Life would be close to perfect if we could drop everything at a moment's notice and hop a plane to an idyllic getaway. Of course, life rarely works out so easily, as we juggle work, school and family obligations. Typically, we have to plan vacations well in advance, and choose a time to travel that works for both our workplace and our wallets.
While there are those who wait for the perfect time to book their vacation and travel, truth be told, an ideal time might never materialize. Moreover, booking a trip in the heart of summer — the most popular time to travel — involves crowds and peak-season prices. Rather than face these difficulties, an astonishing number of workers leave their vacation days unused. A 2016 Alamo survey found 40 percent of American workers end up forfeiting five or more days per year.
Instead of skipping your hard-earned vacation, plan to travel smarter with these tips.