Tuesday, January 27 is National Plan for Vacation Day, a day dedicated to encouraging Americans to set aside time off for travel.
Landing on the final Tuesday of January each year, this annual initiative is aimed at inspiring trips to utilize the paid time off (PTO) that so many leave on the table each year.
National Plan for Vacation Day encourages Americans to take a few moments to look over their 2026 calendar and be deliberate in setting aside time for vacation. Studies have shown that even the simple act of planning a trip can boost your mood.
Scheduling out time for a getaway or two can also reduce burnout, giving hard-working Americans something exciting to look forward to after returning to work after the holiday break amid the short and cold days of winter.
Additionally, embracing National Plan for Vacation Day is about embracing what you've earned. You wouldn't be hesitant to use your health insurance for a doctor's visit, so why ignore your vacation days?
A recent survey of more than 3,000 U.S. workers from FlexJobs found that nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of employees didn't take a single vacation day in the past year.
While there are many reasons for this, including feeling guilty and being fearful of getting behind, letting those days go unused can have real negative consequences.
"People who are getting enough rest are more focused and more creative in their work. They tend to be more resilient when challenges do arise," FlexJobs career expert Keith Spencer told CNBC, noting that, when workers don't take sufficient time off, "you see stress levels rise, you see an overall reduced mental well-being, you have lower engagement, lower morale."
The natural hot springs pools at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort in Montana. (Photo Credit: Kim Banocy)
Ultimately, National Plan for Vacation Day serves as an important reminder for Americans to reap what they've sown before the year gets away from them.
"Your PTO is part of your compensation package. It’s not a favor your organization is doing for you," added Spencer. "You should be willing to advocate for that time you need off, that time you need to rest."
Once you've chosen to plan your vacation days, you can enjoy the fun part of crafting your trips. With abundant wave season offers and amazing deals on travel, such as all-inclusive resort stays and European expeditions, there's tremendous incentive to capitalize on National Plan for Vacation Day this January.
In addition to these winter deals, travelers can work with a trusted travel advisor to drive down costs while keeping stress at bay. Travel advisor continues to be among the fastest-growing careers, so finding a certified travel professional won't be difficult in 2026.
With the American Society of Travel Advisors' (ASTA) VeriVacation program, travelers can quickly find a verified and qualified advisor based on their destination and trip type.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
