:07.010
During the Great Depression,
the Labor Department
00:12:07.010 --> 00:12:10.410
proposed a two-week
paid vacation law.
00:12:10.410 --> 00:12:12.910
But the idea failed because
of business opposition.
00:12:12.910 --> 00:12:16.610
00:12:16.610 --> 00:12:17.582
- Vacation.
00:12:17.582 --> 00:12:21.250
That wonderful American
institution of going new places
00:12:21.250 --> 00:12:23.270
and doing new things.
00:12:23.270 --> 00:12:25.850
- Still, after the
Second World War,
00:12:25.850 --> 00:12:29.000
two-week summer trips were
typical for middle class
00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:29.920
families.
00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:31.370
- Where are the boys?
00:12:31.370 --> 00:12:33.610
We\'ve come hundreds of
miles to see all of this.
00:12:33.610 --> 00:12:35.350
Why aren\'t they out
here to enjoy it?
00:12:35.350 --> 00:12:36.933
- Oh, they\'re back
in the car planning
00:12:36.933 --> 00:12:38.200
next summer\'s vacation.
00:12:38.200 --> 00:12:39.550
They\'re reading a book.
00:12:39.550 --> 00:12:40.806
- Reading a book?
00:12:40.806 --> 00:12:41.640
- Mmm hmm.
00:12:41.640 --> 00:12:45.607
- Holiday travel even became
a reason for buying a car.
00:12:45.607 --> 00:12:50.180
- (SINGING) So make a
date today to see the USA.
00:12:50.180 --> 00:12:53.850
And see it in your Chevrolet.
00:12:53.850 --> 00:13:00.410
00:13:00.410 --> 00:13:03.430
- By the 1970s,
American vacations
00:13:03.430 --> 00:13:05.930
were still at the
whim of employers.
00:13:05.930 --> 00:13:07.950
But people in many
other countries
00:13:07.950 --> 00:13:11.520
began to enjoy leisure by law.
00:13:11.520 --> 00:13:12.850
- I\'m from Sweden.
00:13:12.850 --> 00:13:17.000
And it\'s typical to take
four weeks\' vacation.
00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.110
You get five weeks.
00:13:18.110 --> 00:13:19.587
It\'s in the law.
00:13:19.587 --> 00:13:20.670
Everybody gets five weeks.
00:13:20.670 --> 00:13:25.750
00:13:25.750 --> 00:13:28.520
- Europeans live longer
than Americans do.
00:13:28.520 --> 00:13:32.130
They are also far less likely
to suffer from chronic illness
00:13:32.130 --> 00:13:36.250
after age 50, even though they
spend much less on health care.
00:13:36.250 --> 00:13:37.470
- Bye-bye.
00:13:37.470 --> 00:13:42.150
- Long vacations may be one
reason for their better health.
00:13:42.150 --> 00:13:46.290
The United States is now one
of only a handful of countries
00:13:46.290 --> 00:13:48.610
without a paid vacation law.
00:13:48.610 --> 00:13:53.870
The others are all
very small and poor.
00:13:53.870 --> 00:13:56.470
These vacationers
in Seattle still
00:13:56.470 --> 00:13:58.690
enjoy its tourist attractions.
00:13:58.690 --> 00:14:02.970
73% of us say vacations
help recharge our batteries.
00:14:02.970 --> 00:14:05.720
But fewer of us are
getting out like this.
00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:08.870
The average American
earns about two weeks off.
00:14:08.870 --> 00:14:12.880
That comes as a
shock to Europeans.
00:14:12.880 --> 00:14:15.790
- I cannot imagine to
have only two weeks.
00:14:15.790 --> 00:14:22.170
In Germany or France or
Spain, there are six weeks.
00:14:22.170 --> 00:14:24.950
And I think it\'s good
that it\'s six weeks.
00:14:24.950 --> 00:14:29.490
- But many employers don\'t
even offer two weeks.
00:14:29.490 --> 00:14:33.270
A 2008 poll found that a
quarter of American workers
00:14:33.270 --> 00:14:36.000
receive no paid
vacation time at all,
00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:39.370
while half got less
than one week off.
00:14:39.370 --> 00:14:43.220
That same poll found that most
Americans would support a law
00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:46.990
guaranteeing paid vacations,
with a plurality favoring
00:14:46.990 --> 00:14:48.950
a three-week holiday.
00:14:48.950 --> 00:14:51.500
Only one in seven
Americans takes
00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:54.990
a full fortnight\'s
vacation each year.
00:14:54.990 --> 00:14:56.770
Even when they get
them, Americans
00:14:56.770 --> 00:14:59.670
leave several vacation
days on the table.
00:14:59.670 --> 00:15:03.170
Many worry about being seen
as slackers if they take them.
00:15:03.170 --> 00:15:06.450
Others fear the work that will
pile up while they\'re gone.
00:15:06.450 --> 00:15:08.790
- What I run into are
people telling me,
00:15:08.790 --> 00:15:13.810
\"If I take vacation, if I take
time off, I may lose my job.
00:15:13.810 --> 00:15:15.920
I won\'t be able
to meet my bills.
00:15:15.920 --> 00:15:18.680
I won\'t be able to send
my kids to college.\"
00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:22.840
There\'s much more concern about
that and the ability of people
00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:26.150
to apply relaxation to
themselves than there
00:15:26.150 --> 00:15:29.250
was, let\'s say, five years ago.
00:15:29.250 --> 00:15:31.570
- Nearly 2/3 of
us stay connected
00:15:31.570 --> 00:15:34.080
to the office even on holidays.
00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:37.010
- The Europeans look at us,
and they just shake their heads
00:15:37.010 --> 00:15:39.230
and think, \"What
motivates you people
00:15:39.230 --> 00:15:42.920
to work so hard,
to work so long?\"
00:15:42.920 --> 00:15:47.450
And ironically, I mean... and
not notice that, ironically,
00:15:47.450 --> 00:15:50.759
the harder you work,
the behinder you get.
00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:52.300
You got Europe
Through the Back Door.
00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:53.920
That\'s a good book to start.
00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:57.420
- Rick Steves is a very
popular travel writer.
00:15:57.420 --> 00:16:00.210
- I\'ve spent 100 days
a year every year
00:16:00.210 --> 00:16:02.300
for the last 30 years
traveling in Europe,
00:16:02.300 --> 00:16:05.180
taking careful notes, and coming
home and sharing those lessons
00:16:05.180 --> 00:16:07.485
with my traveling students.
00:16:07.485 --> 00:16:09.990
- One of those lessons,
confirmed by research,
00:16:09.990 --> 00:16:13.060
is that holiday travel
generally brings more long-term
00:16:13.060 --> 00:16:15.610
satisfaction than
consumer goods.
00:16:15.610 --> 00:16:18.760
- You want experience,
or do you want stuff?
00:16:18.760 --> 00:16:20.830
Experience gives you
lifelong memories.
00:16:20.830 --> 00:16:22.920
It gives you different
perspectives, enriches --
00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:24.720
it carbonates your life.
00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:27.640
Stuff just has to be
maintained and taken care of
00:16:27.640 --> 00:16:28.780
and worried about.
00:16:28.780 --> 00:16:29.280
Hi.
00:16:29.280 --> 00:16:31.750
I\'m Rick Steves, back with
more of the best of Europe.
00:16:31.750 --> 00:16:33.770
This time we\'re in Italy.
00:16:33.770 --> 00:16:36.870
Not yesterday\'s Italy,
but today\'s Italy.
00:16:36.870 --> 00:16:38.596
We\'re... where are we this time?
00:16:38.596 --> 00:16:39.270
- Milano, Rick.
00:16:39.270 --> 00:16:46.220
00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:49.050
- Host of a long-running
public television program,
00:16:49.050 --> 00:16:52.610
Steves offers advice to those
who seek immersion in other
00:16:52.610 --> 00:16:53.380
cultures.
00:16:53.380 --> 00:16:56.660
- We make TV shows,
radio shows, guidebooks.
00:16:56.660 --> 00:16:59.410
We take 12,000 Americans
on our tours every year.
00:16:59.410 --> 00:17:01.430
And I\'ve been doing
that for 30 years.
00:17:01.430 --> 00:17:04.359
And when I started out,
all my tours were 22 days.
00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:06.554
And then my staff had
a meeting with me.
00:17:06.554 --> 00:17:08.470
And they just had to
break the sad news to me.
00:17:08.470 --> 00:17:10.650
\"Rick, if we\'re going
to really take our tour
00:17:10.650 --> 00:17:13.220
business seriously, we\'ve
got to offer shorter tours,
00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:15.200
because Americans just
don\'t have 22 days.\"
00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:18.940
- When Steves started selling
Eurail passes 30 years ago,
00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:21.430
the most popular
offered a month or more
00:17:21.430 --> 00:17:24.310
of travel in as many
as 20 countries.
00:17:24.310 --> 00:17:26.690
- But now you get much,
much shorter passes
00:17:26.690 --> 00:17:28.210
with much more focus.
00:17:28.210 --> 00:17:30.740
- We\'d like to express
our heartfelt gratitude
00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.995
to the American workforce.
00:17:31.995 --> 00:17:34.560
- Your unparalleled
work ethic demonstrates
00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:38.270
you have what it takes to drive
yourselves into the ground.
00:17:38.270 --> 00:17:41.350
- As American vacations
vanish, other companies
00:17:41.350 --> 00:17:43.490
are also taking notice.
00:17:43.490 --> 00:17:45.560
- Yet still you persevere.
00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:48.760
- And if you keep working
yourselves to death,
00:17:48.760 --> 00:17:51.600
just know we\'ll be here for you.
00:17:51.600 --> 00:17:54.390
- Europeans have the right
not to work themselves
00:17:54.390 --> 00:17:57.100
into an early grave,
and they defend that.
00:17:57.100 --> 00:17:59.374
They take that whole thing
about pursuit of happiness
00:17:59.374 --> 00:18:00.040
quite seriously.
00:18:00.040 --> 00:18:13.980
00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:17.535
- But that\'s Europe,
not the United States.
00:18:17.535 --> 00:18:18.910
- On behalf of
Corporate America,
00:18:18.910 --> 00:18:21.630
we\'d like to thank you for
siphoning valuable time away
00:18:21.630 --> 00:18:25.450
from loved ones, for trading
weekends for workends,
00:18:25.450 --> 00:18:28.830
and taking one for the team even
as your overall quality of life
00:18:28.830 --> 00:18:30.660
takes a nosedive.
00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:33.890
Thanks to your hard work and
dedication, 26% of Americans
00:18:33.890 --> 00:18:35.780
don\'t take any vacation at all.
00:18:35.780 --> 00:18:36.920
- So what happened?
00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:38.520
- Good work, America.
00:18:38.520 --> 00:18:42.090
- Why are American vacations
disappearing at a time
00:18:42.090 --> 00:18:46.244
when we are much
richer than before?
00:18:46.244 --> 00:18:48.660
- To me it seems like we\'ve
lost track of what life is all
00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:52.040
about, because we\'re pressured
to constantly be growing,
00:18:52.040 --> 00:18:52.850
always more.
00:18:52.850 --> 00:18:54.920
To me the crisis,
the economic crisis,
00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:57.160
is having to constantly grow.
00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:59.660
It\'s like the hamster was
going as fast as he could
00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:01.870
five years ago, and every
year he\'s got to go faster.
00:19:01.870 --> 00:19:05.760
We need to get smart
about what really matters.
00:19:05.760 --> 00:19:07.010
What really matters?
00:19:07.010 --> 00:19:11.520
The well-being of our seniors,
the health of our environment,
00:19:11.520 --> 00:19:16.150
the shaping of our
children, the freedom
00:19:16.150 --> 00:19:17.980
to enjoy our lives
without always
00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:21.060
having to play for our
financial well-being
00:19:21.060 --> 00:19:24.130
and constantly growing.
00:19:24.130 --> 00:19:26.880
- Offering more vacation
time might actually
00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:28.490
be smart business.
00:19:28.490 --> 00:19:30.730
Many studies find
that workers are
00:19:30.730 --> 00:19:33.510
more productive when
they take breaks.
00:19:33.510 --> 00:19:36.350
And 84% percent of
Americans agree.
00:19:36.350 --> 00:19:40.810
- I think about what I
can do for my job, how
00:19:40.810 --> 00:19:42.180
I can improve upon it.
00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:44.330
And it\'s like a conference.
00:19:44.330 --> 00:19:46.400
You get re-energized when
you go to conferences.
00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:48.150
Same thing for me when
I go on a vacation.
00:19:48.150 --> 00:19:50.540
00:19:50.540 --> 00:19:51.080
- Hi, Ellen.
00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:53.070
- Nine in 10 Americans
believe vacations
00:19:53.070 --> 00:19:56.020
improve both
happiness and health.
00:19:56.020 --> 00:19:59.510
That matters when medical
care is so expensive
00:19:59.510 --> 00:20:03.480
and Americans report
unparalleled levels of stress.
00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:04.770
- Stress is everywhere.
00:20:04.770 --> 00:20:06.720
It\'s ubiquitous in our society.
00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:08.440
It can do great harm to us.
00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:11.090
The way we work is all out.
00:20:11.090 --> 00:20:13.740
We basically work too much.
00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.940
We have too many
demands on our time.
00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:17.260
Is that just time constraint?
00:20:17.260 --> 00:20:19.810
We don\'t spend enough
attention and time
00:20:19.810 --> 00:20:21.030
on our health portfolio.
00:20:21.030 --> 00:20:23.830
We spend too much time on
our financial portfolio.
00:20:23.830 --> 00:20:25.890
Have a stressful day,
or anything different?
00:20:25.890 --> 00:20:30.070
- Dr. Sarah Speck calls
stress the new tobacco.
00:20:30.070 --> 00:20:32.990
- Stress causes us to
constrict our blood vessels,
00:20:32.990 --> 00:20:35.210
just like nicotine
in tobacco does.
00:20:35.210 --> 00:20:38.830
Stress is as important in
developing heart disease
00:20:38.830 --> 00:20:40.960
as having uncontrolled
high blood pressure
00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:42.890
or being medically obese.
00:20:42.890 --> 00:20:46.510
That\'s the biochemical
power of being overworked
00:20:46.510 --> 00:20:48.339
and overburdened and
feeling stressed.
00:20:48.339 --> 00:20:49.630
- It was one of those mornings.
00:20:49.630 --> 00:20:50.560
Lots on my mind.
00:20:50.560 --> 00:20:53.340
- Men who don\'t take
vacations are 30% more
00:20:53.340 --> 00:20:56.490
likely to have a heart attack
than men who do take vacations.
00:20:56.490 --> 00:20:58.550
- For women who
don\'t take vacations,
00:20:58.550 --> 00:21:01.700
the number is higher, at 50%.
00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:05.090
They are also much more likely
to suffer from depression.
00:21:05.090 --> 00:21:07.180
- The pharmaceutical
industry applauds
00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:09.880
this nation\'s obsession
with career advancement.
00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:12.580
Thanks to your inability
to balance life with work,
00:21:12.580 --> 00:21:14.730
sales are through the roof.
00:21:14.730 --> 00:21:16.620
Indeed, 45% of
Americans don\'t use
00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:18.750
all of their vacation
time, a proven
00:21:18.750 --> 00:21:21.610
cause of stress-induced
illness and depression.
00:21:21.610 --> 00:21:23.470
So stay the course.
00:21:23.470 --> 00:21:25.320
- We\'ve got to have
our replenishing time.
00:21:25.320 --> 00:21:28.470
So what I\'m seeing as a health
care professional is that,
00:21:28.470 --> 00:21:32.160
rather than people having heart
attacks in their 60s and 70s
00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:34.150
when I first became
a cardiologist,
00:21:34.150 --> 00:21:39.380
I\'m now seeing it in
their 40s and 50s.
00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:42.680
- Troy Glennon thinks a
change is long overdue.
00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:45.680
Until recently, he ran
a small travel business
00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:47.310
from a Seattle garage.
00:21:47.310 --> 00:21:49.310
- I started Go South
Adventures in order
00:21:49.310 --> 00:21:54.150
that I could guarantee, as
the boss, time off to travel.
00:21:54.150 --> 00:21:57.890
I feel that one month
should be the minimum.
00:21:57.890 --> 00:22:00.470
And that\'s our minimum.
00:22:00.470 --> 00:22:02.530
- Glennon offered
small group tours
00:22:02.530 --> 00:22:06.850
to Patagonia, the Galapagos
Islands, and Machu Picchu.
00:22:06.850 --> 00:22:10.487
But for his American clients,
the trips always seemed short.
00:22:10.487 --> 00:22:12.570
- I mean, it\'s funny to
see people who are already
00:22:12.570 --> 00:22:16.800
exhibiting stress before
their vacation has ended,
00:22:16.800 --> 00:22:18.000
and sort of lamenting.
00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.624
Especially when they look around
to their European counterparts
00:22:20.624 --> 00:22:23.446
or Australians, it
makes us all jealous.
00:22:23.446 --> 00:22:25.820
It makes us all jealous, and
a little resentful, I think.
00:22:25.820 --> 00:22:29.270
00:22:29.270 --> 00:22:32.880
How is it in the
United States that we
00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:37.730
can\'t have parity
with Europeans?
00:22:37.730 --> 00:22:40.500
- A bill introduced
in Congress in 2009
00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:44.850
would have mandated a week
or two of paid vacation time.
00:22:44.850 --> 00:22:45.805
It went nowhere.
00:22:45.805 --> 00:22:48.640
00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:51.830
- How important are vacations
to your overall well-being?
00:22:51.830 --> 00:22:53.070
Very important, important...
00:22:53.070 --> 00:22:55.760
- For vacations to
become law in America,
00:22:55.760 --> 00:22:59.030
the process may have to
begin at the state level.
00:22:59.030 --> 00:23:01.510
- So how satisfied are
you with the frequency
00:23:01.510 --> 00:23:04.269
that you are able
to take vacations?
00:23:04.269 --> 00:23:05.810
So most of you it
seems like somewhat
00:23:05.810 --> 00:23:08.040
satisfied or unsatisfied.
00:23:08.040 --> 00:23:11.250
- At a Western Washington
University interactive forum,
00:23:11.250 --> 00:23:13.340
students debate the issue.
00:23:13.340 --> 00:23:15.290
- Feeling like your job,
your position at work
00:23:15.290 --> 00:23:16.748
is being jeopardized
because you\'re
00:23:16.748 --> 00:23:19.530
on vacation is a
really huge fear
00:23:19.530 --> 00:23:21.360
for a lot of American workers.
00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:24.330
And if there was a
mandatory paid vacation that
00:23:24.330 --> 00:23:27.630
was countrywide, it would
help eliminate that fear.
00:23:27.630 --> 00:23:30.150
- Recently I took a
week-long vacation.
00:23:30.150 --> 00:23:32.600
And what I realized
when I returned
00:23:32.600 --> 00:23:35.260
was that vacation
was very rejuvenating
00:23:35.260 --> 00:23:37.480
and offered me a
lot of opportunity
00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:40.679
to reflect on my life and
leave my normal routines.
00:23:40.679 --> 00:23:42.720
And it wasn\'t until I
returned from that vacation
00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:44.820
I realized how powerful
that was for me.
00:23:44.820 --> 00:23:47.300
- But the sentiment
is not unanimous.
00:23:47.300 --> 00:23:51.720
- It\'s a great idea, but it
seems a little unrealistic.
00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:55.240
- I think it should be left up
to the owner of the business
00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:59.035
whether they want to give paid
vacation to their employees
00:23:59.035 --> 00:23:59.825
or not.
00:23:59.825 --> 00:24:03.030
- I think it\'s also probably
true that not a lot of people
00:24:03.030 --> 00:24:05.300
can afford to have vacations.
00:24:05.300 --> 00:24:08.670
- Still, a majority seems
eager to show support.
00:24:08.670 --> 00:24:10.980
- Would you be willing to
support a mandatory paid
00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:13.430
vacation law in Washington?
00:24:13.430 --> 00:24:16.520
So we\'ve got 4% of
people saying they\'re not
00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:18.740
interested in
supporting this law.
00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:22.330
We have 25% saying that
they would sign a petition.
00:24:22.330 --> 00:24:25.015
- No state currently
has such a law.
00:24:25.015 --> 00:24:28.040
But Puerto Ricans, who
are American citizens,
00:24:28.040 --> 00:24:30.350
get three weeks of
mandated annual leave.
00:24:30.350 --> 00:24:31.600
- 27% saying they would lobby.
00:24:31.600 --> 00:24:34.470
00:24:34.470 --> 00:24:37.310
- You really wind
down that first week.
00:24:37.310 --> 00:24:39.700
And then that second week is
just, you\'re really relaxed.
00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:41.980
You\'re not thinking about work.
00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:46.290
So having two weeks off or
three weeks off, it\'s nice.
00:24:46.290 --> 00:24:48.800
It really is.
00:24:48.800 --> 00:24:53.450
- The case for paid vacations
is well supported by research.
00:24:53.450 --> 00:24:57.060
Still, many small business
owners believe they can\'t offer
00:24:57.060 --> 00:25:00.180
time off when their
competitors don\'t.
00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:02.890
They need help to cope with
the scheduling issues that
00:25:02.890 --> 00:25:05.650
come with more vacation
time, and a little time
00:25:05.650 --> 00:25:07.840
to make the transition.
00:25:07.840 --> 00:25:09.950
Yet can\'t the world\'s
richest nation
00:25:09.950 --> 00:25:13.700
provide what virtually every
other country already does?
00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:17.270
- The only thing
exceptional about Americans
00:25:17.270 --> 00:25:19.120
is our ability to think
we are exceptional.
00:25:19.120 --> 00:25:22.050
00:25:22.050 --> 00:25:24.760
I just feel so
strongly about that.
00:25:24.760 --> 00:25:26.980
- And of course
we are exceptional
00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:29.730
when it comes to vacation time.
00:25:29.730 --> 00:25:33.450
So as obesity rates
rise, health costs soar,
00:25:33.450 --> 00:25:37.160
and children lose touch
with nature and play,
00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:40.809
don\'t we all need
a little break?
00:25:40.809 --> 00:25:42.100
- Let\'s try to get on a ballot.
00:25:42.100 --> 00:25:44.370
Let\'s try to bring this
to the national forum
00:25:44.370 --> 00:25:47.655
so we can all move forward
and lead healthier, happier,
00:25:47.655 --> 00:25:49.588
and productive lives ultimately.
00:25:49.588 --> 00:25:53.860
00:25:53.860 --> 00:25:56.648
[MUSIC - \"I NEED A BREAK FROM IT
ALL\"]
00:25:56.648 --> 00:26:36.118
