Want more vacation time without extra PTO? Here’s how:
- Align PTO with federal holidays: Use long weekends and holidays like Memorial Day or Christmas to stretch your days off. For example, 11 PTO days can turn into 43 vacation days in 2026.
- Plan early: Submit PTO requests in January to secure popular dates before colleagues do.
- Use smart travel strategies: Book early flights to avoid delays, adjust to time zones on the plane, and consider private transfers to save time.
- Take advantage of business trips: Combine work travel with personal days to explore new places without burning through PTO.
- Opt for short getaways: Weekend trips to nearby destinations (2–5 hours away) can be just as refreshing as longer vacations.
How to MAXIMIZE Your PTO to Travel More #shorts
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Plan Around Public Holidays and Weekends
2026 Federal Holidays PTO Strategy Guide: Turn 11 Days Into 43 Days Off
One of the smartest ways to stretch your PTO is to plan vacations around federal holidays. In 2026, there are 11 federal holidays, many of which fall on Mondays or Fridays, creating natural three-day weekends that don’t require any PTO. With a little strategy, you can extend these breaks into longer vacations without using too many PTO days.
"My advice to Americans is simple: plan ahead. Don’t hoard your PTO for one big trip. Instead, book a few three- to four-day escapes that align with school and office closures." – Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global Public Relations, Expedia Group
The trick is to submit your PTO requests early – ideally in January – so you can lock in those high-demand dates before your coworkers do [16, 19]. This is especially important for peak travel periods like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the Christmas-to-New Year’s stretch.
Federal Holidays in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 make it easy to maximize your time off. For example, Memorial Day (May 25) and Labor Day (September 7) are perfect for creating nine-day breaks using just four PTO days. By taking the Tuesday through Friday after Memorial Day, you’ll enjoy nine consecutive days off, including both weekends.
The Christmas-to-New Year’s period is another ideal opportunity. With Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, and New Year’s Day 2027 on Friday, January 1, you can take just four PTO days (Monday, December 21 through Thursday, December 24) to enjoy a nine-day vacation spanning two weekends.
For a midweek option, Veterans Day (Wednesday, November 11) offers flexibility. Taking either Monday and Tuesday (November 9–10) or Thursday and Friday (November 12–13) gives you five days off using just two PTO days [8, 16]. Want a longer break? Use four PTO days to turn this into a full nine-day vacation.
| 2026 Federal Holiday | Date | PTO Strategy | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidents’ Day | Mon, Feb 16 | Take Fri, Feb 13 | 4 Days |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Take Tue–Fri, May 26–29 | 9 Days |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19 | Take Mon, Jun 22 | 4 Days |
| Independence Day (Observed) | Fri, Jul 3 | Take Mon, Jul 6 | 4 Days |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Take Tue–Fri, Sep 8–11 | 9 Days |
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11 | Take Mon–Tue or Thu–Fri | 5 Days |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Take Mon–Thu, Dec 21–24 | 9 Days |
One added perk: Since July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, the federal holiday will be observed on Friday, July 3. That means a three-day weekend without touching your PTO [8, 19].
While longer vacations are great, don’t underestimate the power of shorter, long weekends.
Make the Most of Long Weekends
Even a quick three- or four-day weekend can leave you feeling recharged. Pairing just one PTO day with a Monday or Friday holiday lets you create a four-day break – perfect for a short getaway.
For example, holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19) or Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 16) are excellent for quick trips during less crowded shoulder seasons. To avoid the chaos of flying on the Friday before a holiday, consider traveling on Thursday evening or taking the Tuesday after off for a smoother experience [17, 20].
If your company offers floating holidays, use them wisely to create extra long weekends around non-federal observances or to bridge gaps between holidays. The goal is to spread your PTO across the year, giving yourself multiple chances to unwind and recharge.
Efficient Travel Logistics
A memorable vacation isn’t just about the destination – it’s also about making the most of your time there. When your days off are limited, every minute matters. By planning smarter travel logistics, you can turn potential time-wasters into opportunities to enjoy your trip.
Choose the Right Flight Times
Booking the first flight of the day can help you avoid delays. Early morning departures are less likely to be held up since the aircraft is already at the airport and hasn’t been delayed by earlier flights. Paul Charles, former Virgin Atlantic Director, shares, “If traveling short-haul, I think first thing in the morning is the best time to fly as aircrafts usually have better punctuality at that time because they are the first flight out of the airport”.
For international trips, overnight flights are a smart choice. You can sleep during transit and arrive refreshed, ready to explore. On shorter overnight flights, like those from the U.S. East Coast to Europe (usually under 7 hours), skipping the in-flight meal and eating before boarding can maximize your sleep. When heading home, aim for a lunchtime arrival. This gives you the afternoon to settle in and avoids the exhaustion of a late-night landing.
Another pro tip? Adjust to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board. Travel expert Gary Leff recommends, “Adjust to the local time of your destination as soon as possible, generally as soon as you board your flight. That means eating on your new local time, and sleeping on your new local time”. Once you land, spending time in natural sunlight can help reset your internal clock.
Use Time Zone Differences to Your Advantage
Time zone shifts can work in your favor, especially if you plan ahead. For example, an 8-hour flight departing London at 10:00 a.m. lands in New York at 1:00 p.m. the same day, giving you an extra 5 hours of daylight. On the flip side, a 7-hour flight from New York to London departing at 6:00 p.m. lands at 7:00 a.m. the next day, effectively "losing" 5 hours.
Flying westward often feels easier on the body because it extends your day. A daytime flight that lands in the evening allows for a smoother transition to local time. For eastbound journeys, overnight flights are ideal – you arrive in the morning and can gradually adjust to the new time zone.
It’s worth noting that your body adjusts to time changes at a rate of about one day per time zone crossed. For example, traveling from New York to Paris (crossing six time zones) may take 5 to 6 days for full adjustment. To speed up the process, staying awake until at least 8:00 p.m. local time on your first day can be incredibly helpful.
Private Transfers Save Time
Navigating unfamiliar public transit or waiting in long taxi lines can eat into your vacation hours. Pre-arranged private transfers offer a smoother, more efficient alternative. These services meet you at baggage claim, help with your luggage, and ensure a quick, hassle-free trip to your destination.
In high-traffic airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle or London Heathrow, pairing private transfers with VIP Meet & Greet services can help you skip long immigration lines, making your arrival even faster. Tamara Gruber, Founder of Your Time to Fly, sums it up perfectly: “The greatest luxury isn’t found in a thread count or a Michelin star. It’s found in the minutes and hours reclaimed from the ‘travel friction’ that plagues modern journeys”.
Companies like Jo Vacations include private airport transfers as part of their custom itineraries, ensuring you move seamlessly from the plane to your hotel. By cutting down on logistical hassles, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your trip. After all, when your vacation days are limited, every hour counts.
Extend Business Travel into Personal Time
Turning a work trip into a mini-vacation can be a clever way to make the most of your limited paid time off. With the average American worker receiving only 11 days of PTO after one year of service, combining business and leisure – often called "bleisure" travel – lets you explore new places without burning through your vacation days. Since your employer typically covers round-trip airfare, you’re only responsible for the additional expenses like extra nights, meals, and activities.
This trend is gaining momentum. Sixty percent of travelers plan to add leisure days to future business trips, and 90% of corporate travel managers say employees are showing interest in mixing work with recreation. As Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association, puts it:
"If your basic transportation… is already covered by your employer, I think that’s a huge benefit, and a reason why business travelers are interested in this".
Here’s how you can make the most of this opportunity.
Add Leisure Days to Business Trips
Planning is everything when it comes to extending a work trip for leisure. Start by reviewing your company’s travel policy and getting written approval to avoid any misunderstandings. When booking flights, use the multi-city option to adjust your return date, as most companies will only reimburse the cost of a standard round-trip ticket.
Travel writer Rachel Craft offers a great example. In September 2025, she turned a business conference in Las Vegas into a personal birthday getaway. Her airfare and the first two nights at the Aria Resort were covered by the conference, while she used 19,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points for her husband’s flight and 107,200 Marriott Bonvoy points for two additional nights at the Bellagio – saving over $1,500 in the process.
To shift from work mode to vacation mode, consider moving from a business hotel to a boutique property in a lively area. Pack a separate "leisure" packing cube with casual clothes, set your "Out of Office" status as soon as work wraps up, and use a personal eSIM for data to avoid mixing personal and company expenses.
Use Downtime During Business Trips
If extending your trip isn’t feasible, you can still make the most of your downtime. Start your mornings with a visit to a local museum or a coffee shop before diving into meetings. Evenings are perfect for trying local restaurants, attending a game, or enjoying a rooftop dinner to soak in the city’s vibe. Arriving a day early can also be a game-changer – it gives you time to visit major attractions while you’re still fresh, instead of squeezing in sightseeing after a long workweek. Business lunches are another opportunity to experience local cuisine at no extra cost.
For those looking to streamline their leisure plans, Jo Vacations offers tailored itineraries, private transfers, and curated experiences that fit around your work commitments. Whether it’s adding a weekend in Barcelona after a Madrid conference or exploring Marrakech before heading to Lisbon, these strategies let you make every hour count.
Short Breaks and Nearby Destinations
Short getaways can offer a refreshing escape without the hassle of long-distance travel. Even with limited vacation days, a well-planned trip close to home can provide the same mental recharge as a far-flung journey. Research shows that quality experiences, rather than distance, are what truly enhance well-being. By opting for local adventures, you can disconnect and relax without using up all your PTO.
Weekend Getaways and Day Trips
To make the most of your time, aim for destinations within a 2-to-5-hour travel range. For example, New Yorkers can head to the Hudson Valley – just 1.5 to 2 hours away – for farm-to-table dining and outdoor art installations. In Los Angeles, a quick 1.5-hour drive to Ojai offers serene wellness retreats and citrus groves, while Chicago residents can enjoy water sports and lakeside relaxation at Lake Geneva, less than 2 hours away.
Strategic timing can also maximize your trip. Leaving on a Thursday night or early Friday morning gives you extra hours to explore. Book popular restaurants 2 to 3 weeks in advance for prime weekend slots, and consider staying through Sunday when many resorts offer discounts of 30% to 50%. Packing light – just a carry-on for a 48-hour trip – helps you avoid baggage delays and keeps your trip stress-free.
For those who want more than a day trip, nearby destinations can turn ordinary weekends into unforgettable experiences.
Discover Local Attractions
Local treasures, from historic towns to natural parks, can deliver the feel of a full vacation without requiring extensive travel. For instance, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is just 2 hours from Washington, D.C., and offers scenic hiking trails and historic spas. Atlanta residents can enjoy mountain views in Chattanooga, just under 2 hours away, or drive 3 hours to Asheville for craft beer and a tour of the Biltmore Estate. In Galena, Illinois – only 2.5 hours from Chicago – you’ll find a charming town where 85% of the buildings are listed on the National Historic Register, creating a 19th-century vibe.
These trips can also be easy on the wallet. State park entry fees are typically between $5 and $15. Camping at KOA Campgrounds starts at around $40 per night, while boutique options like Hotel Luna Mystica in Taos, New Mexico, offer vintage Airstream trailers starting at $125 per night. If planning isn’t your thing, services like Jo Vacations can create custom travel packages for everything from a coastal escape to a wine country weekend or a mountain retreat, complete with private transfers and local expertise built in.
Conclusion
Making the most of limited vacation days doesn’t require extraordinary measures – it’s all about smart planning. By combining PTO with federal holidays, selecting efficient travel options, and focusing on destinations closer to home, you can stretch those 11 average paid days into meaningful and refreshing breaks throughout the year.
Early planning is key to securing popular travel dates, but it’s also about prioritizing quality over quantity. A thoughtfully planned three-day weekend nearby can provide the same mental reset as a longer international trip, especially when travel logistics are kept simple. Whether it’s extending a work trip for some personal downtime or opting for a quick getaway within a few hours’ reach, these strategies ensure your time off is well spent.
With every detail carefully considered, you can truly make each day off matter. Jo Vacations takes the hassle out of planning by offering tailored itineraries, private transfers, and 24/7 concierge support, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene coastal escape or a tranquil mountain retreat, every journey is designed to maximize your time and deliver the relaxation you deserve.
Why wait? Start planning your 2026 travel calendar now – your next adventure is just a few PTO days away.
FAQs
How do I pick the best PTO days around holidays?
To get the most out of your PTO, a little planning goes a long way – especially around holidays. Many U.S. federal holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19) and Presidents’ Day (February 16), typically fall on Mondays or Fridays. These naturally create long weekends, making them perfect opportunities to stretch your time off.
For example, by pairing PTO with holidays like Memorial Day (May 25) or Independence Day (July 4), you can turn a single day off into a much longer break. Strategically aligning your PTO with these holidays lets you enjoy extended vacations while using fewer vacation days overall.
What should I do if my PTO request gets denied?
If your PTO request gets denied, don’t lose hope – there are still ways to carve out meaningful breaks. One option is to plan your time off around federal holidays and weekends to create longer stretches of free time. If you have a solid history of performance at work, consider negotiating for flexibility or even additional days off.
Another approach is to make the most of the time you do have. Short trips, nearby getaways, or long weekends can still feel refreshing with a bit of creativity and planning. By being strategic, you can enjoy quality downtime, even with limited vacation days.
How does Jo Vacations help me save time on short trips?
Jo Vacations helps you make the most of your short trips by taking care of the logistics. From arranging private transfers to crafting personalized itineraries, they handle the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your getaway.
