WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A new FlexJobs study found that more than a fifth of U.S. workers have not used a single vacation day this year, and many of those unused days will not roll over into 2025.
Steven Giulday of AARP said taking time off is essential for both mental and physical health. He says this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods yet, but travelers can still find reasonable options if they stay flexible.
His first tip is to keep an open mind about destinations. If Charleston is too expensive, Savannah may offer a similar experience at a lower price.
On the Town | Budget-friendly holiday shopping, family dining
AARP also recommended checking alternate airports. Savings can be significant at smaller hubs even if there are fewer flights. In the Washington region, that can mean looking at Richmond or Harrisburg. The same idea applies to train travel. Amtrak stops in places like Alexandria, not just Union Station.
Drivers should search for rental car discounts through groups such as AARP, AAA, or their credit card companies. Bus travel can also cut costs, with trips from Washington to New York for under 40 dollars on lines such as FlixBus or Greyhound.
And you do not need a full week off to recharge. Giulday said a long weekend or even a midweek break can offer lower prices and a reset.
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