17 Signs You Need a Vacation

We know what you’ve been thinking — you need a vacation.

More than half of Americans agreed that “taking time off is more important than ever,” according to a 2023 consumer insight report from the U.S. Travel Association. Yet, fintech company Sorbet’s 2024 PTO report found that nearly two-thirds of workers are not using their vacation days. Undoubtedly, the many business owners, stay-at-home parents and non-corporate folks of the world who don’t receive paid days off have even less time for themselves.

Yes, there is lots to be done and seemingly not enough time to do it, but you can’t constantly operate at full-speed without a rest stop. That’s just not how people are programmed. Burnout is real. Like a wind-up toy that’s been cranked to capacity, you can only go so long at your strongest before you start to slow down.

Being overworked and constantly connected can lead to mental and physical stresses that can be just as detrimental to your health as being sick. And it’s not just you who feels it. All the reasons why you work so hard in the first place — your job, your family and friends — start to become affected by your stress too. Don’t discount the importance of a much-needed, well-deserved dose of R&R. Whether you would like to get away with your family or are thinking of venturing out solo, you need a vacation to refresh and come back better than ever.

Here are some real (and other not-so-serious) signs that it may be time to get in touch with a AAA travel counselor ASAP.

Signs You Need a Vacation

You’re on edge.

Your inner dialogue is full of irrational villain-esque criticisms and nitpicking of absolutely everything. Things you normally wouldn’t flinch at or may have never bothered you before are now driving you insane. You might snap at your partner for leaving their dishes in the sink or maybe you curse the phone every time it rings. Don’t they know you are busy (Netflix binging)?

You, um, forget stuff.

You have so much weighing on your mind that you start forgetting about other, sometimes important, things. You know those days when you put on two different socks, can’t remember where you parked or maybe even forgot to pick your kids up from school? Too many of those days are a clear sign that you need a vacation to recharge.

Your passport is looking a little empty.

When’s the last time you used that thing anyway? Better check before you start planning a trip. It might be time to renew. Learn about AAA’s passport services.

You’re low on sunshine.

Your doctor might have told you that you are lacking vitamin D, which is a common deficiency. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, so go somewhere far from the fluorescent lights above your cubicle and soak in some rays.

You order a pina colada at happy hour but it just doesn’t hit the same.

And getting caught in the rain is not fun either.

New vices.

Whether it’s a drink after work, snacking throughout the day, overeating or sneaking in an occasional smoke break, you’ve picked up an unhealthy habit to deal with the stresses of one long day after another. You clearly need a vacation, but in the meantime try exercising to release tension instead.

Travel commercials make you overly emotional.

What a perfect life that couple is having, splashing around on the beach and clinking champagne glasses in an infinity pool. And here you are eating chips in your sweatpants, trying to determine if it’s where they are, how happy they look or how great they look in their bathing suits that’s making you the most envious right now.

You don’t care.

Motivation is lacking and you’ve been feeling depressed.

The most excitement your sunglasses have seen lately is the glare on your commute home …

Which, incidentally, is causing everyone to drive 5 mph and making you a little crazy. First, take a deep breath. Next, contact your AAA travel advisor. This service is included with your membership (translation: It’s free)!

You’re always tired.

Too much stress can lead to having trouble sleeping, which can lead to trouble staying awake at your desk. If you’ve become best friends with the snooze button, your body is telling you that you need a vacation.

You can’t think.

You have a deadline to meet, but all you can think about is if it’s Friday yet. You find yourself unable to concentrate, easily distracted and no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get your brain to work.

You forget what it feels like to function without caffeine.

Must. Have. Another cup of coffee …

The closest you’ve been to a spa is your own bathtub.

Maybe you lit some candles. Treat yourself to a real spa day or, even better, a week-long wellness retreat.

Daydreaming all the time.

In meetings, you find yourself lost in thoughts of palm trees and steel drum bands. And on the road, traffic becomes a mirage of a desolate beach. Just try not to daydream yourself into the car in front of you.

Why does it seem like everyone else has time for a vacation?

Your bank account is not balanced.

As in, most, if not all of the things you pay for are bills and necessities and not enough fun things that make you happy. Treat yourself!

You keep revisiting old photo albums and living vicariously through your happy, vacationing self.

Time to get started on creating some fresh, new memories.

So what’s the verdict? Do you need a vacation? Whether your ideal getaway involves exploring faraway destinations, a road trip, family time at a theme park or lounging around on a cruise or in the Caribbean, don’t let those vacations days go to waste.

First Step: Planning

Stop procrastinating and start making your much-needed vacation a reality. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Create a tentative budget and a schedule. Penciling in the date not only gives you something to look forward to but it gives you a goal to work toward.

Research the pros and cons of traveling to your desired destination during your preferred time frame. Will the attractions and activities that you are most interested in seeing be available?

Book with a travel advisor. In addition to providing in-depth expertise about destinations across the globe, these professionals have relationships with cruise lines, hotels and tour operators and often have access to special rates and added benefits that you can’t find anywhere else.

Take advantage of exclusive travel discounts on car rentals, flights, hotels, vacation packages and more.

Check your passport. It can take up to six weeks to get a new passport, and some destinations require it to be valid for six months beyond your return date. If you don’t have a passport, you will need a REAL ID to travel domestically. Make sure you have enough time to get all of the necessary documentation needed before you go on your trip.

Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen events such as personal emergencies, weather-related delays and cancellations, and more.

Start planning your next vacation (and soon) with a AAA travel advisor.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.