Guide Encourages Travelers to Pursue their Happiness on National Plan for Vacation Day
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office released the 2022 Happy Traveler, a guide dedicated to one-of-a-kind attractions and events throughout the commonwealth and a resource for travelers to plan future getaways.
The guide’s release is timed to the U.S. Travel Association’s National Plan for Vacation Day, on Jan. 25, which highlights the importance of taking time off and planning ahead to getaways or vacations that spark joy.
The annual guide, a helpful resource filled with exciting events and not-to-miss experiences across Pennsylvania, is meant to fuel travelers’ adventurous spirits and provide unique ideas for how to add vacation days to one’s calendar.
“Whether you’re dreaming of your next adventure or ready to get back on the road, it is important to take time to pursue happiness wherever possible,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary for Marketing, Tourism & Film, Carrie Fischer Lepore. “This year’s Happy Traveler invites travelers to explore Pennsylvania’s cities, history, outdoor experiences, food, culture, and more to ensure time off is time off well spent.”
According to the Travel Association’s “Destination Analysis” survey, 64 percent of Americans say they desperately need a vacation, with “avoiding burnout” as the top motivator. With the help of the 2022 Happy Traveler guide, travelers can plan future getaways that fit their schedule and interests, while giving them well-deserved time to disconnect and learn more about what inspires them.
“The early days of the pandemic and social distancing fueled a new wave of hobbies at home, and our guide celebrates these newfound interests,” added Lepore. “Many of us picked up a green thumb. You can dig into Pennsylvania’s garden culture with our online publication Bulb & Bloom or hit the road with Best Buds: A Garden Trail. Travelers can additionally pursue their passions out in the world with help from our Happy Traveler.”
This year’s Happy Traveler feature story pays homage to those hobbies and pastimes picked during time spent at home. From cooking and baking, to planting and painting, travelers can celebrate their new interests in real life. Savor the state’s culinary history while sampling the finest food along the Culinary Trails.
Other special features include:
- Garden getaways in the city and picturesque dining and boutiques;
- Instagram-worthy hotel lobbies and cocktail bars;
- Around the world in a bite – delectable dumplings;
- Seven stops for family fun on the PA Turnpike;
- Free history museums.
Free copies of the Happy Traveler are available at visitPA.com. Travelers also can sign up to receive Happy Thoughts, a digital newsletter, in their inbox each month.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to Pennsylvania. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, tourism in Pennsylvania helps support the state’s economy and creates jobs for local businesses – all while improving residents’ quality of life. Need more PA happy travels? Become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out photos on Instagram, share pins on Pinterest, watch us on YouTube or listen to us on Spotify.
For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Penny Ickes, DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov
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