Don't Let Your Summer Vacation Be Threatened by 'Guilty Vacation Syndrome'

Study Shows 90 Percent of People Have It, New Malady Can Be Cured

WASHINGTON, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The symptoms often go
undetected. They are mistaken for other, less serious ailments. But thanks to
a new initiative conducted by the American Resort Development Association
(ARDA), more people are getting treatment for their Guilty Vacation Syndrome
(GVS). They are learning to embrace vacation -- with no second-guessing,
stress or guilt.

According to a recent survey conducted on ARDA's consumer Web site,
VacationBetter.org, ninety percent of people are not taking or are delaying
their summer vacation this year because they feel guilty about it. With the
negative economic news every day and companies cutting back on people and
programs, many feel that despite wanting a vacation, they shouldn't take one.

"We always take two weeks at the beach each year to refresh and rejuvenate,"
says Pete J., a GVS sufferer. "This year we've decided to cut back since we
don't want to appear insensitive to the economic situation."

Symptoms include misplaced emotions, indecisiveness and sadness.

"People with 'Guilty Vacation Syndrome' must put their health first," said
Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. "There has been substantial research
affirming the physical and mental benefits for taking time to get away and
recharge. And in stressful times like these, it's even more important."

According to ARDA, there are several remedies for GVS. First, realize that
vacations are a necessity and not a luxury. Second, commit to an annual
vacation -- a recipe for stronger ties with families and friends, less stress
and better health. And lastly, learn from those that have never suffered from
this malady; timeshare owners have continued to make vacations a priority
despite tough economic times.

"We have always believed in taking time to vacation. That is why we bought our
timeshares more than 10 years ago and have added several weeks since," said
Kathy and Rich V., guiltless vacationers. "With the stresses of today's world,
it's even more important to take the family and get away from it all to spend
some quality time together. Having pre-purchased our annual timeshare weeks in
a fabulous location or being able to trade to other great locations makes it a
no-brainer. Even if we need to spend some time while vacationing to check
emails or take a call or two from the office, it is different when you are
away from it all. We don't apologize for taking time out to relax and
recharge, and we encourage others to do the same."

It's proven that one to two weeks away from the daily routine leads to better
job performance and productivity, perhaps helping to make your job even more
secure when you return to it.

For more information on recovering from GVS, please visit
www.VacationBetter.org.

About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association's (ARDA) on-line resource informs
consumers on the importance of taking a vacation and the overall benefits of
enjoying one -- regularly -- through shared vacation ownership.
VacationBetter.org is a comprehensive, educational tool for consumers to learn
about this travel option and to demonstrate a way for travelers to vacation
better.

SOURCE American Resort Development Association

Lou Ann Burney, +1-202-207-1156, lburney@arda.org, or Sarah Jane Scruggs,
+1-202-207-1141, sscruggs@arda.org, both of the American Resort Development
Association