Vacation day planning time is coming! Do you have yours on the calendar yet?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”Sfjad” via=”yes” ] Have you planned your annual vacation yet? National Plan for Vacation Day is January 28! [/ctt]
Don’t Stockpile Days Off~Use Them!
Every year more than half of Americans fail to use all their time off, creating a stockpile of 768 million unused vacation days, in 2018. And 236 million of those days were forfeited completely, totaling more than $65 billion in lost benefits.
Yet, while everyone says they want or even need a vacation, just a little more than half of America’s households actually set aside time to plan the use of their vacation time each year.
Key to Using More Vacation Time
Are your vacation days in that pile too? If they are, we offer you the most effective remedy to assure your vacation is not lost again this year.
So, what’s the Key to Using More Vacation Time?
Planning!
National Plan for Vacation Day, on the last Tuesday in January, reminds us to plan our vacation at the start of the year for the rest of the year. But nearly half of American households (46%) don’t do this simple step—and they lose out on their time off and the benefits it brings.
According to Project: Time Off, planners are more likely to take all their vacation time in a given work year and take more extended vacations than non-planners. They’re also happier with their jobs, relationships, and health, so don’t knock the planners who get out the door to vacation!
Jump in and follow their lead this year on January 28.
Get Planning!!
Sure, you’re thinking, “Just like those resolutions made one day and fizzled and forgotten when the sun comes up the next, You tell me all I need to do is plan and Bam! I’m on my way to vacation?!”
Yup, that’s what I’m telling you. When it’s on the calendar and the reservations are made you are more likely to actually go.
Really! Planning a vacation doesn’t have to be a monumental task. With Project: Time Off’s vacation planning tool you can easily plot out your year. Really, we have the three easy steps to make it happen.
Just enter the number of days you earn, put your vacation dreams on the calendar, and use your custom link to get your family and friends involved in the planning.
Plan and Get it Done:
Digging Deeper For Successful Planning
Ok, I know, those three tips are easily stated. But if you’re someone who continues to avoid booking a vacation it can still be a challenge. So let’s dig into these tips to make sure you actually are successful in enjoying your vacation time this year!
How Much Time for Each Trip?
Will you take a long weekend getaway, a 2-week trip, extended travel, or something in between? Depending on where you live and the amount of time you have to travel, certain destinations will make more sense than others. For instance for North Bay Area of Californians a short trip to The Sea Ranch is great 3-day vacation idea. If you have a week or two available and the funds then consider visiting another part of the country or even traveling to a foreign country. Of course, you could always return to Sea Ranch for an extended holiday and save on the air fare.
Match your time to the dream vacation to avoid frustration and making vows you’ll never take another vacation. This works whether you want a zenful break from the stress of your life or want a trip that gives you the thrills of your life. Fit the event with the time to avoid traveling too far or cramming in too much.
Share Calendars with Your Travel Buddies
The practicality and success of any vacation trip will depend on who joins you or if you make it a solo trip. Are you traveling as a romantic couple, with young children or teens, for a girl’s retreat or a guy’s getaway? If you are vacationing with others, be sure to invite them to help coordinate planning too.
Other things to consider include your comfort zone and your desire to test it. Are you hoping for a novel experience of repeating a favorite one? Naturally seasonal weather preferences for your getaways are another factor in determining your destination.
Book it and Put it on the Calendar
Now the only thing left to do is to actually write it on the calendar and book those reservations!
To help you book your vacation safely and still have money to spend on your time away from the office be sure to review our three part series that explains about the mystery of booking fees and to instruct you on how to directly book vacation rentals and how to do it securely whether you stay with us or others.
So What’s Stopping You from Vacation Planning?
Are you still expressing any of these top barriers to taking a vacation?
- If I go on vacation I’ll just return to a mountain of work
- No one else can do the job
- Taking time off is harder with seniority
- I cannot financially afford a vacation
- I want to show complete dedication
American workers’ martyr syndrome combined with a corporate culture of silence where negative perceptions thrive is the vacation killing culprit. As a result, you feel chained to your workstations rather than free to recuperate from the stresses of the job.
Even senior business leaders overwhelmingly recognize the importance of using time off. Yet their message often is muddled, silenced or simply discourages others from using their time off. Sadly, negative perceptions continue to flourish unchanged since 2014.
Rejuvenating Power of a Vacation
Hopefully now, you really do recognize the rejuvenating power of vacation. Vacation time is essential for strong bonds with family and friends, a productive workforce, and a fulfilled life.
When you take a vacation you’ll return to work relaxed and recharged. Nearly two-thirds of employees say their concentration and productivity at work improve with taking time off. This sentiment is echoed by senior business leaders. In fact, business leaders believe employees return from vacation recharged and renewed—and ready to work more effectively.
Time to ProActively Plan Your Sea Ranch Vacation
Now that you know how much time you have for vacation and you’ve committed to actually use those days, it’s time to fulfill those dreams. Of course, a Sea Ranch Vacation would be our first recommendation.
Abalone Bay Announces Availability to Inner Circle Members
Naturally, we’d suggest you book Abalone Bay for that Sea Ranch Vacation! But as you know we are in the middle of a remodel project. However, when you become a member of our Inner Circle you’ll BE THE FIRST TO KNOW OF OUR GRAND REOPENING!
Remodel Progress
As a member of the Inner Circle you’ll receive periodic updates of our progress. So far to date we’ve completed…
In the living room:
- the addition of a western viewing picture window
- a larger, more efficient gas fireplace
- hardwood flooring
(Coming soon) - updated furniture, TV, and decor
(Coming soon)
Conversion of the Garage into a Game Room:
- a large picture window
- bench seat under the window
(Coming soon) - sliding barn
(Coming soon) - on-demand water heater
(Coming soon) - New decor, TV and of course games!
(Coming soon)
Addition of a two car garage later in the Spring
Your Sea Ranch Vacation Resource
While we are closed, we suggest you visit our blogs to aid you in planning for your Sea Ranch Vacation on National Plan For Vacation Day. Then be sure you are a member of Sea Ranch Abalone Bay’s Inner Circle!
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[…] Here’s to Taking a Vacation […]