Did you know that most Americans get two weeks of PTO per year (if they’re lucky!), and if you ask us, that’s simply not enough to see the world like you deserve to. But with a little strategizing, you can bundle those coveted PTO days with major holidays and snag a little extra time soaking up well-deserved rest and relaxation. In this post, you’ll learn how to maximize your holiday travel by scheduling PTO strategically to travel.

Get ready to put those PTO requests in! This edition of the newsletter is going to outline how to bundle your 2025 time off with three major U.S. holidays so that you always have a little time away on the calendar.

WINTER VACATION | TOTAL TIME OFF: 5-6 DAYS

Nothing screams “get me out of this cubicle” like the gray, short days of winter. Good thing New Year’s Day falls right in the middle of the week! That makes this holiday a prime time for bundling PTO and saying “see you next year!” on Tuesday and meaning it. If your New Year’s Day holiday includes NYE on the 31st, then you can tack on a bonus day for your holiday travel.

Holiday: New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
PTO: Take Thursday, January 2nd, and Friday, January 3rd, off
Weekend Days: Saturday, January 4th and Sunday, January 5th
Return To Work: Monday, January 6th

Five Days Away: Ideas for Your Escape

Want to stay close to home? Hit the slopes in one of the premier ski destinations in the U.S. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski dining, or simply unwind in a cozy mountain lodge.

Passport ready to go? From anywhere in the U.S., grab a flight to Cancun and enjoy a few nights at an all inclusive resort in Mexico.

SUMMER GETAWAY | TOTAL TIME OFF: 10 DAYS

Studies show that fluorescent office lights are more harmful during the summertime! (We made that up, but it feels like it could be true, don’t you agree?) Americans may love a hot dog and a parade on the 4th of July, but nothing beats fireworks with a side of clocking out for 10 whole days.

Holiday: Independence Day – Friday, July 4th, 2025
PTO: Take Monday, July 7th, through Friday, July 11th, off
Weekend Days: Two Saturdays, July 5th and 12th, and two Sundays, July 6th and 13th
Return To Work: Monday, July 14th

Ten Days Away: Ideas for Your Escape

Want to stay close to home? Enjoy a 10-day California getaway starting with Big Sur coastal scenery and hiking trails, before moving on to wine tasting in Paso Robles. End your trip with scenic walks and local charm in the quaint seaside village of Cambria.

Passport ready to go? Sail along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, exploring historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Hvar. Enjoy the rich culture, history, and Mediterranean cuisine.

FALL BREAK | TOTAL TIME OFF: 9

If dry turkey and listening to Uncle Frank ramble on about current events isn’t on your list of ideal ways to spend your holiday time, consider taking off on vacation instead.

Use up the rest of your PTO before the year rolls over with these ideas for 9 days off.
Holiday: Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 27th, 2025
PTO: Take Monday, November 24th, Tuesday, November 25th, Wednesday, November 26th, and Friday, November 28th, off.
Weekend Days: Two Saturdays, November 22nd and 29th, and two Sundays, November 23rd and 30th
Return To Work: Monday, December 1st

Nine Days Away: Ideas for Your Escape

Want to stay close to home? Stroll through historic streets and enjoy the charming
Southern hospitality of Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston’s mild fall weather is
perfect for exploring the city’s rich history and scenic waterfront.

Passport ready to go? Explore lush rainforests, relax on the beautiful Pacific Coast
beaches, and experience the rich biodiversity throughout the national parks dotting
Costa Rica. Enjoy adventure activities like zip-lining, surfing, and volcano tours.

Need inspiration for your holiday travel? Check out our destination guide blog posts:

Experience London in Winter: London Travel Guide
Argentina Travel Guide: Discover the Beauty of Argentina
Belize Travel Guide: The Jewel of Central America