> a lot of companies don't care, these are the rules and you accept them or not. Most people accept them - they feel like they have to.
Keep in mind you're only talking about America among developed countries. All others have much more leave, maternity, sick days mandated by law, and people take them.
Legislation aside, I think it's important to note the US's cultural distinctness here (probably in an unhealthy way.) I spent a year after college backpacking, and I was surprised to find that productivity and travel aren't mutually exclusive, nor are travel and vacation the same thing.
I think this notion is more widespread in other cultures (as you say, from many other more developed countries) and from that stems legislation. Based on my experiences, I do firmly believe that most of us would benefit by getting out of our home countries, more often and for longer.
>All travels do not need to bring you to expensive places.
Absolutely. But tens of millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, so they can't even afford to take a week or two off and stay at home reading/relaxing/playing with the kids/whatever.
Basically, they are slaves, they just don't know it.
The only reason they are living paycheck to paycheck is because of the lifestyle obligations they've chosen. They chose to sign a 1-year lease or worse, buy a mortgage. They chose to marry or have kids.
It is only the result of these choices that they 1) need paychecks and 2) have already spent those paychecks.
I have a friend that works on a fish boat for 4 months out of the year, and spends the rest of the year hiking.
I have a friend that teaches middle school, and spends the summer months travelling.
They probably make less money per year than the paycheck-to-paycheck person you have in mind, yet they have the time to travel because of their lack of obligations.
At some point, most people actually worry about buying a home, getting married, things that require resposibility and consideration of someone besides themselves.
Don't worry! You'll be in the same situation someday, and then you will realize how ridiculous your statement is.
And all holiday need not involve travel. My ideal holiday would be a week at home with a stack of old sci-fi novels, Mariokart Wii and a long walk in the countryside every day.
Keep in mind you're only talking about America among developed countries. All others have much more leave, maternity, sick days mandated by law, and people take them.