Nearly a third of Americans fear ‘doing nothing’ or being ‘unproductive’ on vacation

A new study from adventure travel company Flash Pack reveals that 26% of Americans aged 45-54 fear doing nothing on vacation. Nearly a third of people in this age range – typically the “sandwich generation” who must juggle multiple work and caregiving demands – believe that a full day with no plans is the hardest part of being on holiday. 

The new nationwide survey of 2,000 adults* casts fresh light on the pressures facing today’s always-on workforce. Almost a quarter of US millennials (23%) worry about being “unproductive” when slowing down, and a further 42% cite work as a major source of overload. This is despite Americans already facing some of the lowest paid leave time in the developed world.

Meanwhile, phones are also a major cause of angst for those seeking a vacation reset. A striking 26% of Americans say their phone is one of their biggest daily stressors, rising to 38% among 35-44-year-olds. 

Nearly half (43%) Americans intend to use their phone less on vacation; yet 13% ended up using it more. And 23% of Gen Z Americans (aged 18-24) claim that four days without their phone feels more challenging than extreme adventure. 

In an always-on culture, many travelers fear ‘nothing’ time

“These figures paint a tough picture for Americans in need of headspace and rest,” says Lee Thompson, co-founder of Flash Pack. “This is a group that’s already vacation-deprived, with notoriously low levels of paid leave per year. But even when Americans do make it to that far-flung beach or spa resort, they struggle to switch off. 

“A combination of work pressure and phone addiction are driving a perfect storm of distraction – and that reality is reflected in our survey results,” adds Lee. “Emerging from the churn of an always-on culture, many travelers fear stillness and ‘nothing’ time. The effect is most pronounced among those aged 35-44 and 45-54: age groups that often face the highest level of strain across work, family and financial commitments.”

Against this backdrop, Flash Pack has launched a new Pause collection of wellbeing trips, designed to help Americans take a step back from life’s noise. Curated for solo travelers aged 30-49 and 45-59, the adventures focus on quiet moments of stillness and reconnection in nature settings worldwide. 

 

The new wellness trips invite guests to step back from life’s noise

The gentle, intentional portfolio of journeys creates an invitation for anyone craving peace and balance in the great outdoors. Experiences range from a sunset sound bath with live instruments off the Caribbean coast of Colombia to a sensory nine-course feast in rural Spain and an opportunity to stay the night with the Achuar community of Sharamentsa in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

As with all Flash Pack trips, the focus is very much on meaningful connection and friendship. The wellness adventures carve out space to slow down and find fresh perspective. And they do so by drawing together small groups of people of a similar age and life stage; all of whom share a desire to be present and reset. 

This community provision is key. Flash Pack’s research shows that nearly half of Americans (44%) say that friendship and social connection are the most important elements of wellbeing on vacation. And even more – 47% – agree that their most restorative vacations are the ones where they feel part of a group, rather than being alone. 

Friendship and a sense of belonging are vital to wellbeing

“You might assume that when someone is feeling overwhelmed, they just need time alone – but our data suggests something different,” says Lee. “People need other people. That sense of community and belonging is really important – it helps to escape the pressures of everyday life. 

“Our new Flash Pack Pause trips are carefully curated to bring together solo travelers of a similar age and mindset. The focus is on wanting to step back and reconnect in slow-nature landscapes. That might look like sunrise yoga by the sea, a quiet safari picnic or night-time stargazing – all shared with others who get it, whether that’s your fellow travelers or experienced local guides and facilitators.”

According to Flash Pack data, 27% Americans also believe that luxury and pampering are central to vacation wellness. This desire for comfort is reflected in Pause trip stays, which vary from a luxury safari retreat on the banks of South Africa’s Olifants River to a beautifully restored mountain farmhouse in Spain, an Ecuadorian ecolodge only accessible by river or light aircraft, and a remote island paradise off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. Each trip is centered around a single hotel, to enhance the feeling of space and calm.

For many Americans, the hardest adventure isn’t physical – it’s psychological. The challenge is to find a vacation where people can slow down without guilt; and to have others to connect with when they do. 

Find out more about Flash Pack’s Pause collection of worldwide wellbeing trips.

*Flash Pack survey of 2,000 US adults was conducted by OnePoll, Feb 2026.