Americans and Japanese take far less time off — but Europeans say they're more 'vacation deprived'

Nearly two in three workers around the world are "vacation deprived," according to a new report published by Expedia.

However, the report shows the feeling is highest among cultures that take the most days off.

Some 84% of Germans and 69% of French respondents said they feel they don't have enough time off, according to Expedia's "Vacation Deprivation Report" published on June 20. That's despite respondents from both countries taking the most vacation days — 27 days and 29 days, respectively — in the survey.

The survey of more than 11,500 workers showed Americans take the least time off per year (11 days), followed by Japan (12 days). However, only 53% of Japanese said they feel "vacation deprived" compared to 65% of Americans, it showed.

The survey — Expedia's 24th annual report on the topic — shows that while vacation deprivation rates have decreased in many parts of the world, the feeling is at an 11-year high in the United States.

Expedia's report indicates that feeling "vacation deprived" has less to do with the actual time off one takes, and more to do with cultural mores around work and free time.

"The French overwhelmingly view time off as a basic, fundamental right, while Americans seem to treat is as a guilty pleasure," said Christie Hudson, head of public relations for Expedia in the United States. "This is why not even a month seems like enough time to the average French worker."

Among Germans, however, only 42% said they feel their employers are supportive of them taking their vacation time, the lowest rate across all markets, said Hudson.

"This can contribute to guilt and being unable to unplug and feel refreshed after vacation," she said, adding that "vacation deprivation" can result from feeling unable to use the