Unleash the Joy of Travel with IHG's New Campaign Featuring Megan Stalter

Reinvigorating Vacations: IHG's New Initiative with Megan Stalter

When was the last time you took a real vacation? If the thought sends chills of anxiety down your spine, you are not alone. In a recent survey, IHG Hotels & Resorts discovered a startling trend: 57% of Americans leave vacation days unused at the end of the year. In response to this issue, IHG has launched a new campaign featuring the delightful actress and comedian Megan Stalter as a playful "Vacation Coach."

Vacation Anxiety

In today's fast-paced world, the reluctance to take vacation time has become a common sentiment, with stressors like workplace pressures and travel costs weighing heavily on many. As amusing as it is, some folks find more anxiety in requesting time off than in managing daily challenges like parallel parking or ordering food at a restaurant.

To confront this pervasive issue, IHG is rolling out a range of limited-edition packages alongside Stalter's comedic flair. The campaign, titled "Take the Vacation – No Excuses," is designed to empower individuals, urging them to prioritize their well-being and embrace travel with a light-hearted approach.

Meet Your Vacation Coach

Enter Megan Stalter, who embodies the energetic spirit of the campaign as a hilariously motivational "Vacation Coach." Her mission? To tackle excuses head-on and inspire people to banish vacation guilt. With comedic quips like, "It's not hard, it's not calculus, it's a vacation! Book it, already!", Stalter provides the much-needed light-heartedness that makes taking a break feel less daunting.

As Connor Smith, Senior Vice President of Global Brands at IHG, notes, “Everyone deserves to make time for themselves, so we’re giving travelers permission to do just that.”

The message is clear: drop the guilt, set that out-of-office message, and start planning the trip you’ve been daydreaming about.

Addressing Vacation Guilt

The survey highlights the stress and constraints many face in taking time off. A staggering 29% of respondents report feeling guilty about travel costs, while 27% are distressed about leaving pets behind. Surprisingly, this latter concern overtakes the anxiety involved with leaving children at home (19%).

Interestingly, 43% of Americans indicated they would give up alcohol for the entire year in exchange for an extra two weeks of vacation, with a third of respondents willing to cut social media out of their lives entirely. It’s clear that the desire for a break is strong, and IHG is eager to facilitate this.

IHG's Limited-Time Packages

To encourage guilt-free travel, IHG has launched special packages as part of the "Take the Vacation – No Excuses" initiative. These travel packages, available at select IHG hotels in the U.S. and Mexico, offer a variety of benefits, such as:

1. Discounted Rates: Guests can enjoy up to 25% off their bookings, effectively addressing the financial concerns that often hinder travel plans.
2. Surprise Welcome Amenities: A fun surprise at check-in awaits those who state the secret password “Book it Already!”, adding an element of excitement to the arrival experience.
3. Curated Itineraries: Participants will receive tailored activity suggestions based on local culture and personal preferences, making planning a breeze— especially for younger generations looking for assistance.

These limited-time offers are currently available for bookings until February 10, 2026, with stays extending through November 2026.

Closing Thoughts

For those yearning for a vacation but held back by everyday worries, there's no better time to embrace the thrill of travel. With the upbeat encouragement from Megan Stalter and IHG’s thoughtfully designed packages, travelers are sure to find their way to rejuvenation and fun.

For insights and inspiration directly from IHG’s Vacation Coach, visit ihg.com/takethevacation and reclaim your right to leisure. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a wake-up call to those in need of a well-deserved escape!

Let yourself explore, unwind, and experience the world again. Remember, life is too short not to travel!