Photo by Pegalaurasrex.

Vanishing Vacations and American Dreams

07/03/2009 at 12:00 p.m.

Vanishing Vacations

It's called "vacation trepidation." Americans don't take the vacation time they're entitled to. And when we're on vacation, many of us are still working. Why can't we relax? And what's the result of vacation trepidation? Americans say vacation is an important benefit. But we don't act like it's important. On average Americans don't use three days of the vacation time they're entitled to each year. Is it the stress of planning a vacation? Are we more comfortable at work than we are taking time off? Are we afraid of slipping behind at work? Is it that we can't afford to go on vacation?

Living the Dream?

On the eve of our nation's birthday is the American dream still alive? Is this a country where each generation can create a better life? Is this a land of opportunity where everyone can succeed? What's the state of the American dream?