Today may be my new favorite day of the year. Can you guess why?

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It's because it's National Plan for Vacation Day, and there's no hobby I love more in the world than vacationing. 

Though, shockingly, it seems I may be in the minority. 

According to a new study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, American workers left an average of four days (29%) of their paid leave on the table in 2021.

Could not (and would not) be me. 

On the same hand: the study reports "reports that more than two-thirds (68%) of American workers feel at least moderately burned out and 13% are extremely burned out."

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Researchers found that those who plan their paid time off in advance do take more time to travel, but nearly one-quarter (24%) of households don't take this step, and 64% reported that they desperately need a vacation.

Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotions office, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association to encourage Minnesotans to take that next step.

Lauren Bennett McGinty, the state tourism director for Explore Minnesota, explains:

"After nearly two years of pandemic fatigue, National Plan for Vacation Day is an opportunity to think ahead to brighter days and Minnesota getaways. We should all prioritize time away from work to explore somewhere new, and to reconnect with the people and places we care about most."

She also goes on to reiterate the best parts about traveling in-state, saying:

 "Minnesota is a fun and affordable four-season destination. From the Northwest Angle over to the North Shore of Lake Superior, to the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul and the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, there's always something new to see and do."

In other words, you don't have to travel far to recharge, but Minnesotans need to take that much-needed and deserved time off. 

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said it best:

 "There are real benefits to getting vacation plans on the calendar at the start of the year, which include the happiness associated with travel and committing to take off all the time that is earned for a well-deserved break."

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