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These 3 States Take the Most Vacation Days

Aug. 10, 2018
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2 min read
taking vacation days
These 3 States Take the Most Vacation Days
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A recent report from Project: Time Off looked into which US states are leading the nation in vacation days — and which states could certainly use some more R&R.

The group surveyed more than 4,000 American workers, ages 18 and up, who work more than 35 hours a week and receive paid time off from their employer and found that when it comes to taking vacation days, employees in Colorado, Virginia, and Arizona take the lead, while Montana, Delaware, and Rhode Island are the worst.

Colorado workers take more vacations days than any other state at around 20 days compared to the national average of 17 days. Virginia comes in second with nearly 19 days and 52% of Virginians say their company cultures encourages vacation usage — a crucial factor that determines whether an employee will take time off.

In a separate report by Kimble, a survey of more than 1,200 full-time American employees found that 19% said they've felt pressured by their managers to not take a vacation and 27% felt taking time off would add stress because of too many projects and deadlines. Similarly, even when employees vacation, they find it hard to unplug from work. Nearly half said they check work during their time off.

When the US is the only developed country that does not require paid time off, it's no wonder more than half the workers surveyed by Project: Time Off reported they had unused vacation days left at the end of 2017; that's the least in the past 7 years.

We value travel more than just about anything at TPG, and while we make trips around the globe for work-related purposes, we encourage vacation time whenever necessary. Time off is good for your health and your career. Of the Americans taking all or most of their vacation days, 20% are happier with their personal relationships and 56% happier with their health and well-being than their counterparts who take few or no vacation days. Additionally, those using their time off to travel are happier with their companies. If you can't remember the last time you took some time off, it might be time to make the trip you've been thinking about. A vacation shouldn't be stressful so plan in advance and follow other tips on taking a break.

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.