Americans and Vacations

MYFOXNY.COM - Typically, Americans get less vacation than their counterparts around the world -- and don't even take all the time off they are entitled to.

Fox 5 has taken a snap shot of how folks in our area feel about vacation time. Charles Leaf headed to the Jersey shore to separate fact from fiction.

You might find it surprising that here in the United States there is no law mandating vacation time. That's a far cry from paid time off for workers in other countries. Here's a look at some of the countries with the most time off:

According to the human resources consulting firm Mercer, Brazil has the most paid time off with 30 vacation days and 11 public holidays for a total of 41.

The French have plenty of time to spend at the cafe with 30 vacation days and 10 public holidays for a total of 40 days of paid time off.

Austrians have 25 days of vacation and 13 holidays for a total of 38 days. Plus they benefit from generous and guaranteed bonuses.

The United Kingdom has 28 days of vacation and 8 holidays. Total paid time off: 36 days.

Along with plenty of vacation time, many Japanese workers enjoy lifetime employment guarantees. They receive 20 vacation days along with 16 public holidays, brining their total to 36 days of paid time off.

Julie Morgenstern, an organizational and productivity expert, and Russell Pearlman, the senior markets editor for SmartMoney magazine, came to Fox 5 News to weigh in about vacation.