U.S. Vacations 2026: How To Maximise Your PTO For Travel

When you’ve got an ever growing list of countries you’d love to visit and a 9-5 job, making your limited PTO days work harder for you is essential.

In this blog I share exactly which dates you need to submit PTO requests for in 2026 to turn just 11 days of PTO into an incredible 43 vacation days. Giving you the time to get to that stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert or 5-day trek across northern Sweden.

Read on to discover the PTO dates to book if you work in the US, and get planning!

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PTO dates to maximise travel in the US

With 11 public holidays dotted throughout 2026, there are plenty of opportunities to extend your leave for travel. From January blues-busting trips around MLK Jr. Day to Labour Day long weekends, here’s how you can make the most of your PTO.

Public holidays in the US 2026

• January 1st 2026: New Year’s Day
• January 19th 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 16th 2026: Presidents’ Day
• May 25th 2026: Memorial Day
• June 19th 2026: Juneteenth
• July 4th 2026: Independence Day
• September 7th 2026: Labor Day
• October 12th 2026: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• November 11th 2026: Veteran’s Day
• November 26th 2026: Thanksgiving
• December 25th 2026: Christmas Day

New year 4-day escape

End 2025 on a high and start 2026 as you mean to go on with the ultimate four days of travel. By only taking one day of paid leave on the Friday after New Year’s Day, you can extend your weekend out into a whole four days. That’s plenty of time to explore somewhere new!

• January 1st 2026: New Year’s Day Public Holiday
• January 2nd 2026: PTO
• January 3rd 2026: Weekend
• January 4th 2026: Weekend

Best places to go: In the southern hemisphere, while Christmas might have only just passed, it’s also summer! Which means it’s a great time to visit South America and specifically Patagonia. The weather is at its mildest, penguins are nesting around the southern tip of Argentina and there’s an incredible range of hikes waiting for you. For inspiration, discover my ultimate itineraries for places like El Calafate or Ushuaia by clicking.

For more wildlife spotting opportunities, January is the best time to see whales in Hawaii. Not to mention, lovely warm weather and an escape from the potential snow on mainland US soil!

MLK Jr. Day long weekend away

From mid-January those blues can start to kick in. The best way to beat them away? Of course it’s travel! Seize the public holiday on January 19th to extend out your weekend and take one extra day of PTO for the perfect four days away.

• January 17th 2026: Weekend
• January 18th 2026: Weekend
• January 19th 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Public Holiday
• January 20th 2026: PTO

Best places to go: If by this point you’re truly ready for some sun then head to Death Valley National Park in California. This extreme and colourful landscape is best explored in the winter when the usually scorching temperatures dip making for great hiking conditions.

If you’re after more rainforest and waterfalls than sand dunes and desert then Costa Rica is also an incredible choice. In four days you can still see a whole lot from volcanoes and hot springs to sloths and snorkelling.

To embrace the winter season and make the most of the snow, head to the land of Dracula, mythical Transylvania and Europe’s largest population of brown bears – Romania. At this time of year, the pretty towns are draped in snow, you can ski in the Carpathian mountains and feast on the heartiest goulash.

Romantic President’s Day 4-day break (trust me!)

With President’s Day on February 16th this year and Valentine’s on February 14th, it makes perfect sense to extend the love. Whether you treat your significant other, best friend, or yourself, now’s the time to enjoy a full four days away by taking just one day of paid leave!

• February 14th 2026: Weekend
• February 15th 2026: Weekend
• February 16th 2026: President’s Day Public Holiday
• February 17th 2026: PTO

Best places to go: In mid-February the skiing conditions are generally still perfect if not even better than January. So if you didn’t get your snow hit already, now could be the time to enjoy a long weekend in Whistler, Canada.

For long days on the beach, consider Puerto Rico. The temperatures are still gloriously warm before the rainy season kicks in so you have the best chance of dry weather.

For something a little more romantic, consider splitting a bowl of spaghetti Lady and the Tramp style in Italy. Head to Rome to beat the summer crowds and have your pick of the historic sights to yourself. Or venture north to Milan and Bergamo for pretty cobbled streets, stand-out architecture and local treats!

Late May long weekend adventure

Again at the end of May, the Memorial Day public holiday offers the ideal long weekend. All you need to use is one day of PTO on the Tuesday.

• May 23rd 2026: Weekend
• May 24th 2026: Weekend
• May 25th 2026: Memorial Day Public Holiday
• May 26th 2026: PTO

Best places to go: By May, the music and entertainment scene has fully returned to Austin, Texas making it a great time to visit as the summer festivals and events kick off. Whether you’re into country music or just want to experience this incredible city, now’s the time to go!

For more laid back exploring or the chance to see ancient ruins, Mexico is a great option. From relaxed resorts to off-grid adventures and cenote diving, you can adapt the trip to suit you across the country.

May is also a great time to visit one of Europe’s more hidden gems – Slovakia. Here you’ll find incredible hiking in the Tatra Mountains, delicious wine tasting at local vineyards and a whole lot of history.

Celebrate freedom in June

As Juneteenth falls on a Friday in 2026, request the Monday after as vacation and you’re set for another four days of adventure. Whether you’re using the time to learn more about the history of the holiday, celebrating with loved ones or simply in need of some down time, it’s the ideal early summer escape.

• June 19th 2026: Juneteenth Public Holiday
• June 20th 2026: Weekend
• June 21st 2026: Weekend
• June 22nd 2026: PTO

Best places to go: In June, the weather in Europe is getting warmer, the summer sun has (hopefully) arrived and it’s a great time to visit cities like Copenhagen, Denmark. Expect delicious cinnamon and cardamom pastries, incredible café culture, plenty of cold water swimming and picnics in the parks.

For an extra dose of art and history, Florence, Italy is stunning in June. With temperatures rising you’ll get great weather and the chance to explore roman ruins, the famous duomo and views across the city at sunset from Michelangelo’s Plaza. It’s as dreamy as it sounds!

Independence Day getaway

As Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, unfortunately there’s no mid-week day off. But I’d recommend still taking the Friday before as PTO so you can extend out the fun and make the most of this holiday.

• July 3rd 2026: PTO
• July 4th 2026: Independence Day Public Holiday
• July 5th 2026: Weekend

Best places to go: July is peak puffin and whale watching season in Iceland so if you’re curious about the land of ice and fire, this could be the perfect time to go. In three days you could explore most of the Golden Circle route and make the most of the often cheaper and faster flights from the east coast.

For more hiking, stunning alpine views and the chance to stay in cosy mountain huts, consider the Austrian Alps or the capital, Vienna. At this time of year, the weather is brilliant and you can hike into the early evening or wander historic plazas.

Relax on Labor Day long weekend

For a well-deserved four-day break to soak up some late summer sun, book a vacation day on the Tuesday after Labor Day.

• September 5th 2026: Weekend
• September 6th 2026: Weekend
• September 7th 2026: Labor Day Public Holiday
• September 8th 2026: PTO

Best places to go: As the summer starts to cool off in the US, there’s still lots of places experiencing brilliant weather. One of those is Morocco – a north African jewel where you can feast on fragrant lamb tagine, explore the historic markets and trek into the Atlas Mountains.

Another great choice is South Korea. Head to the capital, Seoul to wander ancient royal palaces, sample some of the best street food and soak up the culture.

Early September is also a prime time to see some of Scotland’s most famous coastal road without the crowds while the temperatures are still mild. The NC500 is iconic for a reason – it’s epic. So if you’re considering taking on part or all of the challenge, now is the perfect time.

Mid-October 3-day break

In mid-October, you have another chance to escape for a few days of travel. For maximum time away, travel on the evening of Friday October 9th so you’re ready for a full day of exploring when you wake up.

• October 10th 2026: Weekend
• October 11th 2026: Weekend
• October 12th 2026: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Public Holiday

Best places to go: As the leaves start to fall and the colours change, there’s no better time to head to New England, USA. Consider a weekend road trip through Maine and New Hampshire to see the best of the autumn colours.

Soak up history on Veteran’s Day long weekend

After another couple of weeks back at work, you’ll be itching to get back on the plane, train or road. Thankfully, there’s the ideal opportunity to travel around Veteran’s Day public holiday. Again, you could use this time to learn more about the history of the holiday and pay your respects or take some time out to de-stress and relax.

• November 7th 2026: Weekend
• November 8th 2026: Weekend
• November 9th 2026: PTO
• November 10th 2026: PTO
• November 11th 2026: Veteran’s Day Public Holiday

Best places to go: To escape the harsher November weather, Portugal is a great option. Head to the capital, Lisbon and use that as your base to explore, eat the freshest seafood, drink local port and of course sample many of the nation’s pastries – pastel de nata. You can find my ultimate Portugal travel itinerary here.

For more pivotal history and plenty of thermal spas to relax in, consider Budapest, Hungary. Where you can feast on langos (deep-fried flatbreads covered in sour cream and cheese), admire the art nouveau architecture and enjoy bustling night life.

Thankful for 4-days of travel in November

As we head into November and December, it’s time for the heavy hitters. If you can get away over Thanksgiving, book Friday November 27th as PTO and hit the road with friends or family for four days of memory-making.

• November 26th 2026: PTO
• November 27th 2026: Thanksgiving Public Holiday
• November 28th 2026: Weekend
• November 29th 2026: Weekend

Best places to go: In late November, there’s one place I’d want to be – Croatia. The weather is still beautiful, the bright blue waters are still perfect for swimming and the crowds have departed. Giving you the freedom to explore the countries coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik freely.

For true sun seekers and culture lovers, head to the UAE. While you might have heard of Dubai, there’s a whole lot more than one city to see. From traditional towns and heritage villages, to nights in the desert under the stars and kayaking through mangroves, this small country has a lot to offer!

Christmas cracker long weekend

Last but by no means least, by taking the day after Christmas as a vacation day, you can round out the year on a brilliant four-day trip!

• December 24th 2026: PTO (Christmas Eve)
• December 25th 2026: Christmas Day Public Holiday
• December 26th 2026: Weekend
• December 27th 2026: Weekend

Best places to go: If it’s winter sun you’re craving, Belize is ideal. A shorter flight will have you on this Caribbean island that’s packed with wildlife including manatees.

For true Christmas spirit, visit Estonia. Here you’ll find one of the best Christmas markets in Europe nestled in one of the best-preserved medieval cities. Spend your time here exploring historic sights, learning about Soviet history, feasting banquet-style as they did in the Middle Ages, and soaking up that warm fuzzy festive feeling!

For the ultimate adventure, this is also the best time to visit Antarctica. You could truly have a once in a lifetime Christmas exploring the ice sheet!

There we have it – my ultimate guide to making the most of your PTO in 2026 so you have the time to get to your dream travel destinations. Where will you travel next year? If you have more questions, comments or tips of your own, please leave them in the box below and I’ll do my best to help. Happy travelling!

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