National Plan for Vacation Day is January 26, 2021. It takes place annually on the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year. While much of the country continues to face rising COVID-19 case numbers and travel restrictions, National Plan for Vacation Day is the chance to do what is safe and productive: plan ahead. One thing that AAA Western and Central New York continues to remind travelers is that planning is of utmost importance now.

The U.S. Travel Association celebrates National Plan for Vacation Day every year and their annual survey of Americans, conducted in December 2020, shows how many people have a pent-up demand for travel:

• Many Americans have even more paid time off, due to changes in time off policy and are looking to spend it on vacation. 
• Nearly 8 in 10 (77%) American workers are extremely or very happy while on vacation. 
• 84% of American workers are excited to plan a vacation in the next six months. 
• 97% of survey respondents say having a trip planned makes them happier. 
• How do they want to spend vacation time? Traveling. 
• More than 9 in 10 (93%) say it is important to use their paid time off to travel

In fact, 63 percent of respondents say they desperately need a vacation. In 2020, 33 percent of Americans left a third of their paid time off on the table. 

“It’s been a challenging year, and I know we have all missed traveling and exploring our great country,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “While many are not yet ready or able to take a vacation, we are encouraging Americans to pull out their calendars on January 26 and get a future trip on the books—even if that just means dreaming about your next getaway.”

AAA Western and Central New York advises travelers to plan ahead especially since many people have travel credits to use that could expire, and there will eventually be limited availability once more international travel opportunities open up. The survey data shows that 84% of Americans are excited to plan a vacation in the next six months, indicating an impending surge in travel demand once conditions improve.

“AAA Western and Central New York is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day to encourage Americans to plan ahead for future travel and take some much-needed time off,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “By committing to planning on January 26, Americans can all enjoy the many benefits of taking a break while giving themselves something to look forward to—and AAA travel consultants can help you plan your perfect getaway whether it’s a long-distance journey or a trip closer to home. Plus, AAA travel discounts are available at most destinations.”

AAA continues to urge Americans to adhere to healthy travel practices—whether one is planning a vacation in the short term or for later this year. U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Confidently toolkit has a wealth of resources and guidance to encourage safe and healthy travel, which includes wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance when possible and staying home if feeling sick. AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map at TripTik.AAA.com also has the latest state and local travel restrictions, and virtual travel planning can be arranged at www.AAA.com/Travel.