NPR: vacation

Is endless vacation a scam?

Darian Woods — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:13:33 -0400

Unlimited paid time off may sound like a nice perk, but it's not always what it appears. Employers aren't typically obligated to pay out unused vacation balances when a worker leaves, and it can be hard for workers to understand just how much time they can actually take off.

And yet ... endless leave?? It doesn't sound so bad.

Today on the show, is unlimited paid time off really a benefit? We try to figure out whether it works.

Related episodes:
Vacation, and why the U.S. takes so little of it (Apple / Spotify)
The 28-Hour Work Week

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Sunday Puzzle: Name these iconic U.S. summer vacation destinations!

Will Shortz — Sun, 26 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with KNSR listener Tom Hergert of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Weekend Edition puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

When PTO stands for 'pretend time off': Doctors struggle to take real breaks

Sat, 04 May 2024 07:01:14 -0400

What's a typical vacation activity for doctors? Work. A new study finds that most physicians do work on a typical day off. In this essay, a family doctor considers why that is and why it matters.

(Image credit: Wolfgang Kaehler)

Here's how 10 minutes of mindfulness can help make or break a family vacation

Allison Aubrey — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 05:00:50 -0400

Research shows it's possible to generative positive emotions and memories, even amid strife and anxiety. If you're planning a family vacation, a simple meditation exercise can help you keep your cool.

(Image credit: A-Digit)

Coronavirus FAQ: I got it on a family vacay! Can my relatives stay (relatively) safe?

Marc Silver — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 17:19:15 -0400

It's a common dilemma in this summer of surging travel and surging COVID. If one member of a vacation party comes down with the virus, what steps can be taken to reduce the risk to others?

Opinion: In Paris, heroes carry espresso

Scott Simon — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 08:00:55 -0400

On vacation in France and away from the news, NPR's Scott Simon enjoyed people-watching and tells us about it.

A Welsh company is taking its whole staff on vacation as a reward for pandemic work

Rachel Treisman — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 13:28:05 -0500

Cardiff-based Yolk Recruitment Ltd. is taking its more than 50 employees on an all-expenses-paid vacation to the island of Tenerife in April. The four-day trip will reportedly cost more than $135,515.

(Image credit: Desiree Martin)

CDC Updates Guidelines To Protect Kids From COVID In School. Plus: Vacation Tips

Sheila Mulrooney Eldred — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 11:06:00 -0400

The updated guidance promotes vaccination for those old enough and says vaccinated children may not need masks. What about kids too young for vaccines? And as summer begins, what about vacation risks?

(Image credit: Ben Hasty)

Vacation Days Piling Up? Here's How To Get The Most Out Of A Short Vacation

Allison Aubrey — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:57:00 -0400

Americans forfeited about 200 million days of paid vacation leave last year. And many U.S. workers now take shorter, partial-week vacations. But even a mini-break can be good for your health.

A Global Guide For Leery Travelers

Christopher Elliott — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:00:19 -0400

Is your destination too dangerous? How do you protect yourself from health threats?

(Image credit: Diego Herculano)