It’s National Plan for Vacation Day! Did you know there was such a thing? The US Travel Association has designated last Tuesday in January as THE day to plan your getaway. Whether big or small, near or far, here are a few tips to help you plan a great honeymoon vacation.
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What is National Plan for Vacation Day?
Celebrated the last Tuesday in January, the purpose of National Plan for Vacation Day is to encourage Americans to plan out their vacations for the year. Additionally, Americans are encouraged to explore the USA on their honeymoon and beyond.
If you’re wondering how to use your vacation days wisely or how to use vacation time, planning early is key. That way you can make the most of your time off while investing time and money into your own country. Being prepared can help you figure out the best time to use vacation days for traveling.
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14 National Plan for Vacation Day Tips
General Tips for National Plan for Vacation Day
1. Make a bucket list of places you want to travel.
What a great place to start! Whether you have many places or have no clue, begin by making a list of all the destinations that are on your mind. Whether they require a drive or flight, be sure to mark them down. You never know where life may lead you!
2. Consider your phase of life.
After you jot down your list (do it on National Plan for Vacation Day!), be sure to consider what is actually feasible for you right now. If you don’t have kids, now may be the time to honeymoon in a destination that isn’t suitable for kids. Thinking about your finances, family status, and future are all helpful when deciding where you will head next.
3. Review your vacation budget.
No one likes to talk about this, but it’s a must. Heading to Australia may seem fabulous, but it may not be doable at the moment. Maybe you have extra income and no children. If so, now is the perfect time to take a big trip. Just be sure to be sensible when it comes to planning financially for your time away.
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4. Save up for your dream trip.
After reviewing your budget, come up with a plan. If you need to save up, forgo things like a daily coffee stop (we know – it’s hard) or eating out. Omitting these activities will get you well on your way. Or maybe you’ve KonMaried your home and have a lot to sell. Have that yard sale, and tuck those funds away!
5. Determine the duration of your vacation.
How long can you get away and in what season? Can you plan for a long weekend, or can you spare ten days? Knowing this ahead of time can ensure that you are planning enough time for travel, exploration, and fun on your trip.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Destination
6. Plan activities during your vacation.
What will you do while you are there? Are there historic sites, amusement parks, or natural areas? Be sure to do your research so that you don’t leave a destination wishing you had done something. Don’t find out about stellar sites post-trip that will have you wishing you researched ahead of time. Boo!
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7. Decide how you are going to travel.
Is your destination easier reached by car or plane? The train is another option. However, be sure to decide what mode of transportation you will use to get there as this will greatly impact the cost. An inexpensive option is to drive when you can.
8. Search for travel deals.
Whether it’s airfare or hotels, searching for a good price is key! You may want to consider the offseason or non-peak times to get an even better fare. Score an unbelievable find, and it will be the best National Plan for Vacation Day ever!
Tip: Check here for great airfare and here for fabulous hotel deals.
9. Choose accommodations wisely.
Finding accommodations can be daunting, but there are so many ways to choose. Searching Airbnb, finding a fabulous hotel, or staying at an all-inclusive resort are all viable options. However, which one you choose will all alter the budget for your trip. Be sure to secure accommodations early to make sure your vacation actually happens.
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Things to Consider Before You Head on Your Trip
10. Prepare for being gone.
Do you have pets? Are you expecting packages? Make arrangements with family, neighbors, or reputable services to handle things. They can take care of animals, incoming mail, and watering plants while you are gone. Having these things in order will make you feel more secure while you are off enjoying your days of fun.
11. Alert your credit card company.
It is always a good idea to call your credit card company. Let them know that you will be in a different location – especially if you are headed overseas. They can often give you tips on the exchange rates. Credit companies also know whether you should use your card or pay cash while you are away.
12. Check into your phone plan.
Keep your phone in airplane mode on wifi networks if you travel out of the country. However, check your phone plan if you need to use it when en route. Often companies will allow you to upgrade for a short while so that you can afford charges for texts and calls.
13. Update your passport and immunizations if you decide to go overseas.
Your passport is an important thing to check. Be sure that yours is updated. Also, keep current on your immunizations and get those required to travel to specific areas.
14. Learn to pack like a pro.
Packing travel items like a jacket, umbrella, and reusable water bottle can be lifesavers while on the go. Check the weather while you will be gone, and see if there are any regulations and dress codes. If you are traveling out of the US, some countries and areas have stricter dress requirements.
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Save our tips for National Plan for Vacation Day!
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Photos: Marissa Cristina, Jonathan Borba, Revolt, John Matychuk, Chris Lawton, Andrew Neel
Chloe BeaverThank you for introducing me to this wonderful holiday, I can’t wait to share it with my boyfriend as an excuse to plan another trip!! I always struggle with deciding between going on a trip that I can afford right now because I get antsy to travel, or waiting it out to save up for a bigger trip later in the future, so I loved what you said about making a bucket list (perhaps numbered in preference) to make that decision easier!
Neely MoldovanUmm, I need a vacation haha! Seriously though this sounds so great! I could really use some planning tips.
MelissaI didn’t know about this! I’m not from the US, and we do things differently in my country, but I love the idea of planning your vacation ahead.
StephanieOooh! Looks like I know what Brandon and I will be doing tonight. Planning a vacation (even if we really don’t want to go far right now haha). This is such a fun “holiday” idea!
Danik the ExplorerI didn’t even know there was a ‘National Plan for Vacation Day’, for us British its a case off when Christmas is out of the way, book the vacations the day after (boxing day) or wait for the January sales. I booked mine the day before Christmas this winter for a big trip to Hawaii this August, but I dont think it will go ahead but I am bit lucky that I can move the flights to summer 2022 so not too worried. 😀 But seriously need a vacation right now 🙂
Ami BhatNational Vacations? Interesting concept and I would definitely like to google and see what it really entails. The tips that you have shared make sense for most of us – no matter where and when we plan the vacations. It is important to be cognizant of your budget as you say and plan things in advance to get the best deals. Good tips.
VenusI honestly never knew National Plan for Vacation Day was a thing! I sure can use a vacation right about now!! 🙂
RakshaWow such an awesome national day. I wish all countries encouraged its citizens to plan for vacations. All those tips are so amazing. I generally find it difficult to pick one destination out of the huge bucketlist. But ya budgeting helps in deciding.
Shreya SahaWow, national plan for vacation day seems very interesting to me. It’s a great idea to plan your vacations ahead, that helps arranging money and eliminating useless expenses, also packing like a pro and tips like that seem helpful.
UmikoI saw a lot of people posting about National Plan for a Vacation Day in social media last Tuesday. After I read your post now I understand what it’s all about. I agree with the purpose. Americans really need to travel more. They need to understand that traveling doesn’t mean big and far; and every other year. That’s a wrong plan!
AndaWell, I have to say that National Plan for Vacation Day is news to me. It’s an interesting idea however that gives you some food for thought when planning your trips. The best advice on this list is notifying our credit card companies about our travel plans. I had quite a few unpleasant surprises when I failed to do it, lol!
VaisakhiI didn’t even know that the last tuesday in january was actually the National Plan for Vacation Day with an intention to encourage people to explore USA! That is so cool. And I so agree with you, checking phone plans international plans and partners and alerting credit card companies is so so important prior to a vacation.
MarielleNever heard of National Plan for Vacation day haha but it sounds like a splendid idea. Especially these days, it’s exactly the kind of motivation we need — to make some fun travel funs to look forward to. I love your tips on how to go about it – I am already thinking of my bucket list destinations to go to after all the craziness.