Maryland Tourism is your one-stop-shop for inspiration, bucket list suggestions and special events
BALTIMORE, MD (January 20, 2022) – National Plan for Vacation Day is January 25, and it is the perfect time to begin planning a future Maryland vacation. The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has just the right tools to help travelers discover the many attractions, scenic byways, outdoor recreational opportunities, and more that will make a vacation in Maryland a memorable experience.“I encourage everyone to make Maryland your destination of choice when participating in National Plan for Vacation Day,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Travel one of Maryland’s six America’s Byways, commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth, bike the C&O Canal, or cruise the Bay with one of our Chesapeake Storytellers and discover the richness and diversity of Maryland’s five regions.”
Start using the following resources (free!) from the Maryland Office of Tourism to plan your time off:
- Destination Maryland Magazine is a full-color magazine with regional listings of museums, attractions, history & heritage sites, arts & culture facilities, state & national parks, and visitor services. This year the magazine highlight’s Maryland scenic byways that have received the prestigious designation of “America’s Byways” (pages 16-31). The magazine also includes an intriguing round-up of Maryland’s most amazing mysteries, including the sinister Snallygaster (“The M-Files”, page 144).
- VisitMaryland.org is a travel planner’s ideal resource with 40 themed hubs that highlight “Only in Maryland” activities and experiences. You’ll find information on the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop, Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail, and African-American Heritageamong other exciting topics.
- Maryland’s “22 in 2022 Bucket List” is a playful compilation of “must see, must do” destinations and activities in Maryland that will kickstart your travel planning.
- Visit our online calendar of events to learn about unique anniversaries and celebrations for your travel planning inspiration. Of note in 2022, The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek will launch the commemoration for the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman on the weekend of March 12-13, 2022.
- Discover our full line-up of specialty brochures – available in either print or online versions. The newest, a virtual Maryland Birding Guide, joins the list next to our Scenic Byways and Civil War Trails which also has a handy app.
- If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video says it all. Take a look at Maryland Tourism’s YouTube channel, which features many of our state scenic byways, including two new C&O Canal videos debuting this month.
- Fish & Hunt Maryland offers information on charter boat captains, hunting guides and outfitters, as well as videos of insiders sharing why they love to fish and hunt in Maryland.
- Maryland’s social media platforms are a wonderful way to learn more about unique destinations, anniversaries, Maryland culinary specialties, and to connect with other Maryland travel enthusiasts. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and share your images using #MDinFocus.
- Stop by one of our Maryland Welcome Centers conveniently located along major highways throughout the state to speak with a knowledgeable travel counselor.
National Plan for Vacation Day, celebrated annually on the last Tuesday in January, highlights the importance of taking time off to travel and encourages Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the start of the year. It’s even more important in 2022 to do so.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, after nearly two years of living through the COVID pandemic, 68% of American workers are feeling burned out, and close to eight in 10 (79%) believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being, yet workers left an average of 29% of their paid time off on the table last year.
“Research reflects that the stresses of the past year can, at least in part, be lifted by thinking about and planning time away to take a break and experience something new,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “Vacation gives us a chance to recharge and reconnect with family and friends, as well as explore more of our beautiful, diverse country.”
Start planning your Maryland vacation now! Order your free Destination Maryland Magazine via https://www.visitmaryland.org/brochure. For personalized assistance, call 1-800-719-5900.
About Maryland Tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $11.6 billion on travel-related expenses in 2020. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $1.7 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each Maryland household $775 in annual taxes, and directly supported Marylanders with 104,328 jobs. For more information, go to www.visitmaryland.org.
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