American workers looking to maximize their paid time off (PTO) in 2026 can extend their vacation days by aligning their holiday plans with federal holidays and weekends, allowing them to take more time off.
Why It Matters
On average, U.S. private-sector employees get between 11 and 18 vacation days per year, depending on how long they’ve been with the company, according to a March 2025 analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Despite this, 2025 data from HR Daily Advisor suggests that over half of workers in the United States don’t use all their PTO, citing money issues, heavy workloads, and dedication to their jobs as reasons.
But skipping vacation time can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout, according to a January 2025 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Planning PTO around federal holidays will allow U.S. workers to extend their breaks, prioritize their well-being, and enjoy more frequent holidays.
What To Know
Which Federal Holidays Are Happening in 2026?
In 2026, the U.S. calendar includes 11 federal holidays:
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19
Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16
Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
Independence Day: Friday, July 3
Labor Day: Monday, September 7
Columbus Day: Monday, October 12
Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
How to Strategically Book Off PTO to Maximize Days Off for the Entire Year
Most federal holidays take place on Mondays or Fridays, creating natural opportunities for long weekends. By combining PTO days with these holidays, employees can unlock extended vacations.
For example, taking days off near holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19), Memorial Day (May 25), and Thanksgiving (November 26) can turn a few PTO days into week-long trips.
According to USA Today, it’s possible to make 18 PTO days stretch into 55 days of longer breaks in 2026. Some example combinations include:
- Memorial Day: Take Friday, May 22, off for a four-day break, from Friday, May 22, to Monday, May 25.
- Thanksgiving: Take select days before and after the holiday for nine days from Saturday, November 21, to Sunday, November 29.
- Christmas: Pair days off around December 25 for another nine-day holiday, from Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, December 27.
What People Are Saying
Ryan Grant, lead author of the Journal of Applied Psychology study and a doctoral student in psychology at UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, said: “We think working more is better, but we actually perform better by taking care of ourselves. We need to break up these intense periods of work with intense periods of rest and recuperation.”
Melanie Fish, vice president of global public relations for Expedia Group, said in a statement to USA Today: “Americans, unfortunately, take the gold medal for the least amount of [paid time off] used. While the average worker receives about 12 paid days off a year, more than half don’t use all of it, according to Expedia surveys. My advice to Americans is simple: plan ahead. Don’t hoard your PTO for one big trip. Instead, book a few three- to four-day escapes that align with school and office closures. Submit those PTO requests early in the year to secure the most in-demand dates and actually enjoy the time you’ve earned.”
What Happens Next
As federal holidays approach, flights and hotels during peak travel windows could fill up quickly, and prices might, therefore, rise, so travel experts suggest planning holidays early.