SCOOP

Staying Connected While on Vacation

I don't know about you, but when I go on vacation, I like to check my email occasionally. I'll spend a few minutes in the business center deleting spam and sending notes to family and friends. Lately, I've used email as my vacation postcards. No stamps to buy either! So, I'm a big fan of free and accessible computers at a hotel.

I recently read in USA Weekend an article that said I wasn't alone. Seems that "nearly a quarter of American Workers" check their email (or voice mail) while on vacation. Supposedly Expedia.com did a survey on vacation deprivation and also found that 31% of workers will not use all their vacation days because of job pressures.

I think there's an opportunity for tourism marketers somewhere in these facts. Yes, one needs to disconnect to relieve the stress of work. But for those who can't leave behind their work responsibilities entirely, checking email and staying involved, may be a middle of the road solution. As long as one can limit computer use and get back to the real enjoyment of vacation and leisure, then everything is in perspective.

So put your thinking caps on hoteliers -- we know vacation and leisure time is not a luxury -- it's a necessity to save people from the emotional and physical illnesses that chronic work stress can create. How do we balance this with the need to stay connected to one's office? Bet you'll see this soon in someone's advertising...