Hey Reader,

Most people think they need more vacation days to travel more. What they really need is a plan. Strategic PTO planning helps you stretch limited days into long weekends, full getaways, and even extended trips without burning through your balance.

Here’s how to make the most of what’s left in 2025 and get a head start on 2026.

Use the Remaining 2025 Holidays Wisely

• Thanksgiving (Nov 27): Take Nov 28 off for a four-day weekend, or add Nov 26 to create a five-day trip.
• Christmas (Dec 25): With Dec 26 off, you’ll get a four-day weekend. Pair it with Dec 24 for five days.
• New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2026): Add Dec 31 for a four-day stretch or Dec 30–31 for five.

Plan Ahead for 2026

• Memorial Day (May 25): Take May 22 for a four-day weekend.
• Juneteenth (June 19): Built-in long weekend.
• Labor Day (Sept 7): Take Sept 4 for four days.
• Thanksgiving (Nov 26): Take Nov 27 for four days or Nov 25–27 for five.

Tools That Help

Using a simple tool like Holiday Optimizer can save hours of calendar math. It automatically shows which dates to request off for the longest breaks, helping you turn stray days into real vacations.

Start Planning Now​
Review your remaining PTO, check your company’s blackout dates, and start plotting out your 2026 trips. Even a single extra-long weekend per quarter can make a big difference in how much you travel next year.

Where would you go if you had an extra four days?
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🎯 Hit reply and let me know.

To a life well-traveled,
Kevin

7604 Alan Pkwy, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130-6403
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