Oops!…I Did It Again

I wasn't sure if I was going to create a calendar again this year, but then I thought, "I need this for myself!"

So I'm sharing the same tools that I use.

If you're already familiar with this, I'll keep it short. 

Grab the link below for the free calendar.

Another year, another opportunity to make the most of your limited time off!
 

If you're like most Americans, you're working with about three weeks of PTO while your European counterparts enjoy nearly five. The struggle is real. 😞
 

But here's the good news: with smart planning, you can still take amazing trips without burning through all your vacation days.
 

The secret? 

Combining public holidays, weekends, and strategic PTO days to create longer breaks. 

This approach lets you maximize your time away from the office while minimizing the vacation days you actually use.
 

I've mapped out the entire 2026 calendar to find the sweet spots. Here are the optimal PTO days to request that will give you the biggest bang for your buck:

• January 2
• January 16
• February 13
• May 22
• June 22
• July 6
• September 4
• October 9
• November 27
• December 28

Want to make planning even easier? I've created a ready-to-use calendar for you.

It shows every public holiday and the best PTO days to maximize your travel opportunities.

Now go book those flights and start planning your adventures!

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Would you rather take one epic two-week trip or spread that time across 3–4 shorter getaways?

Cocktail of the Week

The Blue Moon cocktail is said to have originated in the United States during the Prohibition era, where creative mixologists experimented with various ingredients to concoct new drinks. Its vibrant blue hue and refreshing taste quickly gained popularity as a whimsical cocktail choice for those looking to indulge in a unique libation.
 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz blue curaçao
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
• Ice cubes
   

Instructions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the gin, blue curaçao, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
• Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Random Travel Thought

Travel is a mindset, not a map.

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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