How To Maximize Your Vacation Time This Year

The average American gets 10 paid vacation days per year, 15 if they’re lucky. 

That’s not really many days of vacation if you’ve got a serious case of wanderlust. Which, let’s be honest, you probably do!

Luckily, we are here to tell you how to take vacations without using all your paid vacation days in one hit. As some would say, getting more bang for your buck.

Curious to know more so you can get vacationing? Keep reading!

Maximize Public Holidays As Much As Possible

A lot of US national holidays are celebrated on Mondays – this is a massive win!

If you take the Friday off work, and return to work on the Tuesday you’ll have scored yourself a 4 day break, with only one day coming out of your paid vacation time. 

But what about public holidays that don’t fall on a Monday? We hear you and you can maximize these public holidays for a break, too. 

If a public holiday is on a Wednesday, for example, you could take two paid vacation days but take a 5 day break by taking the Thursday and Friday following the public holiday off. 

Keen to start planning your next vacation where you take minimal paid vacation days? Check out this table of upcoming 2019 US national holidays and start quenching your thirst for wanderlust:

Day	Date	Holiday
Monday	27 May	Memorial Day
Thursday	4 July	Independence Day
Monday	2 September	Labor Day
Monday	14 October	Columbus Day
Monday	11 November	Veterans Day
Thursday	28 November	Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday	25 December	Christmas Day

Work Remotely

Ok so this isn’t taking a vacation per se but hear us out on this one!

If you’re fortunate enough to work in a job where you can work remotely, then take full advantage of this opportunity!

Ask (or tell) your boss for a week or two of working remotely. Just make sure you have a secure internet connection wherever you are, especially if this is required for logging into work.

Then, book your semi-vacation! Yes you’ll be working for some of that time but how much more fun is it working poolside with a drink in your hand as opposed to being in the office?!

Plus once you’re done with work you can explore your destination or simply chill out.

The best part about this scenario is that you are away, but don’t have to take any vacation days – winning!

Alternatively, you could work one of these amazing jobs while traveling. You’ll get to travel as much as you want, without having to ask anyone for time off!

Take Advantage The Weekend

We’re talking about the weekend getaway of course. This is one of 2019’s biggest travel trends for a reason. 

Thanks to improvements in flight routes, transport (including on-demand car rentals) and accomodation options and availability of cheap flights and accomodation, the weekend getaway is so easy to do. 

Plus, it gives you the perfect opportunity to have a break without having to use your paid vacation days (score!).

A weekend getaway also works wonders for your mental and emotional health and boosts your productivity in general. 

So what are you waiting for?! Pack your weekend bag and start relaxing or exploring without worrying about dipping into your paid vacation days!

Do you have any other tips or hacks for maximizing your vacation days this year? Let us know in the comments below!