On NPR’s radio show “Marketplace” yesterday, there was an interesting bit on European vacations. I can't seem to find the segment in that show’s text archive, but I’ve confirmed that it’s in the RealAudio version (at about the 10-minute mark).
I agree with almost all that the author of piece has to say. Americans are being stifled by such short vacations, and Euopeans probably are well-rested after theirs. However, contrary to what the author suggests, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that a 4-6 week vacation should become law.