Plan smart, travel coastal, and pack right because your 2026 vacation days should be memorable for sunsets and seafood, not stings and swats.
How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in 2026 with Coastal Getaways
With a little planning, 2026 can feel like your longest vacation year yet without using extra PTO. The secret is pairing federal holidays with strategic coastal escapes. Long weekends around New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving create perfect windows to turn 3–4 days off into 7–9 days by booking end days wisely.
Coastal destinations are ideal for these mini-extended breaks. The Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle offer warm water, laid-back vibes, and easy drive-to access which are perfect for spring and fall shoulder seasons. Summer calls for classic beach towns with festivals and fireworks, while late-year holidays are great for the Caribbean or South Florida when crowds thin and temperatures stay beach-friendly.
No matter where you go, preparation matters. Nothing derails a dream beach trip faster than jellyfish stings, biting flies, or no-see-ums. That’s why savvy travelers always pack Jelly-Smack bite and sting relief. It’s lightweight, TSA-friendly, and designed to calm stings and bites fast so you spend more time in the water and less time nursing irritated skin.
Plan smart, travel coastal, and pack right because your 2026 vacation days should be memorable for sunsets and seafood, not stings and swats.