As the peak summer travel
season draws to a close, nearly two-thirds of Americans polled (63 percent)
said they could use more vacation time. The top things they would do with their
extra time off: just relax (58 percent), see family and friends (49 percent),
visit a city (42 percent), hit the beach (37 percent) and enjoy nature (31%).
"With the economy
continuing to grow, people are feeling more confident about their jobs and
looking to travel more," said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive
officer, Choice Hotels International. "Still, value remains a priority,
which makes late summer and fall great times to get away. The crowds have
thinned out, the weather is still beautiful, and travel is typically less
expensive."
But what about those
unfortunate souls who have used up all their vacation days for the year? Nearly
one in five respondents (11 percent) said they would come up with an excuse to
get additional time off. Their excuses ran the gamut, from trend-inspired
(pop-up wedding, zombie apocalypse) to tried-and-true (car trouble, cancelled
flight, family emergency). Choice Hotels has sifted through the data. Following
is the company's List of 25 Creative Excuses for Getting More Vacation Days, as
revealed by its 2013 End-of-Summer/Fall Travel Survey.
25 Creative Excuses for
taking time off
Out-Of-This World
I had to stay home to
prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
Martians kidnapped my
boyfriend, and I must rescue him.
I was ambushed by zombies.
(Un) Natural Disasters
My aquarium busted, and I
must save my fish.
A garbage truck is on fire
at the end of my driveway.
There's a snake on my
porch.
What We Do For Love
I had to attend a pop-up
wedding.
My mother's car broke down
on a cross-country trip, and I had to go and assist her.
My child came home with a
really contagious eye infection. I should stay away from the office until its
safe.
My husband will be out
sick today, Friday and Monday.
My sister got kidnapped,
and I must go find her.
Bad Hair Days
My wife got a terrible
hair-coloring job, and I must stay home to provide moral support.
I'm having a hair
malfunction.
My hair dye turned out to
be orange, and I cannot be seen in public.
Health & Wellness
I'm under the weather due
to a sympathetic pregnancy.
I got mercury poisoning
from a busted thermometer.
I had an out-of-town
dental appointment.
I gave up my seat on the
plane to an elderly person and couldn't get back for a few days.
Pet Peeves
My dog did not wake me.
My dog ate my shoes.
My dog hid my car keys.
My bird is sick.
Busted
My grandmother died (twice
in one year).
I'm having trouble with my
prostrate (reported by a woman).
I am meeting on a project
with a co-worker (who was actually in a meeting at the time with the caller's
boss).
