Surveys show roughly 30% of employees’ paid vacation days, or paid time off (PTO), go unused every year, says the U.S. Travel Association.

PTO is precious, and you earned it. So, please, please make sure you take it.

January 27, 2026, is National Plan Your Vacation Day, an official initiative launched in 2015 to help you do exactly that.

Because surveys also show people who plan for their vacations actually use ALL their days.

As a result, they report feeling healthier, happier, and less stressed at the office and at home.

So now is an ideal time to dream of where you want to go. And then plan your PTO.

If those travel dreams exceed current travel realities, we’ve got an idea: Instead of European vacations, for instance, here are some alternative North American destination inspirations.

For example, if you’re dreaming of…

✨ The Netherlands in spring? Plan for Ottawa, Ontario.

The elegant capital blooms with over one million tulips during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. The annual gift from the Dutch royal family honors the special relationship between the two countries. In 1943, while Crown Princess Juliana and children sheltered there during the war, the future Queen gave birth to Princess Margriet. In 1968, Queen Juliana’s youngest daughter, Princess Maria Christina, began music studies in Montréal, Québec.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is an iconic Canadian Pacific hotel, a favorite of ours. The Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa takes a more modern approach to downtown hospitality.

✨ Denmark in summer? Plan for Solvang, California.

Quaint Solvang village in Southern California has been called “the Danish Capital of America” since 1911. For good reason. Half-timbered houses, Danish restaurants, art, and cultural events evoke Nordic charms. And the beautiful Santa Barbara Wine Country is a short drive away.

The swanky Corque Hotel Solvang is the posh new BonVoy property. The cozy Royal Copenhagen Inn is a locally-owned motel, long popular with families (indeed, my family and I stayed here long ago). Both downtown locations are a short walk to the beloved Solvang Windmill.

✨ The Alps in autumn? Plan for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River are “almost heaven,” as John Denver sang in “Country Roads.” Park trails, including the legendary Appalachian Trail, cover 196,000 acres of protected peaks, valleys, meadows, wetlands, and waterfalls. In addition, scenic Skyline Drive takes you 105 miles (169 km) along the ridgeline.

You can enjoy fall foliage while hiking, horseback riding, and driving PLUS comfortable accommodations right inside the park. Rustic Big Meadows Lodge, Lewis Mountain Cabins, and Skyland Hotel with Starbucks, are seasonally open from late March to early November.

✨ Germany in winter? Plan for Chicago, Illinois.

The Christkindlmarket Chicago is a true German Christmas Market in the Windy City’s heart. It’s astonishing how authentic the Christkindlmarket is, down to the real-wood market stalls and full-size Nativity scene. In fact, following our visit, we learned Travel and Leisure Magazine had recently heralded its authenticity.

The Chicago Loop is the best area to stay for a quick walk to the Christmas Market. The LaSalle Chicago by BonVoy is the No. 1 hotel in the Chicago Loop. Followed closely by the IHG boutique hotel we chose, the Kimpton Gray Hotel.

In short, you’ve earned those precious PTO days. Since you’ve got them, use them.

Take those paid vacation days and reap the travel benefits to your overall health, well-being, and relationships.

Whether it’s planning a trip to exotic international places, finding delightful domestic alternatives, or playing tourist in your own backyard,

Here’s to taking time and making your vacation dream come true.

Until next time, Reader,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul Kostadimas
Spotlight Sojourns | Slow Travel
​with the Hidden Gemologists®

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PS: If you’d like to learn more about the magical Christkindlmarket Chicago, click HERE to read our new article.

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