National Plan for Vacation Day on Jan. 29 encourages workers to use their earned leave time before they lose it.

Have you banked up a bunch of vacation days but aren’t sure how to use them? You’re not alone. Last year more than 705 million vacation days went unused, according to the U.S. Travel Association. This prompted the travel group to launch National Plan for Vacation Day, which is observed on the last Tuesday in January and encourages workers to use their earned leave time.

Don’t let your vacation slip away! Plan a trip to a West Virginia state park or forest, some of the top travel destinations in the Mountain State. Research shows that leisure travel is beneficial to health and well-being. Travelers report being happier with their jobs and personal relationships. And people who plan their vacations in advance often use more of their time, take longer vacations and are happier in general.

Fun and affordable getaway

West Virginia state parks and forests offer plenty of options for an affordable getaway. If you can’t manage a whole week off at once, get creative with your time. Break your vacation days up into a series of one- or two-night stays throughout the year. Or take off Friday and the following Monday. Who doesn’t love a long weekend?

You can find great deals on lodging all year long, from camping at Beech Fork State Park to cozy cabins at Blackwater Falls State Park to the modern lodge rooms at Chief Logan State Park. Or for something truly unique, book an overnighter in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower at Seneca State Forest or a yurt at Tomlinson Run State Park!

If you’re on a tight budget, you can find plenty of free or low-cost activities at state parks and forests, including hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. And most of our lodge parks feature full-service restaurants, so you don’t even need to venture off premises.

Plan your trip today and rest easy knowing your vacation is already booked

You work hard all year, so make sure you reward yourself for all those hours you’ve put in. Still need some convincing? Close your eyes and picture you and your sweetheart admiring the view from Cranny Crow at Lost River State Park. Imagine you and your family horseback riding at Pipestem Resort State Park. Or think about how much fun you and your buddies will have learning how to rock climb through North Bend State Park’s Quest Program. How’s that for inspiration?

But don’t just dream about it. Make it happen! So, what are you waiting for? Schedule those vacation days and book your stay at a West Virginia state park or forest today!