As we are in the midst of summer vacation season, a recent survey I came across seemed especially timely. The survey begs me to ask this question of our readers: Do you work while on your summer vacation?

While most of us would hope the answer is no, we all know how hard it is to completely disconnect from the office. For myself, the thought of coming back to all those emails, voicemails and other work is more daunting than quickly checking in while I am on vacation. And with iPhones, BlackBerrys and more and more WiFi access points, it’s impossible to completely tune out.

If the answer to my question above was yes, you’re not alone. According to a TeamViewer (a remote computer access company) and pollster Harris Interactive, 52 percent of Americans will be working while on vacation this year. This number is only rising; a similar survey in 2011 indicated 46 percent of employed Americans planned to work during last year’s vacation.

What kind of work will people do on vacation? Those polled replied

• Reading work-related emails: 30 percent
• Receiving work-related phone calls: 23 percent
• Wanting access to a document on my home computer: 19 percent
• Receiving work-related text messages: 18 percent
• Wanting access to a document on my work computer: 13 percent
• Being asked to do work by a boss, client or colleague: 13 percent

As frequent business travelers, working on the road is a way of life for most of you. Tell us, do you disconnect on vacation as a result? Or will you be part of the 52 percent working on your vacation this summer? Share your thoughts and have them featured in an upcoming issue! Email letters@globaltravelerusa.com.

— Kimberly Krol, managing editor