Americans Leaving Half Their Paid Vacations Ununsed

I guess I can understand people taking their work with them on vacation but with the limited amount of vacation time most Americans get, I can't imagine people leaving paid vacations unused. 

Hopefully the percentages in the above survey don't translate over the entire population

Sadly, they do translate widely. Among the factors I'm aware of listening to students, parents and friends:

1. People with very little vacation (only a week in many cases) either choose to work for needed extra money, or are trying to save it to take more next year.

2. Job pressure keeps some people working; some are afraid they'll lose jobs by taking what they've earned, while others are promised other compensation.

3. Biggest reason of all: Not enough money to go anywhere!

I also can't imagine not using vacation time....I never had enough and I have more than many.

Travel doesn't have to be expensive.  There are inexpensive destinations and activities one can do.  "Being a tourist at home" is one way -- seeing those sites others come to see and that locals never seem to get around to.  Visiting family and friends.  And of course, there is camping.  If you've the gear, or can borrow some, a tank of gas and cost of a tent pad is your only expense.  I certainly did lots of that in my younger years.