Maureen,
Here in N.America, the average vacation time starts with 2 weeks or negotiate 3 weeks; 5yrs gets you the extra week (5days)if you're not already at 15 day, 10 years you can tack on another 5 days.
My work does offer a program where we can "buy" 5 days by giving up the equivalent salary, but I'd rather take the time off without pay, and carryover the time not used.
The exceptional employer will offer more - but this is few and far between.

I did carryover some time, so last year it was 2wks in France, then 4 weeks in India, this holiday(11 days) and still have 5 days left.

Looks like Highlights of Europe next year so that my mum can see all the major sights in one go. I've already seen some of them so she won't feel like I'm missing out on something if we can't walk run around looking at everything. I actually look forward to being able to sit at a cafe and just people watch. Eventually I'll let her in on my plans......

Katie - lucky girl going back to Italy. I adore Italy. Even though my father was Italian, Italy is my heart. I adore that country and its people. I am hoping to spend my long service leave travelling around Italy. Have a wonderful time and have a gelato for me!

Did you enjoy the Island Hopper tour. I am hoping to go on this tour after I go to Eqypt. Staying longer on each island sounds my kind of trip. I adore this board to. I haven't posted much before now but I still read what every one has to say. ITs great.

OzJohnno - Join the club. I have to save up for my trips. With two kids in high school and one at uni and a farm in the middle of a drought I don't get much stayed. I even take on extra shifts at work so I can save more. But I am planning on going to Eqypt in 2011 with my son and hubby. Can't wait.

Linette - I am the same. I have stopped mentioning my planned trip to Eqypt and my trip to Italy. I get some weird looks from family and friends. I can't wait to find out how your trip to Eqypt goes.

Rita - I feel sorry for you. Only two weeks. you poor thing.
People watching was one of my fav. pastimes when I went to Italy Sept. last year.

Maureen,

We loved the Island Hopper tour. There were three of us that went, my 65 year old Mother, myself (45 at the time) and my 15 year old daughter.
My Mother loved Athens. My Daughter and I loved the whole thing. We went in August so it was quite hot.
Have a fantastic time.