Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day, Maximize Vacation Time

How much time do you lose each year? Americans universally say vacation days are important, yet 54% of workers aren’t using their hard-earned vacation time. U.S. Travel Association research found workers take nearly a full week less of vacation than in 2000, resulting in a stockpile of 700 million unused vacation days. Read how to maximize vacation time and celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day in January.

How to Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day

Why Vacations Are Important

Planning is the secret to achieving travel goals, while maintaining excellent employee status. According to U.S. Travel Association, 52% of workers who set aside time each year for travel take all their time off, compared to just 40% of non-planners. Planners also tend to take longer vacations. While three-in-four (75%) planners take a week or more at a time, non-planners take significantly fewer days — zero to three — than planners at once (42% to 18%).

The benefits of planning extend beyond days spent away from the office for rest and rejuvenation. Vacation planners report greater happiness than non-planners with their relationships, health and well-being, company, and job. Their supervisors are probably happier too, since they know when employees are out and can prepare accordingly.

Get Started Planning

Happiness, reduced stress, increased well-being – What are you waiting for? It’s time to take back your calendar and put vacation at the top of your list. Plan a vacation in three simple steps:

1. Determine how much time off you earn and identify your company’s vacation policies.
2. Start dreaming! How do you want to spend your time off this year? Talk to loved ones about their favorite destinations and activities.
3. Pick your destination and book your accommodations.

Need some ideas? iTrip Vacations® has vacation rentals in over 100 cities across North America. To get started, here are some prime travel seasons and what to expect.

Winter Wonderlands

For those who love snow and winter scenes, consider a ski vacation. Many towns house top-rated ski resorts, miles of skiable terrain and fun events for all ages. Typical ski seasons in these areas run from November to April, providing a large window to explore snowy spots. Not a skier? No problem. Ski resorts also offer snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and sleigh rides.

Many destinations also host special events for Christmas. Tree-lighting ceremonies, ice skating rinks, free cookies and hot chocolate, Santa, shopping and snow — It doesn’t get more festive than that.

Spring Break

March and April bring spring break, an ideal transition between winter’s chilly temperatures and summer’s heat. Spring break isn’t just for college students, either. Millions of Americans plan spring break trips with families and friends.

Search destinations within an eight-hour drive and find things to do. Many vacation destinations host family-friendly spring break events and offer special discounts. Traveling to nearby cities may also reduce travel expenses and suit those on a shorter vacation schedule. Before booking accommodations, check for early spring break specials. Many sites offer early-bird savings because rates tend to increase as the season approaches.

Summer and Patriotic Holidays

As soon as school gets out, summer vacations begin. Summer is the most popular time of year to travel, and there’s plenty of reason to do so. Memorial Day, Fourth of July and festivals, plus the outdoors, beckon nature lovers to explore. Don’t forget to look for annual seafood festivals if vacationing at the beach.

On the west coast, consider California and Arizona. Although destinations heat up in the summer, there’s plenty of places to stay cool. For white-sand beaches, head to the Gulf Coast. Home to popular beaches in Texas, Alabama and Florida, the Gulf Coast has hundreds of beach destinations.

The east coast also houses award-winning beaches. In the southeast, visit Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. All beaches sit on the Atlantic coast and welcome travelers to relax. In the northeast, top beach destinations include Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts. Many states feature a retro vibe packed with activities.

If the mountains are calling, there are several options. Due to elevation, mountain destinations offer cooler temperatures in the summer, and many homes don’t have air conditioning because residents just open the windows.

Consider Colorado, Utah and Whistler, Canada. These hot spots feature miles of green scenery, hiking trails, lake recreation activities and ziplining. In addition, they provide an ideal road trip, as many roads wind through forests and into the mountains.

Autumn and Fall Breaks

Can’t plan a spring or summer vacation? Don’t worry. Fall offers a prime time to travel as most road conditions are clear, and the weather still feels inviting. Missouri and Tennessee rank as top spots for fall foliage and hosts dozens of fall festivals. Focused on small-town charm and action-packed attractions, families flock to these states for fall fun and warm weather. Both Missouri and Tennessee still have summer-like temperatures mixed with chilly evenings and fresh air.

Now’s the time to plan for vacation and book a rental home in these welcoming cities.