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| Vice President—Content/Editorial Director, Ruthanne Terrero |
How will 2015 unfold in terms of three-day weekends and school holidays? Here’s a calendar wrapped around those times your clients might be aiming to get away. Why not pitch them several quick getaways to go along with their longer vacation breaks?
Valentine’s Day, February 14: In 2015, this romantic holiday falls on a Saturday so plan an amazing “date night” in some exotic or chic, urban locale for your clients. President’s Day is that Monday after all, so they’ll likely have at least three days to celebrate. Do plan it early as many schools use the week of February 16 for their annual Winter Breaks. And do be sure not to send your lovebirds to a resort that will be filled to the gills with kids on a full week’s vacation.
President’s Day, February 16: Plan early as many affluent families take this week as an annual retreat. For ideas, see our cover feature on multigenerational travel, and keep in mind that more and more these days, kids have a growing influence on where the family will travel.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17: In 2015, it’s on a Tuesday. Even if a city doesn’t have a huge parade planned, the likes of which New York City, New Orleans and Savannah have, they still celebrate, so look for fun Irish-themed hotel packages for your clients who like to celebrate the “wearing of the green.”
Passover starts the evening of Friday, April 3 and runs seven days (Reform) or eight days (Orthodox and Conservative).
Easter Sunday, April 5: This religious holiday is about two weeks earlier than last year and, for many, is preceded or followed by Spring Break for high schools and colleges.
Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10: Consider a spa getaway or a trip that will pique Mom’s significant interests. Consider a group tour or a cruise that fulfills this goal; that could make things much easier if the Mom in question is finding it a bit tougher to get around these days.
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25: If you haven’t planned your summer vacations by now, you’re late! Refer to our story on multigenerational travel in this issue, keeping in mind that it’s frequently the grandparents these days who are paying for family vacations but that the kids in the family have a major say as well. Since so many decision makers will be a part of the process, we say it’s best to start planning early. How about back in February, when you’re talking to clients about where to go on Winter Break?
Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21: This is a great trip to plan around Dad’s interests. Is it exotic cars? Travel back to his family’s homeland to find his roots? See tips above for Mother’s Day.
The Fourth of July: In 2015, it’s on a Saturday; most employers will likely turn this into a three-day weekend for their companies. Ask your clients to look at their work calendars now to see which days they’ll have off.
Labor Day, Monday, September 7: Last year it landed on September 1, but this year we’ll have an extra week of summer, sort of. Suggest a getaway as a last hurrah just prior to Labor Day.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26: Aside from the obvious need to plan travel early for this incredibly busy holiday, warn clients that if they want to travel at the very end of November, they’ll pay high prices thanks to those flying home November 29 and 30 from their Thanksgiving trip. That simple airline ticket to Florida from New York, for example, can skyrocket from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $1,000 if you don’t plan ahead.
Hanukkah starts 10 days earlier than last year, on Sunday, December 6 and continues for eight days until December 14. Nudge those who celebrate or the holiday may catch them by surprise.
Christmas, Friday, December 25 and New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31 have long weekend written all over them for those who aren’t bogged down with family obligations.