LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 18, 2022)—National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD) is Tuesday, Jan. 25, and Visit Lake Charles and the U.S. Travel Association are encouraging everyone to plan time off for the entire year at the start of the year. After nearly two years of pandemic stress and fatigue, this is an opportunity for Americans to look ahead to brighter days and make plans for getaways or vacations over the coming months.
Planning is the key to taking time off and traveling. A new study from Destination Analysts, commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that Americans who plan out their paid time off take more time off to travel, but one-quarter (24%) of American households don’t take this simple step.
NPVD comes at a time when American workers report feeling extreme levels of burnout. According to Destination Analysts, more than two-thirds (68%) of American workers feel at least moderately burned out, and 13% are extremely burned out.
“The research reflects what so many have known for quite a while—that the stresses of the past year can, at least in part, be lifted by thinking about and planning time away to recharge and experience something new,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “There are real benefits to getting vacation plans on the calendar at the start of the year which include the happiness associated with travel and committing to take off all the time that is earned for a well-deserved break.”
Data also shows that while vacation is essential to Americans’ mental health and well-being, it is also a crucial benefit for American workers. Nearly 70% of U.S. workers agree that their ability to take vacations is an important factor in keeping them in the workforce. In fact, paid time off is the second most important employee benefit an employer could offer after health insurance benefits.
“Whether it’s planning to travel or inviting friends and family here to explore Southwest Louisiana, research shows that taking time off improves professional performance and strengthens personal relationships,” said Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “By committing to planning on January 25, people can enjoy all the benefits of taking time to recharge.”
Visit Lake Charles also encourages residents of Southwest Louisiana to enrich their relationships with friends and family who live outside the area by inviting them to visit Calcasieu Parish. For itinerary ideas on things to do in Southwest Louisiana and inspirational photos by visitors to the area, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/planvacation and search for #VisitLakeCharles or #PlanForVacation on social media.
“The Visit Lake Charles team recently launched a new website with detailed trip ideas and rich blog content that showcase the abundance of things to see and do in the Lake Area. I encourage everyone to visit the website and follow Visit Lake Charles on social channels to gain inspiration,” said Angie Manning, Vice President of Communications for Visit Lake Charles.
For more information, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/PlanVacation or call 337-436-9588.
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National Plan for Vacation Day takes place during the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year. Launched by the U.S. Travel Association’s Project: Time Off initiative in 2017, National Plan for Vacation Day provides an opportunity to come together at a single moment to rally around the importance of planning for vacation. In its inaugural year, more than 600 organizations, representing all 50 states came together to encourage Americans to plan for vacation. Learn more at ProjectTimeOff.com/Plan and join the conversation online with #PlanForVacation.
