As the peak summer travel season draws to a close, nearly two-thirds of Americans polled (63 percent) said they could use more vacation time. The top things they would do with their extra time off: just relax (58 percent), see family and friends (49 percent), visit a city (42 percent), hit the beach (37 percent) and enjoy nature (31%).
ROCKVILLE, MD. – Heading into the long Labor Day weekend, most Americans (66 percent) report they plan to take a leisure trip for the end of the summer or fall this year, according to a nationwide survey conducted this month by Choice Hotels International, Inc.
As the peak summer travel season draws to a close, nearly two-thirds of Americans polled (63 percent) said they could use more vacation time. The top things they would do with their extra time off: just relax (58 percent), see family and friends (49 percent), visit a city (42 percent), hit the beach (37 percent) and enjoy nature (31%).
“With the economy continuing to grow, people are feeling more confident about their jobs and looking to travel more,” said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels International. “Still, value remains a priority, which makes late summer and fall great times to get away. The crowds have thinned out, the weather is still beautiful, and travel is typically less expensive.”
But what about those unfortunate souls who have used up all their vacation days for the year? Nearly one in five respondents (11 percent) said they would come up with an excuse to get additional time off. Their excuses ran the gamut, from trend-inspired (pop-up wedding, zombie apocalypse) to tried-and-true (car trouble, cancelled flight, family emergency). Choice Hotels has sifted through the data. Following is the company’s List of 25 Creative Excuses for Getting More Vacation Days, as revealed by its 2013 End-of-Summer/Fall Travel Survey.
25 Creative Excuses for taking time off
Out-Of-This World
- I had to stay home to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
- Martians kidnapped my boyfriend, and I must rescue him.
- I was ambushed by zombies.
(Un) Natural Disasters
- My aquarium busted, and I must save my fish.
- A garbage truck is on fire at the end of my driveway.
- There’s a snake on my porch.
What We Do For Love
- I had to attend a pop-up wedding.
- My mother’s car broke down on a cross-country trip, and I had to go and assist her.
- My child came home with a really contagious eye infection. I should stay away from the office until its safe.
- My husband will be out sick today, Friday and Monday.
- My sister got kidnapped, and I must go find her.
Bad Hair Days
- My wife got a terrible hair-coloring job, and I must stay home to provide moral support.
- I’m having a hair malfunction.
- My hair dye turned out to be orange, and I cannot be seen in public.
Health & Wellness
- I’m under the weather due to a sympathetic pregnancy.
- I got mercury poisoning from a busted thermometer.
- I had an out-of-town dental appointment.
- I gave up my seat on the plane to an elderly person and couldn’t get back for a few days.
Pet Peeves
- My dog did not wake me.
- My dog ate my shoes.
- My dog hid my car keys.
- My bird is sick.
Busted
- My grandmother died (twice in one year).
- I’m having trouble with my prostrate (reported by a woman).
- I am meeting on a project with a co-worker (who was actually in a meeting at the time with the caller’s boss).
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
