Maximizing your vacation time in 2025 is all about smart planning. By strategically scheduling your Paid Time Off (PTO) around US federal holidays, you can create long breaks and recharge without overusing your leave days. Whether you're planning a trip, spending time with family, or enjoying a staycation, knowing when and how to optimize your holidays is key to making the most of your time.
This blog dives into the strategies and hacks you can use to turn US federal holidays in 2025 into memorable vacations.
Here’s the full list of US federal holidays in 2025:
Pair federal holidays with PTO days before or after the holiday to create long breaks. For example:
Several holidays in 2025 already give you long weekends. Use these to plan shorter getaways without using extra PTO:
Midweek holidays like Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19) and Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11) are great opportunities for extended breaks. Take Friday, June 20, or Monday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 12, to stretch your time off into four- or five-day breaks.
Both Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025 are close to weekends, making them perfect for extended time off.
Planning vacations around holidays gives you more time to recharge without feeling like you’ve used all your PTO.
Booking in advance for holidays ensures better rates on flights and accommodations. Plan early to lock in deals during peak seasons.
Regularly scheduled breaks give you time to rest and recharge, improving productivity and morale when you return.
Take advantage of the holidays to connect with loved ones without impacting your work commitments.
Strategic vacation planning around US federal holidays isn’t just smart—it’s essential for maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic. With 11 federal holidays in the calendar year, you have countless opportunities to create meaningful breaks without sacrificing too many PTO days.
Start mapping out your 2025 vacation now and look forward to a year filled with rest, adventure, and quality time.