Tuesday, January 30 is National Plan for Vacation Day and therefore the ideal time to start thinking about your next getaway.

According to a recent survey, more Americans are prioritizing travel in the year ahead, with 50 percent planning to travel more than they did in 2023. While the desire to travel is clearly there, fewer than half of Americans take full advantage of their vacation days each year, leaving behind a seemingly endless supply of hard-earned PTO. 

That’s where National Plan for Vacation Day comes in. Studies have shown that the simple act of planning a trip can boost your mood, but that doesn’t mean travelers have to go it alone.

The best thing you can do is reach out to an experienced travel advisor who can get you up to date on the latest travel advisories from the State Department. A trusted travel professional can also share firsthand experience from your destination and match you with the ideal airline, accommodations and activities.

But that’s just a sample of the benefits of working with a travel advisor. These knowledgeable travel experts can often score you surprising perks and connect you with key players in your destination to ensure a memorable travel experience, whether it’s the hotel concierge or a local tour operator.

Traveling for a big sporting event or a romantic getaway for two? A good travel advisor can make sure your group’s rooms are nearby on the same floor or order a welcome bottle of champagne to your suite ahead of check-in. Plus, travel advisors save you money by accessing deals others can’t and often times packaging your flights, hotel and resort stays and other activities.

Perhaps most importantly in the age of the internet, travel advisors supply the human element, advocating for clients before, during and after their trip. Your trip will likely be a breeze, but in the event that something goes wrong, you’ll have an actual person by your side to right the ship.

If you’re not sure where to start, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) can match you with a verified professional specializing in your destination and trip type.

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