Maximize Your 2025 PTO: Plan Smarter, Travel More

I’m writing this while on the exercise bike at the gym—a gym that’s completely packed with people working hard on their New Year’s resolutions.

I’m so happy for them; I really am.

And if your resolution is to exercise more, I’m happy for you too!

Just please don’t come to my gym.

Hopefully, the crowds will ease up soon.

Let’s dive into this week’s issue.

Americans get significantly less PTO (Paid Time Off) compared to other countries. While Europeans often enjoy nearly five weeks of vacation, the average American gets about three weeks. 😞

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

In this article, I’ll show you how to maximize your vacation time so you can still explore the world without giving up your nine-to-five job.

The key is to strategically use public holidays, weekends, and PTO to stretch your time off. By combining these, you can take extended trips while using fewer vacation days.

I’ve reviewed the 2025 calendar, and here are the best days to take off that coincide with public holidays and weekends: 

• February 14 

• May 23 

• June 20 

• July 3 

• July 7 

• August 29 

• December 1 

• December 26 

• December 29 

• December 30

To make things easier, I’ve included a downloadable calendar with this newsletter. 

It highlights all public holidays and the optimal PTO days for travel planning.

So get out there and see the world!

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Do you combine holidays, weekends, and PTO for longer trips?

Cocktail of the Week

The Suffering Bastard cocktail originated in Egypt during World War II at the Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo. Created by bartender Joe Scialom, it was initially crafted as a hangover cure for Allied soldiers and became a beloved classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz brandy

• 1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 4 oz ginger beer

• Ice

• Mint sprig and lime wedge (for garnish)

Preparation:

• Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, brandy, lime juice, and Angostura bitters.

• Shake well until chilled.

• Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

• Top with ginger beer and gently stir.

• Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

Random Travel Thought

I think global warming is the reason behind the increase in flight delays. 

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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