How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in 2026
Globe Trotter
Vacations never feel long enough. But with a bit of strategy, you can make your calendar work harder for you. By planning around public holidays and long weekends, 2026 is giving you countless chances to stretch a handful of PTO days into dream-worthy escapes.
From winter retreats to spring break adventures and festive year-end getaways, here’s your guide to making every day off count in 2026 and even rolling into 2027 refreshed and inspired.
Winter Warm-Ups (January – March)
Start the year the way you mean to continue: rested, recharged and maybe already on a beach.
New Year’s Reset
A new year calls for a fresh start. Use New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026) as the anchor for a long weekend getaway. Take Friday, January 2 off and spend four days recharging in the mountains or unwinding at a peaceful spa.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19)
Take Friday, January 16 off and turn a winter weekend into four days of warmth or adventure. Head south for sunshine in Miami, escape to the desert in Palm Springs or hit the slopes in Colorado.
Presidents Day (Monday, February 16)
Add Friday, February 13 to create another long weekend that’s perfect for a Valentine’s getaway. Think Napa wine tastings, Caribbean sun or a cozy cabin for two.
Experience Highlight: Winter is one of the best times to see the northern lights, especially in destinations like Alaska, Iceland or Norway. Or trade snow for sunshine and celebrate the season in tropical style across the Caribbean or the South Pacific.
Spring Adventures (March – June)
As winter fades, spring brings longer days, brighter skies and the year’s first real chance for a warm-weather escape. It’s the season for movement, family trips and that sense of renewal that travel does best.
Spring Break Flexibility (March – April)
Most U.S. schools and universities close for spring break between March 9 and April 20. Even though there’s no federal holiday during this stretch, it’s a great time to plan a getaway that matches your schedule or family calendar. Take a full week off in March or early April and enjoy the feeling of summer come early, whether that means a family beach escape or a wellness retreat.
If you prefer to align with Good Friday (April 3, 2026), take Thursday, April 2 off for a four-day break. Families might head to the Caribbean or Florida Keys while couples could opt for Europe’s shoulder-season calm or stateside wellness retreat in Sedona or Santa Fe.
Memorial Day (Monday, May 25)
Take Friday, May 22 off and stretch the unofficial start of summer into a four-day adventure. Whether it’s a California road trip or a long weekend by the water, this holiday sets the tone for the season ahead.
Juneteenth (Friday, June 19)
Add Thursday, June 18 to enjoy a four-day weekend focused on discovery and reflection. Plan a trip that celebrates culture, art or history, from music festivals to heritage trails, or take the time to travel somewhere that inspires a deeper sense of connection.
Experience Highlight: Spring 2026 is full of color and celebration, from Japan’s cherry blossoms and India’s Holi Festival to desert wildflowers blooming across the American Southwest.
Summer Escapes (July – September)
The season of sun, surf and stretched-out breaks. With Independence Day and Labor Day falling perfectly for PTO hacks, this is your chance to make the most of summer.
Independence Day (Observed Friday, July 3)
Take Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2 to enjoy a five-day summer weekend (July 1–5). It’s the perfect window for a longer domestic trip like Cape Cod, Lake Tahoe or Hawaii before the peak season surge.
Labor Day (Monday, September 7)
End summer with one more burst of sunshine. Take Friday, September 4 off for four days of rest and reflection.
Experience Highlight: 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the perfect summer for an all-American road trip. Or head abroad to celebrate cultural moments like France’s Bastille Day or the summer art festivals of Edinburgh and Venice.
Fall and Holiday Getaways (October – December)
Autumn is your chance to breathe before the bustle of the holidays and plan those final vacations before the year closes.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 12)
Take Friday, October 9 off for four uninterrupted days. This is perfect for exploring the wine regions of California, mountain trails in North Carolina or quick all-inclusive escapes to Mexico.
Veterans Day (Wednesday, November 11)
Take Monday–Tuesday (November 9–10) or Thursday–Friday (November 12–13) for a five-day reset. Late fall is ideal for national parks or the start of Europe’s festive market season.
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26)
Take Wednesday, November 25, and Friday, November 27 to turn your family weekend into a full getaway. Think mountain lodges, coastal escapes or a destination Thanksgiving worth remembering.
Christmas (Friday, December 25)
Take Thursday, December 24, or add December 23 for a five-day holiday pause. Whether you’re staying close to home or jetting off for a magical Christmas abroad, it’s the perfect time to reflect and reconnect.
Experience Highlight: Autumn 2026 is ideal for exploring the world’s seasonal spectacles, from Italy’s truffle festivals to Japan’s fall foliage and the first snowfalls across Scandinavia.
Ring in 2027: The New Year’s Getaway
Close out the year with your longest break yet. By pairing Christmas and New Year’s, you can unlock nearly two weeks off with minimal PTO.
Vacation window: Thursday, December 24, 2026 – Sunday, January 4, 2027
Take off: December 28–31, 2026
Result: 10 days away using just 4 PTO days
Experience Highlight: End 2026 in style with one of the world’s great celebrations, from the fireworks over Sydney Harbour and the music-filled streets of Vienna to the island warmth of Maui or the snowy magic of Switzerland’s alpine villages.
Begin Your Journey with Envoyage
Every year holds endless possibilities, and your time away should feel as meaningful as the moments you create. With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, 2026 can be your most inspiring travel year yet.
Envoyage travel advisors bring experience, insight and personal attention to every itinerary, turning your PTO into unforgettable journeys that reflect who you are and what you love most.
Connect with an Envoyage travel advisor today to begin your next journey.
