THE POINTS GUY AND HEALTHLINE LAUNCH TAKE A BREAK CAMPAIGN TO INSPIRE CONSUMERS TO USE THEIR VACATION DAYS TO BENEFIT THEIR WELLBEING

Fans will be Encouraged to Demonstrate How They're Taking a Break for a 
Chance to Win a Getaway Courtesy of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection

NEW YORK, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Points Guy, the trusted media platform focused on maximizing travel experiences while minimizing spending, is teaming up with Healthline, the established leader in health and wellness information, to launch the Take a Break Campaign to encourage fans to pledge to use their vacation days this summer to benefit their wellbeing.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, over 768 million vacation days went unused in 2018 and those numbers haven't improved since. In 2023, Pew Research found in a survey that only 48% of Americans used all of their vacation days. As a country with one of the worst rates of using paid time off, we are missing out on the endless benefits that taking time off provides.

A study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that time off helps to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with anxiety. It has been reported that even anticipating a vacation can boost your mood in the long term.

The benefits of taking a vacation go far beyond mental health. In a study published in Psychology and Health, researchers found that those who took vacation time more often were less likely to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome such as a stroke or heart disease.

While many people associate using PTO with an extended vacation to a faraway destination, you don't have to blow your budget to reap the wellness benefits of taking time off. This summer, Brian Kelly, The Points Guy, is sharing his recommendations for maximizing your budget so you can take some much-needed time off, while Healthline's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Jenny Yu has shared tips to make the most of that time away from work.

"We know that taking a vacation and traveling can be good for your health - the time away can help you destress, build core memories with friends and family, and enjoy activities that help you relax," said Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy. "However, you don't need to spend a lot to reap the rewards – some of my most relaxing and rewarding trips have been a car ride away. As many people are cutting back on spending, I'm excited to show travelers how they can make a vacation a reality this summer."

Brian Kelly's tips for planning a stress free and budget-friendly getaway this summer include:

• Choose the right flight – flight delays and high prices can cause unnecessary stress when planning a getaway. If possible, take an early morning flight to avoid the domino effect of potential delays and cancellations. Flying mid-week on either a Tuesday or Wednesday is a great way to avoid the rush of business travelers and leisure weekend travelers making it a more pleasant airport experience.
• Maximize your points and miles – looking to take a last-minute trip? You can typically get a better and lower rate for your points and miles if you book your flight last minute as airlines wait to publish the remaining awards availability. Also, if you are traveling internationally, consider transferring your credit card points to a foreign frequent flier program like Air France to get a cheaper rate using fewer miles.
• Prepare for chaos – with more people traveling this summer, preparing ahead of time for unforeseen hurdles like missing luggage, unnecessary traffic and unruly crowds can help you enjoy the journey more. Buy AirTags for your bags so you can track your luggage, book flights and accommodations with a travel credit card that has insurance and download apps for your airline or hotel, like World of Hyatt, to be kept up to date on any last-minute changes.
• Consider driving destinations – airfare might be out of budget for some so consider a day trip within driving distance. Even if you aren't traveling far, the benefits of taking time off and unplugging remain the same as a bigger vacation. There are plenty of amazing getaways within 2-3 hours of most locations.
• Explore destination dupes – travel can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of traveling to popular tourist destinations, look into lesser-known locations with similar experiences that offer fewer crowds and more approachable prices for food, accommodations, and activities.

"Using your vacation time is not just about relaxation and rejuvenation; it can also be a great opportunity to prioritize your mental and physical wellbeing," said Dr. Jenny Yu, chief health officer at Healthline. "Taking time off to disconnect from the day-to-day 'grind' creates an energy that refuels and recharges by giving our brains a break from the stress of our daily routines. Moving in nature, reconnecting with yourself, and making space for unscheduled free time are just a few ways to maximize the wellness benefits of taking time off."

Dr. Jenny Yu has the following suggestions for making sure you maximize your time off to really reap the wellness benefits.

• Find the joy in planning – even planning a trip has been shown to reduce stress so enjoy the process as much as possible. Create a Pinterest board with inspiration, set aside a planning evening with fellow travelers to chat about your itinerary over a meal, and take your time while planning to reap the wellness benefits.
• Schedule in some free time – during the vacation, allow for some unscheduled time where you can explore at leisure, enjoy a day at the pool, or just rest. This will allow you to explore hidden gems you find along the way and come back from your trip well-rested.
• Incorporate parts of your routine into your travel days – unanticipated delays, packed days and a departure from your routine can throw a wrench in your relaxing getaway. Incorporate parts of your daily self-care routine like meditation, journaling or stretching into your vacation to help you stay relaxed.
• Unplug and reconnect – while scrolling can feel relaxing, many studies show that engaging in social media can be more taxing for your brain. Take the time on vacation to really unplug from your daily life, limiting screen time and instead reconnecting with yourself and your travel companions.
• Ease back into real life – when the vacation is over, find ways to ease back into your routine. Book a flight home on a Friday or Saturday so you can decompress when you get home and slowly unpack and acclimate back to reality. Don't put pressure on yourself to get it all done as soon as you get home.

To encourage followers to take some time off, The Points Guy and Healthline are asking fans to share how they plan to "take a break" for their wellbeing this summer via social media. Followers who follow @healthline, @thepointsguy , and @secretsmoxche and tag a friend they would take on vacation at this dedicated post will be entered to win a luxury, all-inclusive stay at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, a AAA Five Diamond, adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen, and part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection. The five-day, four-night all-inclusive stay for two will allow the winners to fully unwind amongst the property's seven pools, eleven dining options, world-class spa, palm tree-lined beach, and three man-made cenotes.  The contest will run from June 25th to July 9th. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and notified on July 12th.

For more details on the contest and tips from Brian Kelly and Dr. Jenny Yu please follow @thepointsguy and @healthline on Instagram. 

About The Points Guy
The Points Guy (TPG) is a trusted travel media platform that focuses on maximizing travel experiences while minimizing spending. Through an informative, clever point of view, TPG has become the leading online site for all things points, miles and resourceful travel experiences. The site's editorial content, newsletter and app consists of firsthand flight, hotel and airplane reviews, curated travel guides and immersive video components, as well as global event activations. Since its launch in 2010, founder Brian Kelly has expanded the team to include a distinguished editorial staff and extensive network of freelancers around the globe. Today, TPG reaches 11 million unique monthly visitors and more than 4.4 million followers across social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok).

About Healthline
Over 51M information-seekers turn to Healthline every month for medically-evidenced content, communities and solutions when they need it the most. Healthline is a part of RVO Health, a partnership between Red Ventures and Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. Learn more at healthline.com.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE The Points Guy