A recent article in Condé Nast Traveler cited the benefits of vacation and how little vacation Americans take.

“According to experts, almost any type of holiday can be a health benefit to some degree because people tend to be happier and less stressed when they anticipate them and while they’re away.”*

A clear indicator to me why Italians appear to be happy, they take their vacations.

And although they may venture abroad to exotic destinations as Paris or New York, most Italian vacations are a pilgrimage to the sea and priorities include working on their tan, mangiare bene (eating well), and maybe some physical activity (what good is a tan if it’s not on a nice physique).

A typical vacation day may include, a coffee and cookie breakfast (or maybe cornetto if you head to the local bar), time at the beach or pool relaxing in the sun, reading the paper, un bel pranzo (a nice lunch), un pisolino (a nap), a wake up coffee, a few errands, gelato, a nice dinner and repeat for 10 days.  And remember, no connecting to the office because your boss and colleagues are also on vacation.

As Americans, especially New Yorkers, it may be hard to imagine disconnecting and simply doing nothing, but like a serving of fresh fruit it’s very healthy.

So if you haven’t had an escape this summer or are already in need of another, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy this visually healthy escape – calorie free and sunscreen optional.

Enjoy!

Leslie

*Conde Nast Traveler September 2009