TwoSix Digital Celebrates U.S. Travel’s National Plan Your Vacation Day
Posted: January 25th, 2022
On the last Tuesday of January, we celebrate National Plan Your Vacation Day with U.S. Travel. In 2015, the travel industry and their partners tracked American vacation days. They found that vacation days are continuously going unused – negatively affecting mental health and work ethic. Thus this day was created to highlight the importance of taking time off to travel.
This year, the TwoSix team is ready to get back into the swing of things to travel in 2022. Read on to learn where, when, and why the team is traveling this year.
Dave Serino
Founder & Chief Strategist
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
This spring we will be visiting New Mexico to visit White Sands and Carlsbad Canyon National Parks for some surface hiking and cave exploration. And, this fall I will be taking a backpacking trip along the North Country Trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which runs through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and overlooks Lake Superior.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
I have always had an interest in exploring some caverns and what a better place to do it than in New Mexico. And, it gives me an opportunity to check another national park off my list.
The fall trip will be my first back packing trip and I always enjoy visiting the Upper Peninsula.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
I am most excited to explore the inside of the “Big Room” at Carlsbad Canyon National Park. It’s the the largest single cave by volume in North America. Will Rogers says it is like the Grand Canyon with a roof on it, which should make it an amazing experience.
And, I am most excited about the challenge of the backpacking trip as we will be hiking 43 miles along the trail. But the views overlooking Lake Superior will be worth the trip for sure!
Trisha Patrias
Director of Special Projects
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
This March, my Husband and I will be taking a delayed honeymoon to the beautiful island of St. Lucia. We will be spending 7 whole days on the Northwest side of the island at a resort.
Also, for our first anniversary – we will be going to Telluride, CO.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
Every year – we choose a tropical destination around March to leave the cold, snowy weather of Michigan. We always choose a tropical destination around thist ime since we’ve been in the winter season for a few months and at this time we probably haven’t seen snow it a hot minute. We chose St. Lucia beacuse some of our friends recently went there for their honeymoon and raved about it.
Telluride has always been a dream for me, as I’ve always wanted to learn how to snow and ski.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
If you’re framiliar with the island – there are two mountains called the Piton’s on the southwest end. Since we’re staying on the opposite end of that island we will be taking a cattamoran ride through the waters around the island to see the Piton’s first hand.
We’re also going to be hiking to some of the waterfalls on the island – and maybe even take a sulphur bath. It sounds gross but apparently its great for your skin!
Nick Danowski
Lead Content Strategist
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
For a noteworthy birthday for our mom, my brother and I planned a trip to Chicago in late summer this year. The whole family, including our significant others, will be staying in the city together.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
We decided on Chicago because it’s a big city with plenty of arts & culture that’s easily drivable for my parents, so use the money we saved on travel to really go all out on a place to stay.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
We’ll be staying near the West Loop neighborhood, so we’ll be close to all the action without being in the thick of it. I know my mom and brother will really be looking forward to going to the theatre, but I’m probably most excited about the museums and seeing some Art Deco architecture.
Fun Fact: Chicago’s Board of Trade Building is the tallest Art Deco skyscraper outside of New York City and was the headquarters for “Wayne Enterprises” in Batman Begins (2005).
Scout Delicato
Digital Advertising Strategist
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
For our first wedding anniversary, my husband and I are planning a trip to the UK and Ireland, with most of our travels focused on the Scottish Highlands and south-western Ireland.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
We have always wanted to visit the UK and London, but I developed a strong interest in visiting Scotland and Ireland after learning that most of my ancestry is from there. Conveniently, visiting all of these locations in one trip is not too difficult. The fact that we can stay in real-life Castles through Airbnb sealed the deal.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
Because the countries with in the UK and Ireland are relatively small compared to US states, it would not be so intimidating to road trip, exploring the natural and man-made wonder at our leisure. In our experience, this is the best way to truly get to know a place, it’s people, and it’s culture.
Ashley Maddix
Digital Advertising Strategist
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
I’m planning to travel to Seattle, Washington this year.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
I’ve traveled up the coast from California to Washington but haven’t made it to Seattle yet. The west coast is one of my favorite places to explore and I love the rain so I thought Seattle would be the perfect place to visit.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
I’m looking forward to getting sucked into some tourist traps (Space Needle, Pike Place, etc.). I’m also excited to be along the ocean, take a ferry and explore as a local.
Brian Matson
Senior Director of Strategy & Education
Where are you planning to travel to in 2022?
My wife and I are planning to head to northern Michigan for a ski adventure! We’ll be at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, MI. For reference, that’s at the tip of your pinky finger. I’ll actually be taking my first ski lesson while there and will finally join my wife on the slopes instead of lounging around the lodge as she skis her heart out. While there we plan to take in all the amenities the resort has to offer like spa, alpine slide for tubing, ice skating, archery classes, and more. We’re looking forward to our getaway “up north” for sure.
Why did you decide to choose this place?
We visited this location a few years ago and had an excellent time. There wasn’t enough snow that year to take in all the activities so this year we’re hoping for piles of fresh powder. Living in SE Michigan doesn’t provide a full-on winter experience like we’re used to back in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Crystal mountain is within driving distance from our home and makes for a perfect getaway for us to unplug and recharge a bit.
What are you looking forward to finding most in this destination?
For me, it’s about time around the fire pit and meeting new people. We will see how my ski lesson goes as to whether I’ll be the next Bode Miller or not. We’re excited to get away from the house for a bit as we’ve been spending way too much time there during the pandemic. A change of scenery is going to be much welcomed for both of us.