How to Maximize Your PTO in 2026 (and Actually Use It!)

Stop Letting Your PTO Go to Waste

Did you know more than half of U.S. workers don’t use all their paid time off each year? That’s a lot of unused vacation days just sitting there.

If you ask us, two weeks of PTO (on average) is already too little to see the world the way you deserve — so letting any of it expire is tragic.

The good news? With a little planning, you can stretch those days further by pairing them with long weekends and holidays. More time off = more time to rest, recharge, and explore.

Here’s your month-by-month cheat sheet for how to maximize your PTO in 2026 so you can make the most of every well-earned break.

Winter Vacation Ideas (January–March)

The start of the year can feel long, gray, and exhausting — which makes it the perfect time to plan a winter escape. Federal holidays like New Year’s Day and Presidents’ Day make it easy to turn a normal weekend into a mini getaway.

New Year’s Weekend

Holiday: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Take off: Friday, January 2
Back to work: Monday, January 5

Presidents’ Day Weekend

Holiday: Monday, February 16, 2026
Take off: Friday, February 13
Back to work: Tuesday, February 17

Ideas for your escape:

→ Domestic: Cozy up slope-side in Aspen or Park City.

→ International: Book an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta — we can help you find your perfect match.

Springtime Getaway (April–June)

By April, you’re probably ready to escape the office (and the endless to-do lists). Easter and Memorial Day weekends give you two great chances to turn short breaks into memorable vacations.

Easter Escape

Holiday: Sunday, April 5, 2026
Take off: Friday, April 3 + Monday, April 6
Back to work: Tuesday, April 7

Memorial Day Weekend

Holiday: Monday, May 25, 2026
Take off: Friday, May 22
Back to work: Tuesday, May 26

Ideas for your escape:

→ Domestic: Sip your way through Sonoma’s wine country.

→ International: Recharge with a wellness retreat in Costa Rica — we’ll help you find the perfect resort.

Quick Summer Trips (July–September)

Between fireworks, beach days, and long weekends, summer is the easiest season to sneak in a quick adventure.

Fourth of July

Holiday: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Take off: Monday, July 6
Back to work: Tuesday, July 7

Labor Day

Holiday: Monday, September 7, 2026
Take off: Friday, September 4
Back to work: Tuesday, September 8

Ideas for your escape:

→ Domestic: Take an Alaskan Cruise or hop over to Hawaii for a quick reset.

→ International: Fly to Bahamas for a long weekend island getaway.

For more ideas, check out our post on why booking early can make your 2026 Alaska cruise unforgettable.

Fall & Holiday Travel (October–December)

Cooler weather and festive energy make fall and winter ideal for longer vacations. Plus, Thanksgiving and Christmas land on dates that stretch PTO beautifully.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Holiday: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Take off: Friday, November 27
Back to work: Monday, November 30

Christmas & New Year’s Break

Holidays: Friday, December 25, 2026 + Friday, January 1, 2027
Take off: December 28–31
Back to work: Monday, January 4

Ideas for your escape:

→ Domestic: Warm up with a desert getaway to Arizona or a beachy reset in the Florida Keys.

→ International: Explore Europe’s Christmas markets for twinkling lights, mulled wine, and storybook magic.

Make Every Day Off Count

Your PTO days are too precious to waste — let’s turn them into plane tickets, not pointless meetings.

✨ Ready to start planning your 2026 vacations? Contact Bright Life Travel Co. and we’ll help you make every day off count.

Helpful Resources

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