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“Why not?! I’m on vacation!”

We’ve all uttered those golden words, right? Doing a little overindulging is a cornerstone of many-a-getaway. But how much do Americans actually shirk their responsibilities and fall away from the straight and narrow while traveling?

According to our latest Cheapflights.com Travel Habits survey, close to two thirds of American travelers throw caution to the wind on a trip. Whether it’s consuming an extra drink, spending an extra hour in the sun or dropping an extra $100, most of us loosen up (and loosen our purse strings) while we’re away on vacation.

Survey responses also gave new meaning to the classic saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” About a quarter of U.S. travelers report keeping quiet about something that happened on vacation, with more than 30 percent of men holding onto vacation secrets.

Healthy eating, an exercise routine and going to bed at a reasonable hour topped the list of things Americans abandon on a trip. But it’s no surprise many U.S. travelers also report walking away with some of the best souvenirs around including a new favorite food, a new friend, a new hobby and even a new love, proving that sometimes letting loose produces meaningful perks!

(Main image: marcygallery)

About the author

Melisse HinkleA New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has traveled throughout North America, biked through rice paddies in Bali, seen the Northern Lights in Iceland, walked alongside llamas in Machu Picchu and made her way around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Head of Content and Social Media for North America at Cheapflights.

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