National Plan for Vacation Day - Get ready to plan for a new adventure this National Plan for Vacation Day!

National Plan for Vacation Day 2025 – January 28, 2025

We celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day every year on the last Tuesday in January to remind us to start planning our vacations and to take time off from work and school. Vacations help people spend some quality time with their family and friends, and it also helps with their mental health. Vacations also lead to an increase in tourism, which ensures a well-functioning economy. This day is important so stop postponing your vacation and plan to take a few weeks off. Many brands and media houses also participate in this day to help people pick out destinations and provide them with the best travel outfits.

History of National Plan for Vacation Day

Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” published in the 14th century, contains the earliest known reference to the concept of vacation. The word ‘vacacioun’ is used in the prologue of the “Wife of Bath” chapter, which refers to spare time. Until the 19th century, the word ‘vacation’ was used by Americans the same way the English used it, meaning “vacating a place.” At the time, it referred to when teachers and students had to vacate the school premises and go out. Vacation was also seen as a sign of privilege, as it still is for so many today.Gradually, the vacation came to include the middle class as well and started to stand for a general time of leisure and respite. One of the not-so-well-known turning points in the history of American travel occurred in 1869. A young preacher from Boston named William H.H. Murray published one of the first guidebooks ever about the wild Adirondack Mountains region. By exploring the Adirondack Mountains, which cover a massive expanse of lakes, forests, and rivers in upstate New York, Murray developed the very innovative travel idea (at the time, it was seen to be outrageous) that an excursion into the wilderness of nature could be pleasurable. This idea inspired treks and excursions where people from cities sought out the peace and quiet of the natural world.The need for this day became especially important when survey findings revealed that Americans were not using their vacation days since 2015. This was, in turn, negatively affecting their health, relationships, and even companies.

National Plan for Vacation Day timeline

14th Century
Origins of ‘Vacation’

Geoffrey Chaucer's “Canterbury Tales” features the word ‘vacacioun,’ which refers to spare time.

19th Century
The Meaning of Vacation

During this time, vacation refers to vacating school premises.

1869
William Murray Publishes a Guidebook

As a young Boston preacher, Murray publishes one of the first guidebooks ever about the wild Adirondack Mountains region.

2015
Americans Not Taking Vacations

Surveys show that Americans don’t use their vacation days, which, in turn, negatively affects their health, relationships, and companies.

National Plan for Vacation Day FAQs

Who took the first vacation?

The Romans took the first vacation, and they would go away for two whole years!

What is the point of a vacation?

Vacations help improve one’s physical and mental health, and it makes people discover new things about themselves and what they want to do with their lives.

How many vacations in a year is normal?

One should take at least two long trips per year, and maybe some shorter trips in between. Ideally, the total time spent on vacation should be around 30 to 45 days per year.

How To Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day

  1. Use your leave

    You only live once, so stop postponing that vacation and start planning. Use the one life you have to have all the fun you want!

  2. Spend time with your loved ones

    The time you spend with your near and dear ones will end up as beautiful memories. It is important to cherish them and plan to spend time together.

  3. Share on social media

    Don’t forget to share your trip pictures and experiences on Instagram! Inspire others to plan and go on that vacation too.

5 Fascinating Facts About Vacations

  1. Half of working Americans forfeit paid leave

    According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of all working people in the U.S. forfeit paid time off at the end of the year.

  2. Massive National Plan for Vacation Day 2020

    Over 11,000 organizations and travel influencers shared 15,250 posts on the internet during National Plan for Vacation Day in 2020.

  3. Even the government has joined in

    Many travel brands are involved in the National Plan for Vacation Day initiative through the federal government.

  4. Vacations help improve your health

    Survey data has revealed that those who take more time off have a happier and healthier lifestyle.

  5. Vacations can reignite love sparks

    Couples have claimed that traveling together helps increase their feelings of intimacy.

Why We Love National Plan for Vacation Day

  1. It is self-care

    “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This saying still rings true when all you do is work without taking time to rest and treat yourself.

  2. It boosts tourism

    Travel brings in a lot of tourists into cities, which helps boost the economy and keeps several restaurants, hotels, and other recreational services running.

  3. It opens us up to new experiences

    Vacations help us leave our normal, boring routines behind and let go, and allow us to rediscover ourselves and what we love.

National Plan for Vacation Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 January 25 Tuesday
2023 January 31 Tuesday
2024 January 30 Tuesday
2025 January 28 Tuesday
2026 January 27 Tuesday