A 2011 poll conducted by Marist found that only 45 percent of respondents plan to take a vacation this summer. That’s the lowest number in the survey’s 11 year history. And only 35 percent of those who are planning getaways will be taking longer trips, as opposed to weekend jaunts. Why aren't more Americans taking vacations? And how does forgoing vacations affect both employers' and employees' bottom lines?

Wallace Huffman was recently interviewed on the Public Radio International program "The Takeaway," regarding the value of vacations and the productivity of American workers. To listen to the interview click on the following link:  http://www.thetakeaway.org/2011/jul/26/number-of-americans-taking-vacation-hits-low-point/