(ARA) - We all know someone in the work place who could use a vacation. Look for stressed out, overworked, bleary-eyed colleagues not using their paid time-off. In a world where we all struggle for better work-life balance, that person might be any of us. It might be you!

So how is your vacation well-being?

A recent survey from online travel site Orbitz.com and Ipsos Public Affairs suggests that you shouldn't be bashful about taking time off. The study offers some relief for American workers who feel staying chained to their desk demonstrates their commitment to the job. As the survey discovered, you may think your colleagues are forgoing their paid time-off to burn the midnight oil in the office, but in reality they're probably not.

Vacation Time

The Orbitz survey indicated that 72 percent of respondents had traveled on vacation at least once in the past year. When it comes to utilizing vacation time, the survey revealed that 60 percent of working Americans are taking at least two weeks of vacation a year, and over two-thirds, 68 percent, report having taken at least one week of vacation in the last six months.

"This is positive news regarding the well-being of workers in the United States, especially since 65 percent of the workforce surveyed report they are actually encouraged by their bosses to take a vacation," says Jeanenne Diefendorf, Orbitz travel expert.

Staying Connected?

Despite the widespread perception that the laptop and wireless e-mail devices have become indispensable travel tools, the survey shows Americans have taken a stand, deciding to "unplug" while on vacation. Only 2 percent of Americans report that a wireless e-mail device is the most important technology to take on the road. Rated the most popular to bring on vacation, mobile phones at 38 percent and digital cameras at 34 percent top the list of gadgets packed in vacationer's suitcases. Only 11 percent of travelers said it was important to bring their laptop with them while traveling.

Feeling pressure to check-in with work while on vacation was discovered to vary by age. The survey noted 49 percent of working individuals under the age of 25 report a lot or some pressure to stay connected to work. When this same question was asked of individuals ages 25-34, those who also felt that pressure dropped dramatically to only 26 percent.

America's travel well-being appears to be better off than some of us might think.

Disconnecting Tips

Diefendorf offers some tips for America's workforce seeking to disconnect while on vacation:

* Set up an automated out-of-office e-mail and voicemail reply. The reply should inform others that you are away from the office without access to e-mail or voicemail.

* Leave an alternative person to contact on your voicemail/e-mail. This will help you relax knowing that someone can handle issues while you're away.

* Be intentional about relaxing and remember that you deserve a break. You work all year and deserve to get away. The business world can survive for a week or two without you. It's a humbling -- but also incredibly freeing -- thought.

For additional information on the survey results and travel tips, log on to: www.orbitz.com