Vacation Experts

Vacation Experts

Recent research shows that the long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations contribute to better health, relationships and job performance. In fact, the statistics are astounding. Men who don’t vacation regularly are 32 percent more likely to die of heart attacks; women are 50 percent more likely.1 In an effort to encourage Americans to become more disciplined about taking time each year to rejuvenate, VacationBetter.org has partnered with John de Graaf and other leading experts of authority on this subject.

Peter Fraenkel

Peter Fraenkel, PhD, is Director of the Ackerman Institute for the Family's Center for Work and Family; Associate Professor of Psychology, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, The City College of The City University of New York; and former Vice President of the American Family Therapy Academy. Read more

John de Graaf

De Graaf is an independent documentary producer from Seattle and the author of the documentary Affluenza. He also edited the book, Take Back Your Time. He is a frequent speaker on issues of over consumption and overwork in America. Take Back Your Time is a U.S./Canadian initiative to challenge the epidemic of the overwork, over-scheduling and time famine that now threatens our health, our families and relationships, our communities and our environment. Read more

Ed Hastry

Ed Hastry has been a timeshare owner since 1988. When he purchased his first timeshare, his friends were asking him- What have you done? What is a timeshare? Are you crazy? That sent up red flags, and he realized he’d better do his homework. Read more

Andy Hayes

Andy Hayes is an innovator in the travel and tourism industry. He helps companies in travel and tourism embrace online technologies, ensuring their content - both print and online - matches their business needs and brand. Read more

Bryan Herb

Now better known as one of the men of award-winning gay travel company, Zoom Vacations, Bryan grew up in theWillametteValleyinOregon, known today asOregon's premier wine country, and his childhood was filled with outdoors adventure. His roots in the outdoors, coupled with his inquisitive teacher's mind and his appreciation for health and fitness (as well as for fabulous hotels and resorts) have led him to adventures in every continent butAntarctica. Read more

Michele Kasoff

Michele Kasoff is an expert on family travel in the greaterTampa BayFloridaregion. She owns and runs www.TampaActivityGuide.com, a popular travel resource enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. TampaActivityGuide.com reviews activities and events in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas, and sorts activities by the age group they would be best suited for. Read more

Alison Link

Alison Link is a consultant, international presenter and specialist in leisure education. Her consulting service, The Leisure Link, Inc. (www.theleisurelinkconsulting.com) helps people and organizations get more enjoyment and satisfaction from leisure and life, by providing leisure coaching, counseling and consulting. Read more

Debbie Mandel

Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of the highly original Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life and two other self-help books, a stress-management specialist, the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light radio show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City, produces a wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. Read more

Eileen Ogintz

Ogintz is considered a leading national expert on family travel and is often quoted in major publications such as USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and parenting and women’s magazines on family travel. She has appeared on such television programs as "48 Hours,""The Today Show" "Good Morning America" and "Oprah," as well as dozens of local radio and television news programs. Ogintz is also often asked to speak to corporate groups about family travel. Read more

Wendy VanHatten

Wendy VanHatten left the corporate world to become a professional freelance writer. In addition to being internationally published as a travel writer she has an editing business, a travel business, and is a photographer. Wendy has written a book for travel writers and her book about her son and his time in Iraq was recently published. Read more