No vacation since 2021? That’ not healthy dude, neither physically nor mentally. I do appreciate some Americans have neither the vacation available nor the inclination to avail themselves of what they do have, but nothing since 2021? Wow.

Not to be smug or anything, but I have never left any unused vacation time on the table as the rule is “use it or lose it” where I’m at. So I’ll take all 6 weeks every single year, no exception. Usually divided up into 2 times a week, one time 3 weeks and the rest used to bridge public holidays and weekends. All in all it’s something like 45 days away from the office a year, which is just about acceptable.

From my perspective a cruise is right down there on the list along with a week in the New York sewer system, with anything “all-inclusive” being just a nudge or two above that.

If you can afford it, I’d recommend a Greek island. Any island really, except the influencer nightmare that is Santorini. Kastellorizo is a good bet, and if you just want peace and quiet you can’t go wrong with Symi. If you want to have a bit more of a lively scene, Kos or Crete are good options.

I’m off on my second vacation of the year in a little less than a month. A relaxing week in Chania on Greece, enjoying an amazing array of excellent restaurants, fantastic beaches, great weather and that unique Greek atmosphere I truly love. All from the base of a small, and exceedingly cool, hotel run by an amazing husband/wife/son/daughter team. A hotel which fulfils another major requirement of mine: Not being affiliated with any chain.