Today is National Plan for Vacation Day!
Never heard of it? That’s ok. It’s not that old. In case you’re wondering, it’s an effort from U.S. Travel Association to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year.
It’s not just for the sake of having a vacation, but to make sure that you actually take those vacation days and enjoy some time off from work.
Vacations: They’re kind of a big deal.
Taking time off work is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. Additionally, it allows individuals to recharge, rejuvenate, and return to their jobs with increased productivity and creativity. Unfortunately, according to a study conducted by Sorbet, an average of 55% of paid time off (PTO) goes unused every year.
Make the Most of Your Vacation Days
Today is your chance to change this! Plan your dream gaycation and make the most out of your well-deserved vacation days.
Planning for vacation can be achieved in three simple steps:
- So, first things first, figure out how much time off you’re actually earning and what kind of vacation policies your workplace has in place. Fun stuff, right?
- Alright, now it’s time to let your imagination run wild! How do you want to make the most of your time off this year? Dream big, my friend!
- Now comes the fun part. Grab your calendar and start penciling in those epic vacation plans.
Now, if you’ve just read through those steps and you’re thinking, “Sounds great, but I have no idea what I want to do,” don’t worry. Let’s delve into some ideas that could help you visualize your ideal gaycation.
Fab Ideas for Your Ultimate Gaycation
Winter
Shake off those winter blues at Miami’s Winter Party. You’ll barely have use for a shirt, let alone a coat at this South Beach festival (February 28-March 5, 2024). Pack several swimsuits and leave the cold at home.
Let it all hang out in Palm Springs. Hollywood’s playground hosts the most clothing-optional resorts in the world — more than 20 of them gay — so prude this town is not. Lose your inhibitions and tan au naturel. Pro tip: If you want to stay in the gay resort area, try the Warm Sands neighborhood, where you can catch an eyeful during the day, if not a handful at night.
Spring
Unleash your inner child at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Trite? Maybe, but stay with me here. If you’re tired of the daily coverage of the 2024 presidential election and Trump-isms, you may find the innocence of Disney a great escape from reality. It’s the perfect place to unplug and fill your day with laughter, smiles, and selfies with your favorite Disney characters. Pro tip: The gays take over the park for the annual Gay Days® Orlando and One Magical Weekend (May 30-June 3, 2024).
Show your Pride. Standing up for who we are is pretty important these days. Remember — even though many celebrations take place in June, you can find Pride all year long.
Summer
Let it grow out for Bear Week® in Provincetown. PTown will be serving up beers and bears in equal proportion this week (July 13-20, 2024). Moreover, be sure to pack a comb; you’re sure to get plenty of sand stuck in your mane.
Sashay your way to RuPaul’s DragCon in Los Angeles (July 19-20, 2024). Described as a mash-up of Comic-Con, BeautyCon, and Hello Kitty Con, this event is a chance for lovers of drag culture to come together, inspire each other, and let their freak flags fly high. And if nothing else, it’s a place to spill the tea with the fiercest queens in the country.
Splurge on that new bathing suit and hit the sand in Asbury Park. This shore town proves that Jersey goes big when it comes to sunning (and hair, muscles, etc.). Use your PTO for a couple Fridays and Mondays this summer and head to one of the gay-friendliest sand-and-sun locales for a dose of Vitamin D. PSA: Wear sunscreen.
Take an uninhibited romp through The Big Easy. Southern Decadence, is all the craziness you’d expect from New Orleans but taken to its gayest extreme (August 30-September 2, 2024). This party challenges even the most accomplished partiers with events running around the clock.
Fall
Stretch your fetish tolerance at San Francisco’s famed Folsom Street Fair (September 29, 2024). If you’re very open to leather, this festival is for you. Think play stations, erotic artists, gear and toy vendors, live music, dance areas and skin aplenty. This is not the block party of your childhood.
Dress up to an obsessive and borderline-inappropriate level at Key West’s 10-day Fantasy Fest (October 20-29, 2024). The Conch Republic challenges even the most accomplished partiers all year long, and Halloween amps up the craziness on the intensely fun island. Come prepared — that is, with costumes and without inhibitions. Rule of thumb: It’s a fantasy, so treat it that way.
Drive out of your comfort zone with a road trip through New England. Bid your city and your stresses adieu. Grab some friends, jump in the car, and then take the scenic route through the Northeast. Find brilliant little stops in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and surprises tucked away in Maine. Pro tip: Choose a leaf-peeping autumn outing to catch one of Mother Nature’s best shows.
That’s a Wrap
So there you have it, folks! Now that you know all about National Plan for Vacation Day and the importance of taking time off for a healthier work-life balance, it’s time to start planning your dream gaycation! Don’t let those unused PTO days go to waste any longer.
Additionally, here’s an extra incentive: by using fagabond.com, you can get 25% off on hotels! So go ahead, book that flight, pack your bags, and get ready to make unforgettable memories on your next vacation.