About 7% of U.S. companies offered unlimited paid time off (PTO) as an employee benefit in 2024, up from just 1% in 2014.1 When companies adopt unlimited PTO policies, there is no specific cap on the number of paid vacation and/or sick days employees can take, although requests for time off are typically subject to a manager's approval. With traditional benefit programs, long-time employees accrue more paid vacation days than newer hires. On average, private-industry employees in the United … [Read more...]
Staycations Are About More Than Saving Money
In March 2025, 61% of respondents to a travel-related survey expressed concern that a recession might impact their vacation plans. The same percentage were planning a staycation instead.1 Common during the pandemic when air travel and large crowds were not viable options, staycations involve spending your vacation at or near home. While they may be a great way to save money, staycations can also help you reduce stress, one of the primary reasons many people take time off. Address … [Read more...]
Family Fun for Less: Tips to Help Cut Costs on Your Next Vacation
Rising prices can make planning a budget-friendly family vacation challenging. In fact, the average cost for a week-long vacation for a family of four to a theme park can easily run upwards of $6,000.1 Consider these saving strategies when planning your next family getaway. Set a budget. Your first step should be to set a realistic budget for your vacation. Start out by determining the amount of money you are able to spend on your trip. Next, identify your vacation expenses. These include … [Read more...]
Travel Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
Spending by foreign visitors in the United States, including fares on U.S. airlines, is considered an export for purposes of U.S. gross domestic product, while spending by U.S. citizens in foreign countries and on foreign airlines is considered an import. Both types of travel spending were hit hard by the pandemic but surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024. However, prior to the pandemic, spending by foreign visitors was generally higher than U.S. citizens' spending in foreign countries — … [Read more...]
