Tips On Planning A Procrastination Vacation

Whether there was too much work on their plate, anxiety about returning to the workplace following time off or simply not enough time to plan a trip, 45 percent of Americans did not take all of the vacation days they had coming to them in 2006.
To help turn that trend around, the experts at Yahoo! Travel offer these tips and ideas for planning the perfect Procrastination Vacation-a much-needed getaway that, until now, kept ending up on the back burner.

Short And Sweet Destinations

• Only two to three vacation days left? Treat yourself to some quick Southern hospitality in Memphis. Travelers can sing along with the King at Graceland, march with the ducks at the Peabody and eat barbecue on Beale Street-all in just a few days.

• Procrastinators who want to see France can cross the border and visit Quebec instead. Ninety-five percent of Quebecers speak French, which makes this walled city feel like a little piece of Paris.

Take Your Time Destinations

• If you've got plenty of time coming your way, explore the best of two worlds in Istanbul. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city of contradictions, mixing modernity and traditional charm. Travelers can take a tour of the 1,470-year-old Hagia Sofia, browse authentic shops at the Grand Bazaar, or take a boat trip down the Bosporus.

• If the beach is more your style, fly down to Turks and Caicos. Sunbathe, play a few rounds of golf or snorkel in one of the best dive spots in the world. Average highs of 80 degrees can be expected.

Procrastination Vacation 101

Before you plan your vacation, remember these tips:

• Determine Number of Vacation Days Remaining-Consult the HR department/superiors to confirm quantity of unused vacation days.

• Ease Travel Stress-The airport could actually be a relaxing place this season since crowds tend to be lighter in the fall, with travel peaking around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• Take Advantage of the Weather-With many destinations having their best weather this time of year, as well as lower flight prices, fall can be one of the best times to travel.

• Anticipate Travel Time-Flying halfway across the globe probably isn't the best idea if you only have a few vacation days left. Plan a road trip or fly somewhere nearby instead. Yahoo! Travel Trip Recommendations' "Near Me" category is perfect for suggesting destinations close to home that will serve as a great getaway.