National Plan for Vacation Day — Plan Your 2026 Outer Banks Getaway

Celebrated on the last Tuesday in January — January 27, 2026 — National Plan for Vacation Day is your annual reminder to schedule your time off, maximize your PTO, and make the most of your travel days with a memorable Outer Banks beach vacation.

Planning a vacation early isn’t just smart — it increases the likelihood you’ll actually take that trip, reduce stress, and give yourself something to look forward to throughout the year. And there’s no better place to plan your beach escape than the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

In honor of National Plan for Vacation Day, the last Tuesday in January, here are some helpful tips to #planforvacation on the Outer Banks.

Why Planning a Vacation Matters in 2026

1. You’ll Actually Take Time Off

If we've learned nothing else over the last few years, it's just how important it is to prioritize self-care and spending time with our families and the people we love. However, many Americans are still not using all of their vacation days. As of 2025, 66% of people said they were more burned out on work than they were just a year prior. Add to that the fact that more than 60% of employees report working while on PTO and over 765 million vacation days have gone unused by Americans, and you can see that we are approaching a self-care crisis where we find ourselves unable to step back and take a much-needed break.

Millions of Americans still leave earned paid time off unused every year. Planning around your work schedule, long weekends, and school calendars ensures you actually use your days instead of letting them go to waste. Planners use significantly more of their vacation days than non-planners.

2. Vacation Planning Improves Well-Being

Taking time off reduces stress, burnout, and anxiety, and helps improve overall mental and physical health. Studies show that planning a trip itself creates a boost in happiness even before the vacation begins.

• Burnout is widespread: Nearly 9 in 10 American workers report experiencing stress or burnout, with roughly one-third feeling moderate to severe burnout.
• Unplugging is harder than ever: About 66% of workers say they struggle to fully disconnect from work during vacation, especially in remote and hybrid roles.
• Remote work is blurring boundaries: More than half of remote employees report working longer hours, and many find it harder to mentally “clock out” — even when away.
• Paid time off is going unused: Nearly one in four Americans takes no PTO at all, and more than 60% don’t use all the vacation time they earn.
• Workplace pressure prevents time off: Job security concerns, heavy workloads, and lack of coverage remain the top reasons Americans skip vacations.
• Vacations are viewed as essential to health: Nearly 9 in 10 people say vacations reduce stress and improve overall well-being, with benefits lasting even after returning home.
• Planning a trip boosts happiness: More than 85% of travelers say simply having a vacation planned improves their mood and mental health.
• Avoiding burnout drives travel decisions: Reducing stress and preventing burnout now rank higher than discounts or deals as the top motivation for booking a trip.

3. Boost Your Family’s Work-Life Balance

Working parents do everything they can to provide for their children while still showing them how important it is to spend time with their families and prioritize their loved ones. Unfortunately, according to Project: Time Off, 75% of kids say that their parent(s) can't stop working at home, while 6 out of 7 children admit to seeing their parents bring home work stress. And the parents aren't the only ones experiencing stress! Studies show that childhood stress is on the rise, meaning that it's more important now than ever to show our kids how to step back, focus on self-care, and spend time together with our families. Scheduled travel helps adults and kids alike step away from screens and work pressures, encouraging quality family time and shared memories. With school calendars released in advance, early planning makes it easier to match your vacation to school breaks.

4. Travel Helps the Economy

We understand that sometimes a “staycation” can be very relaxing but when polled, 83% of Americans said they wanted to use their vacation days to travel. The current travel industry is already a $2.9 trillion industry that supports over 15-18 million American jobs and generates over $180 billion in tax revenue. Economic studies have shown that if Americans used their remaining vacation days for traveling, there would be an increase of over $151 billion dollars in travel spending. This has the potential to create over 2 million more jobs in the United States. Vacation travel supports local businesses — from restaurants and tours to rental homes and attractions — generating jobs and economic activity in communities like the Outer Banks.

5. Traveling is Good for Your Health

Skipping out on vacation is a very bad and unhealthy practice! In dozens of studies, taking a vacation has been scientifically proven to:

• Reduce/fight depression, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and burnout
• Reduce the risk of health conditions like cardiovascular disease, asthma, and autoimmune disorders
• Improve your mood and overall outlook on life
• Decrease mistakes, boost creativity, and increase job performance
• Increase job satisfaction
• Increase company morale
• Increase patience with clients and co-workers

Plus, studies conclude that you will be happier overall by spending your money on experiences instead of on “things.”

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2026 Strategic Planning Tips

1. Plan Around Long Weekends

In 2026, several U.S. holidays fall in ways that allow you to extend your time off with minimal PTO use, turning just a few vacation days into longer breaks. One of the easiest ways to maximize your time off is by planning PTO around federal and paid holidays. With a little advance planning, you can turn a handful of vacation days into extended breaks—giving you more time to relax, recharge, and truly disconnect.

• Stack PTO with long weekends to create 4–5 day getaways using just one or two vacation days.

• Book travel around federal holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving to extend time off without using additional PTO.

• Plan shoulder-season vacations around holidays to avoid peak crowds while still enjoying extra days away.

• Submit PTO requests early—holiday-adjacent dates fill up fast at many workplaces.

• Use PTO strategically throughout the year instead of saving it all for one trip to help prevent burnout.

By planning ahead and aligning your PTO with paid holidays, you can enjoy more meaningful breaks—without sacrificing your entire vacation balance.

2. Avoid Peak Booking Stress

Booking early helps you secure preferred properties — whether it’s an oceanfront home with panoramic views or a cozy spot perfect for a family retreat.

3. Use Tools and Flexibility

Use vacation calendars or PTO optimization tools to align your time off with travel opportunities throughout the year.

4. Travel Insurance and Booking Security

When booking travel, consider protections for weather, cancellations, or medical issues. Book through reputable sites or travel professionals to avoid common pitfalls.

Outer Banks Vacation Planning Checklist

• Choose your travel dates: Consider spring shoulder season, summer peak, fall calm, or winter budget options.
• Select your home: Oceanfront, private pool, dog-friendly, soundfront — find what fits your group.
• Plan activities: Wild horse tours, kite flying at Jockey’s Ridge, beach time, fishing, local dining.
• Budget & bookings: Secure your reservation now and spread payments with our flexible layaway options.

Why the Outer Banks in 2026?

The Outer Banks offers:

• Miles of uncrowded beaches and iconic sunsets
• Family-friendly experiences from Corolla to Cape Hatteras
• Year-round seasonal activities that suit all travel styles
• Easy access, whether you’re driving or flying

Whether this is your first OBX visit or you’re a longtime fan, planning early gets you the best homes and peace of mind for your 2026 escape.