For many of us, the new year means a new bank of personal days at work. The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. If you’re thinking it’s a little early to be planning your vacations that are months away, keep reading to find out the benefits of planning early.
1. Your employers will have plenty of notice before your absence.
One study found that an average of 55% of paid time off (PTO) went unused in 2022, which is a drastic increase from previous years. Sometimes, workers feel uncomfortable taking time away from work if they’re worried that their coworkers will struggle in their absence. Everyone’s job handles time off a little differently, but in most cases, letting them know well in advance will help your employer plan accordingly.
2. You’ll have more have time to search for the best deals.
Have you ever been in a time crunch to make a purchase, then ended up buying the first thing available even though it was more than you intended to spend? We’ve all been there. If you start planning your vacation now, you’ll have much more time to look for deals and bargains!
3. Travel will be smoother when you have a detailed plan.
Whether you’re flying or driving, give yourself plenty of time to plan how to handle the travel portion of your vacation. If you’re flying, you’ll need to decide how you’re getting to the airport. Where will you park? Or, who will drop you off at the airport? How are you going to get around once you land? Will you rent a car, call an Uber, or something else? It’s a good idea to look into all your options so you can plan for anything.
For those who are planning road trips, you’ll need even more time to prepare. As soon as you know the dates of your trip, start thinking about how you’re going to handle the driving journey. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re planning your road trip:
- Make sure the vehicle you’re using is in excellent condition. You do not want to experience a breakdown on your way to your vacation spot, or on your way home. If you’re not sure if your vehicle will be able to handle a long road trip, consider renting a vehicle instead. Better safe than sorry!
- Pack an emergency kit. You should always have some basic supplies in your vehicle (e.g., a spare tire and the tools to change a tire), but you’ll want to beef up your stash before heading out on a long trip.
- Keep up on your vehicle maintenance. Check your owner’s manual to see what the recommended maintenance schedule is for your vehicle, and make sure to follow it!
Make good use of National Plan for Vacation Day by starting your vacation planning now! Everyone deserves some time to relax and rejuvenate throughout the busy year ahead. Knowing that everything is already planned and taken care of well before your vacation starts will help your piece of mind and allow you to focus on the fun things in store!
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