You can take control of your vacation time

People start to see themselves as vacationers, taking a much-needed break in the heat of summer. Research shows that Americans don’t take the necessary next step of actually planning a vacation.

Expedia found that Americans missed 577 million days of vacation in 2013, according to an Expedia 2013 study. Americans are giving back billions of dollars to their companies by taking vacation time. Research has shown that vacationing can have positive health effects and boost productivity when workers return to work. Many people forget to plan because they are often faced with changing schedules.

These obstacles can be avoided by these tips:

* Value your vacation days. Paid vacation time is an integral part of your compensation package. You wouldn’t hesitate to cash in a paycheck. Don’t forget about vacation time.

* Commit to travel. Regular travel can give you the time and freedom to unwind and relax. Vacation ownershipThe timeshare option, also known as timesharing, is a great way to get away on a regular basis. You can always look forward to having somewhere to go by prepurchasing your vacations over the years.

* Head somewhere new. Your vacation ownership does not mean that you have to go to the same beach, mountain, or country every time. You have the option to choose and adjust your vacation exchange program. RCI was the first to introduce vacation exchange in timeshare 40 years ago. RCI members have access to over 4,500 resorts worldwide, allowing them to experience more than 100 destinations.

* Jump-start your planning. You can avoid the hassle of scheduling a vacation, which many Americans have to deal with. You may need to travel during school holidays or other major events. If you are looking for a particular type of destination, you can choose a vacation option that has the amenities and availability you desire and submit your request early.

* Don’t turn vacation into telecommuting. Planning for your vacation can be made easier by booking early. You will need to decide which projects you want to handle in advance, which ones to delegate and which that can wait until your return. Be clear with colleagues and clients about your availability.

Endless Vacation Rentals allows vacation owners to experience timeshare ownership firsthand. www.evrentals.com.