How to make the most of your PTO and embark on an unforgettable journey in 2024

As an American traveler, you’ve probably engaged in some calendar calculations, identifying the year’s paid holidays and figuring out how to blend them with your limited PTO.

Numerous TikTok and Instagram videos feature people who have already done this math for you. But with your extended time off secured, what should you do next?

We’re here to assist! By using the formula 'PTO + budget + crowds = where/when should I go,' we’ve handled the intricate calculations to provide trip recommendations that optimize your PTO while avoiding peak expenses and potentially enjoying pleasant weather, leading you to amazing destinations you might not have considered or thrilling experiences.

(For our Dinogo Planet readers outside the US, it might still be beneficial to review this list if you’re planning a trip to the US, as these major holidays in 2024 can affect travel prices and availability.)

Here’s a glance at the remainder of the year.

President’s Day: February 19, 2024

Recommendation: If you have President’s Day off, consider taking off February 20–23 for a total of nine days away. Where to go: This is a perfect opportunity to visit Lisbon. While it won’t be summer weather, expect enough sunshine to explore with a light jacket and enjoy the fantastic dining options. Summer in Argentina can be unpredictable, making it an ideal time to head south and experience the vibrant life of Buenos Aires, the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, or indulge in the vineyards of Mendoza. You might also want to consider a trip to Morocco to experience the Sahara desert if it’s on your bucket list. If you can stretch your time, using nine vacation days can give you a total of 16 consecutive days off. This could take you to New Zealand and Australia. For those willing to splurge, consider taking the week before off to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans and then enjoy a recovery day on President’s Day.

Memorial Day: May 27, 2024

Recommendation: If you request May 28–31 off, you'll enjoy a total of nine days away.

Where to go: This is the strategy I used when I walked the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain. With Memorial Day off, I only needed to take nine vacation days to achieve 16 days off in total. The Portuguese Way takes 14 days to complete, providing a buffer for flights and sightseeing.

In general, this is an excellent time to visit Europe before the influx of tourists arrives. My recommendation? Travel to Croatia to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean waters without the crowds.

Juneteenth: June 19, 2024

Recommendation: While not all employers provide Juneteenth off, if yours does, consider taking PTO for June 20–21. This will allow you five days for a getaway. If you add June 17–18, you can extend that to a total of nine days.

Where to go: If you’re passionate about biking and seek an unforgettable adventure, make your way to Glacier National Park in Montana. There’s a brief period, typically from mid-May to late June, when the road is closed to vehicles but open for cyclists. During this time, snowplows are still clearing snow from higher altitudes and crews are conducting road repairs, yet the clear sections are accessible to bikes (including e-bikes). While you can ride solo, I highly recommend joining a tour with a group like Glacier Guides Montana Raft, as the wildlife in the area—having forgotten about humans during the winter road closure—may include bears.

Fourth of July: July 4, 2024

Recommendation: To maximize your Independence Day experience, take PTO for July 1–3 and 5, giving you a total of nine days for your vacation.

Where to go: Island hopping in eastern Canada is a fantastic way to spend nine days. Start with a visit to Prince Edward Island and make sure to reserve a stay at The Inn at Bay Fortune to enjoy their exclusive summer Fireworks Feast. Spend a day on the water digging for clams, then savor PEI's renowned oysters. Next, travel to Nova Scotia to explore the rugged coastline of Cape Breton, wrapping up your island getaway in Halifax.

Labor Day: September 2, 2024

Recommendation: Take off September 3–6 to enjoy nine consecutive days off while also benefiting from shoulder season pricing.

Recommended destinations: This time of year is perfect for using your PTO as summer crowds begin to fade away.

Now is the ideal moment for a Utah National Parks road trip. Be sure to plan your itinerary to dodge the crowds. Start your adventure at Capitol Reef National Park, renowned for its orchards that open for picking when harvest season begins. After that, explore other national parks the following week as families return to school. Don’t forget about the state parks; Utah offers breathtaking scenery and activities galore.

This is also a fantastic time to visit Europe. Destinations like Greece, Italy, and Croatia will still enjoy warm weather, and while they might be busy, they won’t be as crowded as in July.

If a safari in South Africa has been on your radar, plan your trip for September. It’s the dry season, giving you a better chance to see wildlife as they seek out water sources.

Lastly, the weather in Jordan has become more pleasant, making it a great time to explore attractions like Wadi Rum, the Red Sea, and Petra.

Fall Break (Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, 2024, or Veterans Day on November 11, 2024)

Suggested plan: If you observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, consider taking October 15–28 for nine consecutive days off. If you get Veterans Day off, taking November 12–15 allows you to stretch four vacation days into nine.

These fall days offer numerous opportunities for travel. Globally, seasons are shifting, marking a period of low travel activity, so you can find fantastic deals.

Now is an excellent time to visit Southern Europe—countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece have cooled down, yet the weather remains delightful for travel.

If you're dreaming of an overwater bungalow, October is perfect for a trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora, while November is ideal for the Maldives, as the monsoon season is winding down and you can find better deals during the low season.

Thanksgiving: November 28, 2024

Here's a tip: Use four PTO days (November 25–27 and 29) for a total of nine days off. Alternatively, take November 29 and December 2–6 for 11 consecutive days. You could even combine both strategies for a remarkable 16 days off by spending just nine PTO days. If your employer gives you the Friday after Thanksgiving off, this could drop your PTO usage to three days for eight total days off.

Recommended destinations: Thanksgiving week (and the following week if you have the PTO) is one of my favorite times to travel. I suggest picking any of the earlier recommendations and heading abroad. Domestic flight prices spike during Thanksgiving, but international fares remain affordable. If you can forgo the turkey dinner, this is the perfect time to embark on that dream international getaway.

Here are some travel ideas:

Christmas markets in Europe usually open during the last week of November or the first week of December.

It's also a great opportunity to visit Asia, as the rainy season wraps up in destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Bhutan.

If you missed out in February, consider planning a PTO trip to Australia or New Zealand as great options.

The holiday season from Christmas to New Year

Here's a suggestion: Take off December 23–24, 26–27, and 30–31, turning your six vacation days into 12 days off. If you add January 2–3, you’ll stretch your time to 16 days for just eight days of PTO.

Where to go: With Christmas and New Year's Day both falling on Wednesdays, planning can be tricky, especially since prices will be high everywhere. This is usually the time I redeem all my miles to offset costs.

So, what should you do with your holiday plans?

Antarctica. Let's be honest, it's a pricey destination, so why not visit during this holiday season? This is definitely my target timeframe if I can save up enough funds.

Northern Lights. Travel to one of the locations where you can witness the Northern Lights and add a magical touch to your holidays. I particularly adore Tromsø, a charming little town in Norway.

Visit the Caribbean. I know it's peak season and therefore more expensive, but one of my most memorable New Year's Eve celebrations was in Grand Cayman. We treated ourselves to a NYE beach party at our hotel, which included a buffet, drinks, a champagne toast, and fireworks over the ocean. Plus, we could easily walk back to our room without dealing with crowds or calling for an Uber.