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Maximizing your PTO (paid time off)! Everyone has different amounts of days allotted for PTO, and some people have a different combination of PTO days, sick days, holidays, etc. I now have a new job, but for four years I traveled by navigating my PTO. I am going to give you information on how I utilized it to get the most of my days off and fit in the most trips for the year.
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I was allotted 21 days of paid time off. This includes vacation days, sick days, personal days, etc plus 6 national holidays. Basically, after the holidays, I had about 14 days of paid time off to use as I pleased. I rarely use sick days, so I typically use all of my days for vacation!
In full transparency, I no longer have to request PTO. However, I traveled for 4 years frequently using the above-mentioned PTO!
Unfortunately, international travel can take more PTO than we would like to use. While traveling around PTO, I typically took about two international trips per year and it takes some strategy to have enough PTO days for this!
The best strategy for minimizing PTO days and maximizing trip days is below!
Using 6 days of PTO to get a 10- days trip:
If you take two international trips following this rule, you will use 12 days of PTO. This leaves 2-3 days for any long weekend trips or other days you may need off. Or, if you like having more PTO cushion, take one international trip and a couple long weekend trips!
If you have strict rules for your PTO and minimal flexibility (ew), the best thing you can do is plan ahead. EVERYTHING doesn’t have to be planned ahead, but choose WHEN you would like to take your trips for the year and set your PTO dates. You can choose where you go and what you want to do a little later!
Click here for some inspiration on destinations!
First of all, be an advocate for yourself. I know in the US time off of work really isn’t valued.
Also, I hate to see people not utilize their PTO. I respect hard work and dedication to a job. However, I believe everyone needs time away from work. Even if you aren’t taking trips or going anywhere, days off and breaks from work are good for mental health and productivity. So whatever you choose to do or wherever you choose to go, just take some personal days!
Ready to get started on planning your next trip?! Click here for an easy, step-by-step process for creating a great itinerary!