How to Hack Your PTO in 2026 for More Travel, Less Burnout
What’s worse than not having enough PTO?
Not using the little you do have.
It’s true. More than half of U.S. workers leave vacation days on the table every year. And while I get that life gets busy, unused PTO is basically a missed flight to somewhere amazing.
The good news? With a little planning, you can make those limited days stretch a whole lot further. By pairing your PTO with U.S. holidays, you can turn long weekends into full-blown getaways, no extra vacation days needed.
This guide walks you through how to travel smarter in 2026 using the holiday calendar to your advantage. I’ve even added a few trip ideas for each season, from snowy escapes to warm-weather weekends and everything in between.
Some of these are official holidays, others are just well-timed breaks, but every single one is an excuse to get out there and explore.
Winter Escapes: January Through March
The start of the year can feel a little… gray. January and February drag, and if you’re anything like most people, you’re already counting down to your next escape by the second week back at work. The good news? Winter holidays offer the perfect chance to get out of town without burning too much PTO.
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
PTO: Take Friday, January 2
Return to Work: Monday, January 5
Result: A long weekend to kick off the year right
Presidents' Day: Monday, February 16
PTO: Take Friday, February 13
Return to Work: Tuesday, Feb. 17
Result: A 4-day break in the dead of winter
Where to Go:
→ Domestic:
Craving cozy? A long weekend in Aspen or Park City gives you world-class skiing, fireside cocktails, and snowy mountain charm even if you never touch the slopes. For a slower pace, consider a cabin in the Adirondacks or a desert wellness escape in Tucson.
→ International:
If you're dreaming of sand over snow, head to Riviera Maya for an easy all-inclusive reset. Or take advantage of Iceland’s long winter nights and plan a long weekend chasing the northern lights, soaking in geothermal spas, and warming up with fresh-baked pastries in cozy cafés.
Springtime Getaway: April Through June
Spring is the season of fresh starts and let’s be honest, by April, you’re probably ready to freshen up more than just your closet. It’s also the perfect time to travel before peak summer pricing kicks in. While Easter isn’t a federal holiday, it often lines up with school breaks and quiet office calendars. Add Memorial Day into the mix and you’ve got two solid windows for a much-needed escape.
Easter: Sunday, April 5 (not a federal holiday, but worth noting)
PTO: Take Friday, April 3 & Monday, April 6
Return to Work: Tuesday, April 7
Result: A 4-day spring refresh
Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
PTO: Take Friday, May 22
Return to Work: Tuesday, May 26
Result: 4 days to escape before summer officially starts
Where to Go:
→ Domestic:
Take a long weekend in Sonoma or Paso Robles, where wildflowers are blooming and wine tastings happen under sunny skies. If you're after city energy, New Orleans in spring is gorgeous and packed with culture (without the Mardi Gras crowds).
→ International:
Head to Costa Rica for a mix of wellness and adventure. Think rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, and open-air yoga. Or, if you're eyeing Europe, Portugal is absolutely dreamy this time of year: fewer crowds, sunny coastal days, and plenty of pastéis de nata.
Summer Breaks: July Through September
Summer PTO is precious and if you time things right, you can turn a long weekend into the perfect seasonal reset. Between Independence Day, Labor Day, and a general "everyone's on vacation" vibe, this is your chance to make the most of short getaways without overcommitting your calendar.
Independence Day: Saturday, July 4
PTO: Take Monday, July 6
Return to Work: Tuesday, July 7
Result: A 4-day weekend for a quick getaway
Labor Day: Monday, September 7
PTO: Take Friday, September 4
Return to Work: Tuesday, September 8
Result: 4 days to say goodbye to summer properly
Where to Go:
→ Domestic:
Take the edge off the summer heat with a few days in the Pacific Northwest — Seattle, Cannon Beach, or Bend are all beautiful that time of year. Or go big with a Hawaii long weekend: four days on Maui or Oahu is just enough to reset.
→ International:
For East Coasters, Bermuda is a no-fuss island hop with pink-sand beaches and pastel streets. Or head to San Sebastián or the Italian Dolomites, where Europe’s summer weather is perfect and the crowds aren’t quite as heavy as in the usual hot spots.
Holiday Travel: October Through December
Cooler weather and holiday energy make fall and winter some of the best times to plan a longer break. And let’s be real, skipping out on awkward family dinners or yet another political debate at the table might be reason enough to book a trip. With Thanksgiving and Christmas both falling on PTO-friendly dates this year, it’s the perfect chance to turn those long weekends into something a little more memorable.
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26
PTO: Take Friday, November 27
Return to Work: Monday, November 30
Result: 4-day weekend to go somewhere way more exciting than the family dining room
Christmas + New Year’s: Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1
PTO: Take Dec 29–31
Return to Work: Monday, January 4
Result: Turn year-end holidays into a 10-day trip with just 3 days off
Where to Go:
→ Domestic:
Trade frosty mornings for desert warmth in Sedona or Scottsdale, where red rocks and spa days await. Or head to the Florida Keys for breezy beach time, rum cocktails, and a total reset before the new year hits.
→ International:
December is peak season for European Christmas markets, and for good reason. Sip mulled wine, snack your way through gingerbread stalls, and explore charming cities like Vienna, Cologne, or Strasbourg at their most magical. If you're looking to ring in the new year somewhere festive (but less expected), consider Madeira, Budapest, or even a New Year's river cruise.
Make Everyday Count
The average U.S. worker gets just two weeks of paid vacation and far too many people don’t even use all of it. But your time off is yours, and it should feel like more than just a long weekend that blurs by. With a little planning, those scattered PTO days turn into long-overdue getaways, memory-making adventures, or even a full-on recharge somewhere fabulous.
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.
If you’re ready to make the most of your 2026 calendar and want a pro to help you skip the stress, find the right destinations, and handle every last detail — I’ve got you. Let’s start planning now so you’ve always got something to look forward to.
