Want to make a difference in 2026? Take a vacation!

Start planning your 2026 adventure and save money with our new Local Vacation Loot promotion !

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s just how important it is to prioritize self-care and spend time with loved ones. However, we have a ways to go considering that in 2025, nearly two-thirds of workers felt more burned out than the year before , and millions of vacation days went unused as people found it hard to truly disconnect from work.​

Taking time off helps lower stress, burnout, and anxiety, and it’s good for your mental and physical health. With National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD) coming up on January 27, 2026, we want to remind you that travel is not only good for your well-being, but it also helps our country’s economy.

How Travel Helps the Economy

​Vacation travel helps local businesses by creating jobs and boosting the economy in places like Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. It can also improve job performance, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

The U.S. Travel Association says travel accounts for more than 2.5% of our national GDP and generates billions (yes, BILLIONS) of dollars in tax revenue. Their latest report says, “travel is essential to driving economic growth and job creation in states, destinations, and communities across America, and it is indispensable to our nation’s global competitiveness.”

​In 2024, travelers in the U.S. spent $1.3 trillion, which led to $2.9 trillion in total economic activity and supported over 15 million American jobs. Studies show that if Americans used their unused vacation days for travel, it could add over $151 billion in travel spending and create even more jobs. For the latest numbers, visitustravel.org .

Why Travel is Good for Your Health

Many studies show that Americans are happier when they spend money on travel and experiences instead of things. Taking a vacation can help reduce depression, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and burnout, and it can boost your mood and outlook on life. These benefits also help your physical health.

Why Aren’t More People Taking Vacations?

If vacations are so helpful, why aren’t more people taking them? Worries about job security, heavy workloads, and lack of coverage at work are common reasons Americans skip vacations .​ But, travel experts say that failing to plan ahead is one of the top reasons for unused vacation time. The U.S. Travel Association says people are more likely to use all their paid time off if they plan their vacation days at the start of the year. And there’s no better place to plan your Pacific Northwest getaway than Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.

Ok, I’m Convinced! Now What?

Here are some helpful tips to plan an adventure on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston:

❐ Score $120 Local Vacation Loot with our New Promotion! If you take your vacation between February 1st and March 31st, 2026, you can take advantage of significant savings with our Local Vacation Loot package! Book two nights at a participating hotel and receive up to $120 in vouchers to spend on select local adventures, dining, and attractions.

​Call one of the participating hotels directly to book a stay of at least 2 nights for 2 people. Be sure to mention the Local Vacation Loot promotion when you book. Note: You must call the hotel front desk directly to book your stay and get the promotion.

When you check in, you’ll get a Local Vacation Loot package that includes:

• Two $50 coupons (one per person) to use toward select charter fishing, ATV rentals, kayak rentals, or dining
• Two passes to a participating museum (choose one of three local museums)
• 20% off one item at the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center

Participating hotels may fill up fast, so try to book as early as you can.

​Blackout dates and some restrictions may apply. Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay and the Best Western Holiday Hotel Blackout Dates are March 4-7, 2026.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

❐ Check the local, extended forecast. This will help you decide what to pack and which activities to plan. You can also check tides at tides-forecast.com .

​❐ Book your Adventure. If charter fishing or ATVing is your adventure of choice, it’s best to book those at the same time you book your hotel to ensure you get the adventure you desire. Check the Local Vacation Loot page for participating providers.

❐ Request or download a free visitors' guide for inspiration and to help you discover the lay of the land.

❐ Pack smart. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. This is a good idea any time of year, but especially in cooler months. Here’s what to pack in your suitcase.

• A light, waterproof jacket. November, December, and January are the wettest months, but a hooded jacket is useful all year.
• Hiking boots (waterproof ones are the best) if you plan to hike and explore the outdoors.
• Warm hat.
• Jeans or long pants (we’re relaxed around here).
• Short-sleeve and/or long-sleeve t-shirts.
• Pull over sweatshirts and sweaters.
• Comfortable shoes, since you’ll likely do a lot of walking.
• Multiple pairs of warm socks.
• Gear for any activities you plan, like waders for fishing or a wetsuit for surfing.
• Binoculars for viewing wildlife and marine mammals.
• Sunscreen (yes, even on a chilly or overcast day).
• A water bottle and snacks.
• A printed map (in case cell service is limited in some outdoor areas).
• Your Oregon State Park Annual Pass (if you have one). Some state parks charge a $10/vehicle fee for access.

❐ Check out itineraries or trip ideas from Oregon’s Adventure Coast experts. Before your trip, use the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook page o r@travelcoosbay on Instagram for tips on the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore. Here are a few easy itineraries to get you started:

• 10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast . From beautiful dunes to great seafood, Oregon’s Adventure Coast has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a family vacation. In this guest post, adventure travel experts Gwyn and Ami Manser share their top picks for 10 must-try experiences in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.

   

• Explore the Cape Arago Beach Loop. This route is perfect for first-time visitors to Oregon’s Adventure Coast. The Cape Arago Beach Loop takes you to several beaches and state parks, like Bastendorff Beach and Sunset Bay State Park, where you can enjoy amazing views and spot seals and sea lions. Dress comfortably and bring your camera! For more details, download our PDF Guide .

   

• Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area . It’s the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes in North America and truly unique. With over 32,000 acres of dunes, forests, streams, and lakes, you’ll find plenty of ways to have an amazing adventure.

   

• Fishing, crabbing, and clamming. Whether you’re new to these activities or have lots of experience, Oregon’s Adventure Coast is a great place to get out on the water and catch your own dinner. Coos County boasts more than 30 lakes and rivers, plus lots of bay and ocean fishing. Check out our resources to help plan your trip. Stop by a local bait shop for tips, they’re always happy to help visitors. Don’t forget your fishing or shellfishing license! Learn more about crabbing and clamming in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.

   

• Eight Underrated Experiences to Try on Oregon’s Adventure Coast . The famous spots like Shore Acres State Park and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are great, but there’s much more to discover. Look a little deeper and you’ll find many hidden gems that make for a memorable trip.

❐ Finally, reach out to the Coos Bay or North Bend Visitor Information Centers for help planning your trip! Our volunteers are ready to help you make the most of your well-deserved vacation, so you can relax and come home refreshed.

If you want to feel happier at work and in life, now’s the time to plan your next adventure. There’s something for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.