Maximizing Your Vacation Time: How to Get the Most Out of 2024
Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation Days
Goodbye Office, Hello OOO
National Holidays
Memorial Day: 4 days off – 9 days away
Memorial Day always falls on a Monday (this year on May 27, 2024) and provides a golden opportunity. Plan to take off on May 25th (or in the evening of the 24th) and return home on June 2nd. Spring will be in full swing by then, and spots in the northern half of the country, like Seattle or New York, are great candidates for a getaway.
4th of July: 4 days off – 9 days away
Unlike Memorial Day, the day of the week for Independence Day always varies. This year, July 4th lands on a Thursday, providing a rare mid-week holiday in the US. Everyone will be taking Friday off anyways, so capitalize and take the whole week beginning July 1st off. Really, you’re only missing three days! ¯\(ツ)/¯
Labor Day: 4 days off – 9 days away
This will be your final opportunity to wear white pants for the year, so you might as well take it. Put in your time off from Sept 3-6 and enjoy a full 9-day getaway. It’s typically your last chance to soak up some sun before the colder months start to creep in. For a rare experience, check out Isle Royale National Park. Michigan’s crystalline waters and beachfront property are a hidden gem.
Veteran’s Month: 12 days off – 23 days away (!)
This is admittedly a bit cheeky, but it’s possible! November is ripe for time off, between Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving week. There’s a unique opportunity for an extended break. Take off November 9th to 30th, leveraging Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving’s two-day holiday. It’s 12 days of vacation time, but it gets you almost a month away. Consider the Southwestern US for this time of year: Santa Fe, Taos NM, or even Moab for some national parks. Marfa, TX is also a growing destination!
Indigenous People’s Day: 4 days off – 9 days away
October 14th is Indigenous People’s Day (or Columbus Day on some employer calendars). Start in Santa Fe, exploring Adobe architecture, art galleries, and museums celebrating indigenous culture. Then, make your way to iconic national parks like the Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion. Camp under the starry desert skies and learn about ancient indigenous practices. Or splurge on luxury resorts like Enchantment in Sedona for spa treatments and outdoor adventures amidst the stunning red rock formations.
Holiday Season: 7 days off – 16 days away
The holidays offer a perfect opportunity to get away and avoid the hectic rush back home. By taking off the full week of Christmas and New Year’s, you can turn seven vacation days into a luxurious 16-day tropical escape to the Caribbean.
Trade cold winds for warm breezes in places like Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, or the Virgin Islands. Spend lazy days sunbathing, exploring rainforests, and soaking up the island life. The holidays are also ideal for visiting Hawaii—escape the mainland chaos and start the New Year with a sunrise on the beach instead of watching a ball drop.
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