How will 2017 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 2017, this romantic holiday falls on a Tuesday. Did somebody say “long weekend?” Craft itineraries that go from Saturday through Wednesday (who wants to travel on this romantic holiday?). Plan for several amazing “date nights” in some exotic or chic, urban locale for your clients and get them thinking about it now so they can take the time off from work.
President’s Day, February 20: This is skewing later than usual; in fact, it’s usually just after Valentine’s Day, which is the week prior in 2017. President’s Day usually triggers the beginning of winter break for many schools, so be ready to plan ski vacations and warm weather retreats for clients with children. Reminding them of the later date is a good reason to reach out to them now, and will also give you an excuse to drop some suggestions on them. Remember to try to get input from the children in the family for ideas since they have a strong influence on where the clan will travel.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17: In 2017, it’s on a Friday, which means in New York, parade-goers will have the weekend to recover from all the green beer they’ll drink in local pubs. But even if a city doesn’t have a huge parade planned, (New Orleans and Savannah also have big parades), it’s still a fun time for people to travel to domestic cities to see how they celebrate. Watch for hotel packages in the coming weeks and don’t forget to consider Ireland for a long weekend to celebrate St. Pattie.
Passover starts the evening of Monday, April 10 and runs through Tuesday, April 18. On Monday and Tuesday it’s possible some of your clients will be participating in Seders and the ceremonial lighting of Passover candles so they may have plans to stay at home… or, they may want to travel to be with family in far-flung destinations. If you know your clients well enough, inquire early on in the year what their intentions are so you can plan something creative for them.
Easter Sunday, April 16: This religious holiday is often preceded or followed by Spring Break for high schools and colleges. It’s skewing a little later than usual, so give your clients a head’s up now.
Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14: How about a cruise for Mom, which guarantees she’ll be waited on hand and food for days on end? You can pick up some early Mediterranean voyages during this time or a river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium, where the tulips should be in full bloom.
Memorial Day, Monday, May 29: Woohoo, it’s summer! Well, not really, but everyone’s mindset is shifting to sunshine and warm weather. With the rise in domestic travel, why not plot out several long weekends for clients that go to great American cities, like New Orleans, Key West, Nashville and Sante Fe? Keep in mind that Los Angeles and New York have been enjoying this “domestic break” wave for about a year now so you’ll need to book ahead for these locales.
Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18: You know, a cruise wouldn’t be so bad for Dad, either. (See Mother’s Day tip, above). Is there a special interest cruise that would tap in to his hobbies or interests, or can you customize land itineraries that take him to museums where his favorite art genre is on display? How about providing him with a list of the top pubs through Germany on a river cruise?
The Fourth of July: In 2017, it’s on a Tuesday, which can be awkward, since not all employers will be handing out a four-day weekend to celebrate. Ask your clients to look at their work calendars now to see which days they’ll have off.
Labor Day, Monday, September 4: The year is flying by, already and it’s almost time for back to school! Keep clients informed of this official “end of summer” date so they’ll be sure to have plotted out their summer vacations by now.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23: This is feeling a little early to us in 2017 so keep a head’s up for clients who need to travel to see family. Airfare can be insanely expensive for those who don’t plan ahead for this period, so send clients a useful “fyi” email reminder on dates for Thanksgiving and use it as an excuse to suggest vacation ideals to them as well. Keep in mind that some people take this four-day weekend to go on vacation (and away from family); put feelers out now to see if you have some customers of this ilk on your client roster.
Hanukkah runs from December 12-20, earlier than in 2016 when it began on December 24. As with Passover (see above), clients might “staycation” or they may want to celebrate the “Festival of Lights” with friends and family in far-away places.
Christmas, Monday, December 25 and New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 have long weekend written all over them for those who aren’t bogged down with family obligations. As with 2016, clients might be able to take a few days off in between to give them a nice, long holiday week off. If they’re looking for something warm, prices will be at a premium and you’ll need to book way ahead. But if they’re looking for something just a little off beat, they may be in luck with off-season pricing.