Wondering whether or not you should take time off of work? Weighing the benefits of time at or away from the office? Even though these questions seem like they would have obvious answers, Americans are some of the laziest when it comes to actually getting out of the office. According to a recent study conducted by Expedia.com and published in an article in The New York Times, about a third of Americans usually do not take all vacation days that they are entitled to, leaving an average of three unused vacation days. This is compared to a quarter of the workers in Britain and a little less in France, however, British get an average of 26 days of vacation and the French about 37 days every year, a much larger number than our 14.

The article goes on to say that leaving those three days of vacation untouched could be bad for your health, or on the flip side, a good, solid vacation has been proven to be good for your health. The article highlights how those who vacation are less likely to develop coronary heart disease and suffer from heart attacks. Post vacation, they experience increased reaction time, fewer sick days and there are, of course, the added benefits of more restful sleep and increased relaxation.

But vacations aren't what they used to be with increased cell phone and Internet access throughout the world. Checking the Blackberry every five minutes doesn't count as a true getaway. Our suggestion? Go somewhere removed without being remote. If you're thinking a mountain vacation might be in your future, Jackson Hole offers the perfect combination of modern necessities, fine dining and boutique shopping and many opportunities to get away, onto the river or into the mountains on horseback, where cell phones don't work and you can truly make the most of your health-enhancing vacation.