economy
January 19, 2026
'PTO-maxxing' is the key to making the most of your time off in 2026—here's how to do it
PTO-maxxing involves tacking vacation days onto holidays and weekends to maximize time off. Here's how it works and other tips for making the most of your PTO.

TL;DR
- "PTO-maxxing" involves adding vacation days to holidays and weekends to maximize time off.
- Strategic use of PTO around 11 U.S. federal holidays can create 4-day getaways using only one PTO day.
- Tacking PTO onto business trips can save money as travel is already covered.
- Booking flights 1.5 to 4 months in advance and traveling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays can be cheaper.
- Checking for local events and planning ahead are crucial for securing travel and accommodation, as last-minute deals are rare.
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