RICHMOND – Today, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) reminds travelers to begin planning their vacations on National Plan for Vacation Day, January 31, 2023.
National Plan for Vacation Day, developed by the U.S. Travel Association, is a day to encourage Americans to plan their time off. Each year, millions of vacation days go unused. Research shows that individuals who plan are more likely to use all their time off, take more vacation days at once, and report greater levels of happiness at work and at home.
Virginia offers an abundance of unique opportunities to maximize vacations for all types of travelers.
Virginia’s outdoor recreation opportunities range from the mountainous cliffs to the breath-taking coast and everything in between. The newly opened Damascus Trail Center in Southwest Virginia is an ideal outdoor vacation stop as it welcomes visitors to explore the wide range of natural resources in the region including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail.
Virginia is famous for its wine and food destinations. A trip along the coastal Virginia Oyster Trail will treat travelers to an array of premier seafood dining surrounded by scenic waterways and attractions. With more than 300 vineyards and wineries spread across Virginia, wine enthusiasts can find the perfect bottle to enjoy while sipping their way through any of the fabulous wine trails such as the Monticello Wine Trail in Central Virginia.
Travelers can spend time visiting any of the hundreds of historic sites across the state – from American history dating back to the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown to music history found at places such as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.
Virginia is a four-season destination. Summertime finds vacationers soaking up the sun at Virginia Beach or enjoying the more secluded beaches of Kiptopeke State Park and Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore. The fall season turns Virginia into a leaf-peeping magnet as travelers spread across the state for a chance to experience colorful fall foliage at its best. Wintertime brings holiday cheer as destinations such as Colonial Williamsburg and Old Town Alexandria transform into charming, Hallmark-like towns. And spring shines a spotlight on our state’s natural beauty with prominent events such as Historic Garden Week and the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
“It is so important to take time when planning your year to include much-needed vacation days,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Time spent away from work is vital to our own well-being, so we hope that everyone uses this National Plan for Vacation Day as inspiration to schedule time and do what they love to explore in Virginia, whether it is spending time on the coast or scenic byway and enjoy our beautiful state with friends and loved ones.”
Many Virginia attractions and properties are providing deals to travelers who book their vacations early.
Select Virginia destinations participating in National Plan for Vacation Day:
- Beliveau Farm – Blacksburg, Va.
Book any available room on Jan. 31 for a $299 package rate plus tax. In addition to the romantic room and delicious breakfast this package includes a snack pack of gourmet food items, and a barrel tasting with owners Yvan and Joyce.
- Blue Water properties around Virginia
Blue Water is offering 25% off a stay of seven days or more at participating properties using the promo code “VACATION” at check out.
- The Omni Homestead Resort, Omni Charlottesville Hotel, and Omni Richmond Hotel
Join Omni Hotels & Resorts Select Guest program by Jan. 31 and save 20% on stays from Feb. 1-Sept. 4. Plus, Omni Hotels & Resorts will donate five meals to Feeding America through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative for all stays booked on Jan. 31.
- Lansdowne Resort – Leesburg, Va.
Hibernate for the weekend with the Winter Getaway Package and enjoy overnight accommodations for two, $100 resort credit, $50 breakfast credit, charcuterie & wine amenity, s’mores kit, turndown service, and complimentary late check out.
- Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery – Madison County, Va.
Enjoy a three-night stay at Prince Michel’s Luxury suites for the price of two with the Sip ~ Stay ~ Play Package! The three-night stay includes a breakfast basket, bottle of wine, $25 Prince Michel Gift Shop Voucher, two glasses and guides for local Madison County, Virginia adventures.
For more information on National Plan for Vacation Day, visit ustravel.org/events/national-plan-vacation-day
To start planning a trip to Virginia, visit virginia.org.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.