Dear Joyce,

When compared to other industrialized countries in the world, Americans are awarded the least amount of paid vacation. We are light years ahead in lots of areas, but when it comes to quality of life - on average most companies allow their employees just two weeks of paid vacation a year.

A Harris Interactive poll, paid for by Expedia, recently disclosed that only 14% of all Americans take vacations as long as 14 days in a row. Most of us will take long weekends of 3 or 4 days off - A surprising 86% of our population never knows what it feels like to have an extended reprieve from the daily grind of work.

The question to ponder is will this amount of time off really allow us to unwind, de-stress and reconnect with our families??? Wouldn't our work force be more productive if we knew that each and every year we would be guaranteed several weeks of paid vacation?

Several countries in Europe provide several weeks of paid vacation a year for their employees. I think this is great as it allows workers to spend quality time with their families - after all the main reason we spend over 40 hours a week working is so we can provide for our families. And it is no secret that the French, Germans, Italians and Australians are keen on traveling. These countries typically allow a minimum of five weeks paid leave to their working population, and some of these countries extend their vacation time up to seven weeks p/year.

As someone who loves to travel I help many people plan family vacations with just four or five days - and I always wish these clients had more time to actually see the sights, relax, unwind, and reconnect with their loved ones.

We have planned more large family get-togethers this year than ever before and I think, "How wonderful, this is a cherished moment being created that everyone will be able to fondly look back on and say - I am so glad I did this."

I just wish as a nation more of us would have the opportunity to have more time off from work to spend with their family. I think it is important to live with a thirst, zest and passion to experience all life has to offer - after all, we don't get second chances. We all work hard and deserve to live a happy, healthy life.

So next time you're thinking about planning your family getaway, just do it, don't wait!

Live life now!