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The Origins of the Modern Vacation: A Nod to Rhode Island
Rhode Island holds a significant place in vacation history, particularly for popularizing the two-week holiday format.
A Historical Perspective on Vacations
The concept of the weekend is often attributed to automobile pioneer Henry Ford’s innovations in the 1920s. However, the notion of an extended holiday has origins that date back even further. Evidence suggests that the first recorded 14-day vacation occurred in 1524 when Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano ventured along what is now Rhode Island’s coastline.
Sailing aboard his ship, the Dauphine, Verrazzano aimed to establish a trade route to Asia via North America. He is celebrated as one of the first Europeans to explore parts of this continent, charting areas from modern-day Florida up to Nova Scotia. In his letter dated July 8, 1524 (known now as the Cèllere Codex) addressed to King Francis I of France, he relayed tales from his arduous journey where storms challenged their expedition and threats from hostile natives loomed large.
The Encounter with Paradise and Leisure Time
Upon arriving on today’s Rhode Island shores, Verrazzano and his crew were welcomed by members of the indigenous Narragansett Nation. Captivated by both their warm reception and stunning landscapes, he decided they would extend their stay for an impressive fifteen days “to take advantage of this delightful place.” This serendipitous pause marked what many consider “America’s First Vacationland.” During this time off amidst nature’s splendor, they immersed themselves in exploration before ultimately resuming their quest for Asian trade routes.
The Current State of Vacation Days in America
Fast-forwarding nearly five centuries later reveals a stark contrast regarding vacation time taken by Americans. According to a recent analysis by career site Resume.io’s study conducted in 2022, strikingly low figures indicate that employees here are among those with minimal mandated paid leave worldwide—ranking second worst globally! Moreover, Expedia’s latest Vacation Deprivation report revealed U.S workers averaged merely eleven vacation days yearly—well below two weeks!
If you’d like strategies on maximizing time off next year check out our guide: Transform Your 15 Days Off into Overwhelming Enjoyment Counting Up To Fifty!
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You can read more about this intriguing subject previously published at Travel & Leisure.
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