In a world where work-life balance often teeters, Canadians appear to have a slight edge over their American counterparts when it comes to taking time off. According to Expedia’s latest Vacation Deprivation Report, released just last month, Canadians are taking more vacation days annually and feeling slightly less vacation deprived compared to Americans. Despite this, a significant portion of Canadians still feel they aren’t taking full advantage of their allotted time off.
Bragging rights: Canadians outpacing Americans in vacation time
The Vacation Deprivation Report, now in its 24th year, reveals that Canadians take an average of seven more vacation days annually than Americans. However, 58 percent of Canadians still report feeling vacation deprived, a term used to describe the feeling of not having enough time off. This figure, while substantial, is lower than the 65 percent of Americans who share this sentiment.
Interestingly, less than half of Canadians (45%) used all their vacation days in 2023. Moreover, only a quarter have already booked or taken vacation this year. This suggests that while Canadians have more time off, they may not be utilizing it as effectively as they could.
Regional differences in vacation usage, even amongst Canadians
A closer look at the regional data within Canada shows varying vacation habits. Atlantic Canada takes the least amount of vacation days, while Québec residents enjoy the most time off annually. This regional disparity highlights the cultural and perhaps economic differences in how Canadians approach vacation time.
Global comparisons: Lessons from other countries
The report offers valuable insights by comparing vacation habits globally. For instance, American and Japanese workers take a similar number of days off each year (11 and 12 days, respectively), yet Japan has the lowest vacation deprivation levels in the world at 53 percent. In stark contrast, France and Hong Kong residents take nearly a month off annually, with France boasting a culture that highly values leisure time.
Canadian workers are slightly more likely to go a year or more between vacations compared to the global average (21% vs 18%). The primary reason Canadians cited for leaving vacation days unused was saving them for emergencies. Meanwhile, Americans often felt life was too busy to plan or take vacations.
Here’s how you too can maximize your vacation time
Expedia’s Melanie Fish emphasizes the importance of learning from other countries’ vacation strategies. “We may not be able to control how many days off we get, but the research begs the question: What can we learn from other countries that will help Canadians use their time off to the fullest extent,” says Fish.
In Japan, the key to lower vacation deprivation seems to be frequent, short getaways. Japanese workers are almost seven times more likely to vacation monthly compared to Canadians (32% vs 5%). This approach leverages federal holidays or office and school closures to enjoy frequent breaks without exhausting paid time off.
In France, spreading vacation days throughout the year rather than saving for a single big trip helps reduce pressure and ensures more consistent rest and relaxation. This strategy could be particularly beneficial for Canadians, who often end up not using all their saved vacation days.
Overcoming barriers to vacation planning
One major barrier to taking time off is the stress of planning and booking vacations. Nearly half of Canadians (47%) feel overwhelmed by the process. However, technology can ease this burden. Tools like Expedia’s Price Tracking feature help travelers find affordable flights and accommodations, making the booking process less stressful.
Encouraging Canadians to continue to take more time off
With summer in full swing, there’s no better time for vacation-deprived Canadians to plan their next getaway. Expedia’s Summer Sale, running through July 14, offers savings of 25% or more on thousands of hotels, with deals valid for travel through the end of October. This promotion provides an excellent opportunity for Canadians to ensure they don’t leave any vacation days unused this year.
Embracing a healthier work-life balance
The findings of Expedia’s Vacation Deprivation Report underline the importance of taking time off to recharge and rejuvenate. While Canadians are doing better than Americans in terms of vacation days taken, there is still room for improvement. By adopting some of the vacation strategies from countries like Japan and France, Canadians can make better use of their time off, leading to a healthier work-life balance.
As Melanie Fish aptly puts it, “In 2024, there’s tech that makes it easier. If it’s flight prices keeping you up at night, Price Tracking in the app helps members book without the stress and get to the fun part — vacation.”
So, as the summer progresses, it’s time for Canadians to prioritize rest, relaxation, and adventure, ensuring they make the most of their well-deserved time off. Simply booking your next trip, with Expedia’s Trip Planner.
