How to Ensure a Stress-Free Vacation

Image: PHOTO: A stressed traveler. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: A stressed traveler. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 6:35 PM ET, Thu May 18, 2017

Americans are more stressed out than ever, and they're taking it out on their vacation time.

According to a recent survey commissioned by Wyndham Vacation Rentals and conducted by APCO Insight, more than half of U.S. vacationers say they are more stressed now compared to last year.

What's more, 37 percent of Americans have admitted to canceling or delaying their trips as a result.

The survey also identified having too many choices, separating from work and traveling with a significant other to be some of the biggest stressors for travelers in 2017.

However, the research also uncovered a handful of keys to a stress-free vacation.

Actually enjoying your time off can be as simple as packing your bags well in advance of your trip. According to the survey, 65 percent of the more than 1,000 respondents indicated that not procrastinating on packing would minimize stress. The idea of packing is so repulsive to Americans that half say they would give up alcohol for a month or sign off of social media for a week to avoid doing it.

Leaving work at home and giving yourself enough time to unplug can also make a big difference. Wyndham's survey discovered that 56 percent of Americans feel not checking work email and voicemail reduces stress.

A majority are also in agreement that taking an extra day off work before departing, or coming back from vacation a couple of days before you return to work, can ease the anxiety.

[READMORE] READ MORE: Where Will Americans Vacation in 2017? [/READMORE]

Booking accommodations with space and privacy are also helpful.

More than six out of 10 U.S vacationers believe doing so makes vacation less stressful and 50 percent say being able to do laundry on your getaway is beneficial to one's mindset.

Nearly half (48 percent) of Americans also believe having a ready-made vacation itinerary is helpful for reducing stress.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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