We know that life gets busy (often very busy) and making time for a vacation is probably the last thing on your to-do list. But what if we said you can turn 15 days off into 47 vacation days this year? That’s right, just by tacking on a few of your PTO days to the holidays your company recognizes, you can maximize your vacation days and use all that time-off you’ve earned.

Why is planning your vacation days ahead of time important? One solid reason is last year Americans left more than 768 million vacation days on the table. And planning ahead means you’re more likely to use all of your vacation days, take more vacation days at once, and report greater levels of happiness at work and at home. Join us January 28, 2025 for National Plan for Vacation Day.

If you’re not already sold, we have a plan laid out nice and easy for you. Here’s how:

 

Martin Luther King, Jr Day – January 20

Take off Friday, January 17

Cost = 1 day off

Reward = 4 day vacation

 

George Washington’s Birthday – February 17

Take off Friday, February 14

Cost = 1 day off

Reward = 4 day vacation

 

Memorial Day – May 25

Take off Tuesday-Friday, May 26-29

Cost = 4 days off

Reward = 9 day vacation

 

Independence Day – July 3 *

Take off Friday, July 3

Cost = 1 days off

Reward = 4 day vacation

* July 4th is on a Saturday this year and many employers are giving their employees July 3 off

 

Labor Day – September 7

Take off Friday, September 4

Cost = 1 day off

Reward = 4 day vacation

 

Columbus Day – October 12

Take off Friday, October 9

Cost = 1 day off

Reward = 4 day vacation

 

Veterans Day – November 11

Take off Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13

Cost = 2 day off

Reward = 5 day vacation

 

Thanksgiving – November 26

Take off Friday, November 27

Cost = 1 day off

Reward = 4 day vacation

 

Christmas Week – December 23-27

Take off Monday - Wednesday, December 21-23

Cost = 3 days

Reward = 9 day vacation

 

Now that we’ve done the legwork, there’s no more excuses for not taking the time-off you deserve. Many of these mini vacations involve taking a Friday off, and it just so happens that we’ve already curated the perfect trips to help you do just that.

 

3- Day Vacation Guide to Harrisonburg

Agora Downtown Market, Harrisonburg

 

Visit the Shenandoah Valley and stay at Massenutten Resort for endless four-season outdoor adventure including slopes, zip lines, indoor and outdoor water parks, trails and more. In Harrisonburg’s walkable downtown you’ll find boutiques, specialty shops and locally sourced food and goods.

 

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Loudoun County

Stone Tower Winery

Loudoun County in Northern Virginia is a perfect blend of urban excitement and rural beauty. Home to D.C.’s Wine CountryHorse Country, and an incredible craft brewery trail, as well as quaint and sophisticated small towns.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Richmond

Richmond City Aerial

Our favorite saying is “While you weren’t looking, Richmond got cool.” And it’s true. The history paired with bourgeoning craft beer, food, fashion, arts scenes and James River activities make for a well-rounded and memorable trip, no matter when you visit.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Nelson County

A couple cheers their beers in front of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Blue Mountain Brewery

Just south of Charlottesville, the Nelson 151 is a road sprinkled with so many wineries and craft breweries that they made it a trail. And it doesn’t stop there; surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find hiking trails, farms, and live music galore. Make Wintergreen, another four-season resort, your home-base and explore all that Nelson County has to offer.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Southern Virginia

Berry Hill Resort

Head to Southern Virginia for some outdoor fun when you hit Buggs Island Lake for paddle sports or the Virginia International Raceway to get behind the wheel. Stay in the beautiful and historic Berry Hill Resort without breaking the bank.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Farmville & Appomattox

Farmville

About an hour’s drive west of Richmond is the small town of Farmville. The walkable downtown is filled with food shops, furniture stores, and the Virginia Tasting Cellar. Getaway with a stay at the boutique Hotel Weyanoke or glamp at Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort. Hop over to Appomattox for the day for a history lesson at the American Civil War Museum.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Civil Rights Mural

 

Right in between D.C. and Richmond along the Rappahannock River is the historic town of Fredericksburg. There’s no shortage of historic sites here, from George Washington’s boyhood home and his mother’s home, as well as breweries, restaurants, and shopping downtown.

 

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Roanoke Mill Mountain Star in Fall

 

Roanoke is Virginia’s southwest city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll find markets, boutiques, breweries and restaurants in the city center along with mountain biking, hiking trails, and endless outdoor adventure in the surrounding mountains, including Smith Mountain Lake. Don’t miss a visit to the Black Dog Salvage showroom, made famous from nine seasons and counting on the DIY Network.

 

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Cape Charles LOVEwork

Virginia’s 70-mile peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean is not only a waterman’s haven but the perfect place for a coastal getaway without the crowds. Small towns of Cape Charles, Onancock, and Chincoteague are dotted with inns, b&b’s, seafood restaurants, and shops all with beautiful views of the water, beaches, and marsh land.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Bristol & Abington

Paramount Bristol

Head to Virginia’s southwest to experience music, mountains, and food unlike anywhere else. Take a stroll down Main Street in Abingdon and don’t miss a visit to the Barter Theatre, farmer’s market, and many restaurants serving up local roots. Head 20 minutes south to Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music, where the Tennessee-Virginia line runs right down State Street in the heart of the city. Country, bluegrass, and roots music lovers won't want to miss the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in September.

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3-Day Vacation Guide to Virginia’s River Realm

The Local Irvington

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region has no shortage of river towns, each with their own sweet character, and even sometimes their own dialect. Known for world-class oysters, waterfront activities, and pristine coastal views, Virginia’s River Realm is the spot for your next summer getaway.

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This article was inspired by Travel + Leisure and The Forward Cabin.Want to learn more about all there is to do in Virginia? Make 2020 your year to discover why Virginia is for Lovers; order your FREE Virginia Travel Guide today!