Here’s How to Use It Wisely

We all know the feeling: You blink, and suddenly the year is half over. Those paid time off (PTO) days you promised yourself you’d use? Still sitting there, waiting to be claimed. But here’s the thing—your PTO is part of your compensation, and leaving it unused is like leaving money on the table.

Let’s make this the year you maximize your time off and turn those vacation days into unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a bucket-list adventure or a long weekend getaway, here’s how to make the most of your PTO with strategic planning, creative travel ideas, and a little help from yours truly.

1. Plan Around Long Weekends

If your company observes national holidays, these are golden opportunities to stretch your PTO. For example:

• Memorial Day (Monday, May 26): Take off the Friday before, and you’ve got a 4-day weekend.
• Fourth of July (Friday): Perfect for a quick getaway without using extra PTO.
• Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27): Use one PTO day for a 4-day weekend or two for a full week off.

2. Workcations: Change Your Scenery Without Burning Days

If you have the flexibility to work remotely, consider a workcation—a trip where you work part of the time and explore the rest. Picture this: Mornings checking emails from a Parisian cafe, afternoons strolling through art galleries, and evenings sipping wine along the Seine. It’s a win-win.

3. Make PTO Work for Bucket-List Trips

For those once-in-a-lifetime adventures, you need a solid PTO game plan. Instead of taking scattered days off, save up for an immersive experience. Whether it’s an African safari (like my Kenya group trip this November!), a deep dive into European culture, or a slow-travel journey through Patagonia, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your days off.

4. Book Travel Smarter (and Sooner!)

Waiting until the last minute? Bad for your PTO, worse for your wallet. Booking ahead means better flight options, hotel rates, and smoother planning. Not sure where to go? That’s where I come in. Let’s craft the perfect trip that maximizes your time off without the stress of last-minute planning.

5. Download Your FREE PTO Planner!

Ready to make every PTO day count? I’ve put together a free PTO planner to help you map out your vacations, long weekends, and dream trips with ease. Grab yours now and start planning your next adventure!

Download Your PTO Planner Here

Don’t let your hard-earned time off go to waste—turn it into something extraordinary. And if you need a little inspiration or help planning, you know where to find me.

Where will your PTO take you this year? Let’s make it happen.