According to the U.S. Travel Association, 97 percent of Americans who have a trip planned experience more joy, happiness and alleviated stress. U.S. Travel’s National Plan for Vacation Day on January 26 is the perfect opportunity to think ahead, spark wanderlust and make plans for a future trip.
“With the travel environment continuously changing, just the simple act of planning for your next getaway enhances health and happiness,” said Julius Robinson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, U.S. and Canada, Marriott International. “Recent U.S. Travel Association data shows that 63 percent of people desperately need a vacation. Now is a great time to get inspired by the exceptional destinations and experiences Marriott has to offer – whenever and wherever that next trip may be.”
Marriott is inspiring travelers to get ready to “press play” on travel when the time is right, with beautiful destinations, flexible travel policies and an abundance of resources to make planning part of the excitement for the journey ahead. Marriott’s Commitment to Clean, with its enhanced safety protocols and cleaning standards, helps travelers feel even more confident planning their next adventure.
INSPIRING TRAVEL
Americans are still not using their paid time off – according to U.S. Travel data, they earned 17.2 days off last year (on average) yet used only 6.8 days for travel. Planning a future trip is the first step to using vacation time and experiencing enticing destinations such as:
Hawaii – More than just a greeting, aloha encompasses living in harmony with one’s surroundings. This destination inspires travelers with white sand beaches, ocean view golf courses and some of the world’s best sunsets. The Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui introduces a new “Sundeck Collection” of rooms and offers Hawaiian cultural experiences through lessons in lei making, ukulele and hula. Bucket list travelers can look to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua with top-ranked championship golf courses, as well as a distinctively Zen Meditation Labyrinth situated on Makaluapuna point, a lava rock peninsula formed by one of Maui’s last lava flows. For a romantic getaway, the newly-renovated Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali just unveiled a chic new adults-only pool.
Jackson Hole, WY – Jackson Hole offers outdoor adventures for every season, embracing 365 days to the fullest, from wildlife tours to skiing, kayaking to mountain biking. Opening in spring 2021 as the only hotel on Jackson’s historic Town Square, The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection hotel is a majestic gateway for visitors to experience it all.
Anaheim, CA – The city built on imagination is unveiling a new “Avengers Campus” later this year, within California Adventure Park at Disneyland® Resort. All superheroes are welcome at the palatial Westin Anaheim Resort, a haven for wellness and renewal, opening in March.
Nashville, TN – The nation’s music capital is bringing back musical stars of the past at the soon-to-open National Museum of African American Music, a curated celebration of music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans. Plan a visit and stay at the new Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End, which is close to Music Row. Or, visit the “soul of the Gulch” when W Nashville opens, with bold outdoor spaces offering curated musical experiences, intriguing dining and expertly crafted cocktails.
Tampa, FL – Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a leading destination for those seeking blue skies, sunshine and a sparkling waterfront. This year, Tampa welcomed the new JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (pictured above), JW Marriott’s 100th property, featuring a resort-style pool with a sun terrace, SPA by JW, stellar dining outlets and a great location near the Florida Aquarium and Tampa Riverwalk.
Toronto, Canada – Set in stylish Yorkville, where work is always followed by play, W Toronto debuts in June and will feature three lively bars and restaurants including a dazzling rooftop bar and lounge. Hit play with 24/7 programming, live music and DJs at the Living Room or vibe out in our W Sound Suite recording studio. Surrounded by iconic art galleries, the city’s best shopping, and world-class dining, this urban oasis of culture and style is the newest hot spot to amp up your next visit to Toronto.
Burlington, Canada – Located on the shores of Lake Ontario between Niagara Falls and bustling Toronto, Burlington’s natural beauty is complemented by a charming downtown waterfront, city parks and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Spring welcomes the highly anticipated opening of The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection featuring a traditional Hammam steam room and relaxation pool and a signature waterfront restaurant serving cuisine inspired by their nearby farm.
Northeast Canada – A getaway to Canada’s northeast is a must, offering a gorgeous coast and a wealth of culture. Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia, is home to the freshest seafood and the new Muir, Autograph Collection part of the bustling waterfront district, rich with history, art, food and beverage offerings and unprecedented access to the Atlantic Ocean via kayaks, paddleboards and Muir’s own motorboat and yacht. Also opening this spring, Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection will have a destination rooftop restaurant, seasonal pool and cabanas with unique views of the city. The location is extremely convenient for exploring city attractions, such as Old Montreal and its observation wheel, Quartier des Spectacles or the famous Sainte-Catherine Street.
DESTINATION DINING
The joys of travel can feel surprisingly close. Marriott welcomes travelers closer to home with destination dining from city centers to ski slopes this season. City-dwellers looking to explore their own backyard can walk along Boston’s emerging Seaport neighborhood before checking out the Lookout Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection, featuring heated igloos outfitted with speakers and enclosed “ice boxes” overlooking Boston Harbor. For a skyline view of Chicago, Upstairs at The Gwen Terrace at The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago has built a custom-designed iceless Curling Rink for travelers to experience. Out west and amid the Wasatch Mountains, skiers can hit the slopes and then get cozy in the Yurt Village at The St. Regis Deer Valley’s “Ski Beach” comprised of private chalets decorated with chandeliers.
PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH CONFIDENCE
For ease of travel planning from booking to check-in and beyond, the Marriott Bonvoy app offers travelers trip inspiration, the best rates and exclusive member benefits. In addition, guests can take advantage of mobile check-in, mobile key room access where available and mobile requests, allowing them to interact with on-site teams during their stay to help make it as seamless as possible.
For those planning a last-minute trip throughout the U.S., Canada or Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott Bonvoy™ Escapes offers a curation of unique getaways near and far, offering savings of up to 25% for members and 20% for non-members every Wednesday. Guidelines are changing rapidly and travelers should always review local and government guidance to confirm eligibility to travel. To explore more travel destinations, activities and experiences, visit www.marriott.com.