(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY KIM ST. ONGE

Desperate for a vacation but just can’t seem to find time to take off? A new survey suggests--you’re not alone.  KOLR explains.

“A survey from Expedia finds the average worker earned 14 days off but only used 12 of them this year.”

No big deal--only two days, right? According to the study, with the average full-time worker in the U.S earning about $39,000 a year, that adds up to $34 billion dollars worth of lost time!

KDKA reports Americans are already at a disadvantage globally.

“Americans already start with fewer vacation days and most other developed countries. For example, workers in Europe get up to 30 days off a year compared to an average of 14 days off a year in this country.”   

And according to the study, countries like Spain, France, and the UK don’t waste any of those days.

CNN Money quotes the TD Ameritrade managing director-- who argues -- with companies doing more with less these days, there’s a rhyme and a reason why Americans hesitant to take a vay-cay.

"People feel that they need face time in the office. They worry that being out of the office might make them next on the list."

A writer for Strategic Sourceror says--don’t get too upset if you can’t afford to hit the beach... there’s other ways to take a breather.  

“Don't forget the stay-cation. A stay-cation gives you time to regroup from the stress of work and it saves money. Everyone deserves a break, so look for some cost saving ways to take advantage of your 2 unused days before the year is over.”

The most common reasons workers say they don’t trade in their business suits for bathing suits?

According the study-- affordability and lack of planning.