How to Maximize Your PTO in 2025 (and Start Thinking Ahead to 2026!)
One of the things I love about travel is how it reminds us that life isn’t just about working—it’s about experiencing. Unfortunately, in the U.S., many people get stuck in the cycle of working to live, with the average American getting just 10-15 days off per year. That’s why it’s so important to be strategic with your PTO, using long weekends and holidays to stretch your time away without using extra days.
Here’s how you can make the most of your PTO in 2025:
February 18-21 → (9 days off) - think ahead for next year!
May 23 → (4 days off)
June 20 & 23 → (5 days off)
July 7 → (4 days off)
August 29 → (4 days off)
November 28 → (4 days off)
December 22-24, 26, 29-31 → (13 days off)
By taking just 12 days of PTO, you can enjoy 43 days off throughout the year. Not bad, right?
Below is Dan and I exploring during President’s Day, Labor Day (my personal favorite to plan around), Day of the Dead, and New Year’s Eve for Christmas Markets!
And if you really want to stay ahead, now is the perfect time to start looking at 2026. Holiday calendars are already out, so you can plan time off early and snag the best flight deals before prices go up.
Where will your extra days take you next year? I love planning trips around holidays to make the most of these extra days—whether it’s a quick long weekend getaway or a longer adventure without using too much PTO.
Holiday Travel Inspiration: Perfect Trips for Your Next Holiday Break
A Winter Getaway
Escape to paradise with the Wellness Bali tour, a rejuvenating 9-day journey through one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking islands. This immersive experience blends yoga, meditation, and relaxation with cultural exploration, from the serene beaches of Sanur to the lush rice terraces of Ubud. Indulge in spa treatments, take part in a Balinese cooking class, and find your zen with guided wellness sessions in tranquil settings. With a perfect balance of adventure and self-care, this trip is ideal for those looking to unwind while experiencing the beauty and spirit of Bali.
The Summer Vacation for those who have “Summered in Europe”
Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the “White Village”; enjoy an immersive lunch at a quinta in Pinhão; see Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites; and marvel at a centuries-old Portuguese monastery. Historic places, unspoiled beauty and distinctive wines are yours to enjoy as you savor Spain and Portugal's flavors.
Where I’d Be Spending My Labor Day…
This 10-day trip might be the answer to your travel dreams. An amazing combination of Greek cuisine, unparalleled ocean views, and hikes through the hills of stunning Greek islands that skip the crowds and leave you breathless. You'll hike to historic castles and charming villages, explore local flavours on a food tour and local specialties tasting, and snorkel through caves in the Aegean Sea. Experience a slower pace of the Greek islands and refresh your mind, body, and soul.
Day of the Dead with Locals? Yes, Please!
You might have seen it in the movies or on TV, but now's your chance to experience the Day of the Dead in real life with this six-day tour. Explore Mexico City's markets and tuck into local street food. Get into the spirit with traditional face painting, then join a citywide procession. Venture to a small town to witness the elaborate altars built in honour of loved ones passed. You'll walk away with a greater appreciation for this important cultural event and some incredible memories to boot.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Experience the magic of Europe’s holiday traditions with a festive cruise along the Rhine. Wander through timeless Christmas markets, sip steamy glühwein in front of Cologne’s stunning Gothic cathedral, and explore Strasbourg’s famed "Capital of Noël." Stroll through Heidelberg’s charming Old Town market and witness the world’s largest Advent calendar light up in Gengenbach. Celebrate the season in grand European style, surrounded by twinkling lights, historic charm, and the warmth of holiday cheer.
Want to learn more about any of the trips above? I'd love to help tailor the perfect trip for you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to start planning—I'm happy to handle the details so you can simply enjoy the magic of the season.
And as a little holiday treat, I’m waiving my design fees for these trips!
Cheers
~ Hannah
P.S. Already dreaming about 2026? Share this with your future travel buddy and start planning ahead!
