Press Release: Expedia, Inc.
June 1, 2001
BELLEVUE, WA -- With an average of 1.8 unused vacation days per employee each year, Americans are giving more than
$19.3 billion* back to their employers in unused vacation time, according to a recent survey commissioned by Expedia.com®
(www.expedia.com).
The majority of Americans surveyed are aware they need to take vacations to relax and rejuvenate, but for various
reasons -- work, family or monetary concerns -- many are not able to take all of their vacation time, resulting
in ``Vacation Deprivation.'' Nearly half of the American full-time workers surveyed by Expedia® feel they are
too busy to take vacations, and more than 60 percent say they wish they could take more of their current paid vacation
days.
Despite leaving vacation days unused each year, Expedia's survey indicates that more than 71 percent of workers
wish their employer gave an additional week of paid vacation each year. Yet even with one more week of vacation,
American workers would still be at least a week behind their counterparts in European countries, such as Germany
and France, who receive five weeks of paid vacation time on average, according to National Geographic Traveler.
The majority of Americans surveyed (55.3%) don't even realize that U.S. employees receive significantly less vacation
time than workers in other industrialized countries.
``Given how hard Americans work these days, we all could use more of our vacation time to unwind and recharge,''
said Erik Blachford, senior vice president of marketing and programming at Expedia, Inc. ``At Expedia, we believe
that taking a four day weekend or two this summer is the perfect vacation solution for busy Americans. Plus with
Expedia Bargain Fares and Expedia Special Rate hotels, we can help you easily plan your vacation and save money.''
Expedia to the Rescue with Summer Vacation Solutions
The vacation experts at Expedia point out that workers can overcome ``Vacation Deprivation'' by planning mini-getaways
and taking advantage of summer travel deals and packages. Whether it's a few days in Napa, a quick jaunt to Paris,
or a weekend getaway close to home, Expedia.com can help travelers get the most out of their vacation days. The
following are a few suggestions to help Americans recovering from ``Vacation Deprivation:''
For every travel solution, Expedia.com offers destination advice and daily deals that can help all Americans
make the most of their vacation time. With air, lodging, car rental, cruise, packages and destination information,
Expedia.com is the one-stop-shop to booking everything from your dream summer vacation to a quick weekend getaway.
About Expedia, Inc.
Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE) operates Expedia.com, a leading online travel service in the United States with localized
versions in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. To help customers travel right, Expedia.com provides the best
combination of air, car and hotel booking, vacation package and cruise offers, destination information and mapping.
Industry experts agree. Expedia's quality and leadership was recognized through several awards, including both
PC Magazine's ``Readers' Choice'' and ``Editors' Choice'' Awards, Yahoo! Internet Life's ``Best Overall Travel
Site,'' Smart Business' MVP Award, Gomez Advisors' ``Number One Travel Site for Fall 2000'' and PC World's ``2000
World Class Award for Best Travel Site.''
Expedia.com customers are supported by a credit card guarantee (U.S. site only), an industry-leading privacy policy,
and live agents via e-mail and an 800-number available 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Expedia.com is also available
under Travel on the MSN® network of Internet services.
* Figures are based on the Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers Report of the
2000 Statistical Abstract of the United States.
The Expedia.com survey was conducted in conjunction with TeleNation.
NOTE: Expedia, Expedia.com, and the airplane logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc.
in the United States, Canada and/or other countries. Microsoft and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other products and company names mentioned
herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Expedia, Inc.