National Plan for Vacation Day | January 25, 2022

Ready for a vacation? The best way to get ahead is to start planning. Take the time to plan your visit to the Grand Haven Area in 2022!

National Plan For Vacation Day is dedicated to encouraging Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the start of the year. Taking time off from work is important for your personal health and wellbeing and for the overall economic prosperity of our nation.

As a part of Plan for Vacation Day, the Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is helping workers and aspiring travelers to use their paid vacation days in 2022, with planning tools and inspiration for making your dream vacay come true!

After two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are feeling burned out and ready for a change of scenery. However, Americans are still not using all of their vacation days. American workers left an average of more than four days (29%) of their paid time off on the table last year, but the majority of Americans (64%) say they desperately need a vacation.

A simple remedy for making the most of your vacation days is to plan ahead! A new study from Destination Analysts reveals that Americans who plan out their paid time off take more time off to travel, but one-quarter (24%) of American households don't take this simple step.

Additionally, data shows that travel is good for our health and relationships and helps us learn more about the world around us. 79% of Americans agree that vacations are important to their overall health and wellbeing.

Dreaming of Visiting the Grand Haven Area in 2022? Here's What To Look Forward To!

The Grand Haven Area is the ultimate vacation destination which encompasses six different communities including Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, West Olive, Allendale, and Coopersville. While Grand Haven is most-popular in the summertime - winter, fall, and spring also offer great opportunities to visit - often with a more intimate experience and less crowds. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic couples getaway, or a trip with friends, the Grand Haven Area offers activities that are ideal for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. There are so many events happening year-round that draw in tourists from all over and make the Grand Haven Area a vacation destination worth visiting!

1. Visit the Historic Lighthouses & Pier. Enjoy a 1.5 mile walk from downtown Grand Haven along the Grand River Boardwalk and all the way to the end of the pier that juts out into beautiful Lake Michigan.
2. Take in the sights of the Musical Fountain. Experience music, lights, water and magic at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This 20-minute synchronized water and light show accompanied with music of all varieties features a different theme every night at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Enjoy the great outdoors. The Grand Haven Area offers a great selection of parks and outdoor recreation spaces that visitors have been enjoying for decades. Ride your bike along scenic paved trails, hike through wooded forests and towering dunes, walk the shores of Lake Michigan, or enjoy a day on the water kayaking, boating, or fishing.
4. Partake in outdoor winter sports. When it comes to winter activities, the Grand Haven Area has it all - downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and beyond! Make the most of Michigan's long winters with a getaway to Grand Haven.
5. Go for a fall color tour. If you plan to visit in the fall, you'll be pleased with the fall foliage that fills the trees in autumn. Taste your way around the Grand Haven Area with cider, donuts, and fall-inspired craft brews. Enjoy an afternoon at a pumpkin patch or go to an apple orchard to pick your favorite fresh apples.

After a long days of exploring, there are so many great places to rest you head at night. With a variety of lodging options in the area, you can choose what suits your needs best. Opt for a cozy Bed and Breakfast, a luxurious vacation rental, or a comfortable hotel. Book today, travel later!

All of Your Big Plans in One Spot

We've made it quick and easy to be able to save all of your trip plans and ideas in one spot on our site. As you're browsing and you find items that may be of interest to you, simply click the "Add to Itinerary" icon. Each item will then get added to a specialized list for you. Once you have completed adding items to your list, you can find your whole list by clicking the "Your Itinerary" link at the top of our homepage. (*Note: Your selected items will not remain in your itinerary if you leave the website and return or if you close you session.)

When you are done, simply click "Print Your Itinerary" to keep a copy of your Grand Haven Area travel ideas. Happy Planning! ?