Maximizing Vacation Days

Maximizing vacation days and using them is a privilege. According to the Expedia’s Vacation Deprivation Report, only about 50% of Americans use their vacation days, making America the country for taking the fewest vacation days in the world. As travelers and explorers, we encourage you to use your vacation time – you’ve earned it! – and check off that travel bucket list accordingly. Here’s our tips for how to maximize vacation days this year.

Create a travel bucket list

Before planning on taking time off, take the time to list out your dream destinations for the year, both near and far. A trip to a different continent is going to require significantly more time off than a domestic trip. Now’s the time to imagine yourself walking on white colored sandy beaches with turquoise waters or hiking trails with jumbo rocks and cholla trees or strolling an urban market filled with colorful spice vendors.

Plan around a public holiday

Next, take out a calendar and note all the public holidays your company gives off. With a little vacation-day math you can take a few days before or after a holiday to give you a long vacation. For instance, if they holiday falls on a Wednesday, taking Thursday and Friday off gives you a 5-day vacation with the weekend.

Be efficient with short trips and select flights

Taking shorter trips is totally up to you and your preferences, but if you don’t mind taking shorter, more frequent, trips throughout the year you can travel more often and maximize vacation days. Three or four day weekends are possible with a little bit of planning. In addition, choose overnight flights and direct flights to save time getting to your destination. This way, you can spend as much time as possible soaking the sun, splashing in waves, and snorkeling the seas.

Do a staycation

Experiencing local activities and eating local fare is underrated, which is why doing a staycation will help you embrace local. Whether it’s a fun day trip up north, or checking into your local Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, this option will help you save on traveling costs and on time, too.

Make work, work for you

Working remote never felt so good. If you have work remote, try working in new places, and spend your leisure time exploring. Another work tip is that if you have a work trip coming up, either for a conference or important business meeting, and the trip is at a destination, simply add some PTO at the end or beginning of your trip to make the most of it.