Turn 12 Vacation Days into 45 in 2025

Learn How to Maximize Your Vacation Time

photo source: pexels.com

The fantastic idea for this article came from an article written by Caroline Morse Teel. You can read her article here.

At Grand Palms Resort, we are constantly seeking new tips and better ways to enhance the vacation experience for our owners and guests. We came across this article on Smarter Travel and couldn't wait to share it with you! Research tells us that we often don't use all of our vacation time. This article helps you not only take advantage of all your paid time off (PTO) but also shows you how to strategically maximize the benefits from your hard-earned vacation days by turning 12 PTO days into 45 days of vacation!

Turn 12 PTO Days into 45 Days of Vacation!

Wish you had more vacation time? U.S. workers often complain about their lack of vacation time. The average American employee earns just 12 paid time off (PTO) days per year, compared to the much more generous 25 days off European workers enjoy. If a move to Europe isn’t in the cards, don’t worry—you can still travel frequently without jeopardizing your employment. 

With a little forethought and advanced planning, you will be able to get the most vacations from your time off. By combining your vacation time with federal holidays, you are able to maximize your time away from the office and vacation for up to 45 days in 2025. Here’s how you to do it.

photo source: iStock

2025 Federal Holidays

Save this calendar of federal holidays, which most workers receive as paid time off. These holidays shouldn't count against you at work and can be added to your vacation time.

Date	Holiday
Wednesday, January 01	New Year’s Day
Monday, January 20	Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Monday, February 17	Washington’s Birthday
Monday, May 26	Memorial Day
Thursday, June 19	Juneteenth National Independence Day
Friday, July 04	Independence Day
Monday, September 01	Labor Day
Monday, October 13	Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, November 11	Veterans Day
Thursday, November 27	Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, December 25	Christmas Day

New Year’s Day

Ease into the new year with a vacation! New Year’s Day falls on a Wednesday in 2025, so by using just two PTO days on Thursday and Friday, you can enjoy a five-day getaway. 

PTO Days Used: 2	Total PTO Used So Far: 2
Total Days Off: 5	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 5

Martin Luther King Day

As the post-holiday slump sets in, combat it with a quick escape around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Take Friday, January 17th, off and enjoy a refreshing 4-day break. It’s the perfect antidote to winter’s chill and workplace monotony.

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 3
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 9

President’s Day

Want to take a romantic retreat with your partner? Take off Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Friday in 2025, and enjoy a bonus day off since Monday, February 17th, is President’s Day. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 4
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 13

Memorial Day

Kick off summer with a Memorial Day Weekend trip. If you’re taking a road trip, we recommend taking Tuesday, May 27th, off to help you avoid the traffic returning home on Memorial Day itself (Monday, May 26.)

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 5
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Off for the Year: 17

Juneteenth 

With Juneteenth falling on a Thursday, snag June 20th as PTO for another 4-day escape. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 6
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 21

Independence Day

July 4th falls on a Friday this year, so you could take either Thursday or Monday off for the perfect summer long weekend. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 7
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 28

Labor Day

Flip the script on Labor Day by taking time off from work. Take September 2nd off for an end-of-summer 4-day recharge.

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 8
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 32

Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Since Monday, October 12, is a federal holiday, you could take either the Friday before or the Tuesday after to get a four-day weekend. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 9
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 36

Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day falls on a Tuesday in 2025, so take Monday, November 10th off for a four-day weekend. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 10
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 36

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 27th in 2025. Take off the following Friday to get a four-day weekend. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 11
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 40

Christmas

Cap off your year of strategic travel breaks with one last vacation. Take December 26th as PTO and gift yourself a 4-day weekend. 

PTO Days Used: 1	Total PTO Used So Far: 12
Total Days Off: 4	Total Days Vacation for the Year: 45

By following this PTO playbook, you’ll stretch your vacation days like a pro, turning 12 days of leave into 45 days of adventure. 

Other Potential Vacation Days

Other days to consider in your quest to maximize your vacations days:

Fall and Spring Breaks - Something to consider if you are a student or have children in school.

Election Day - Most give time off to vote. This may be a good time to jump start a vacation.

Your Birthday - If you work for a great company, who knows? They might give you day off with pay if you ask for it to celebrate turning another year older!

Vacation Ownership Provides Additional Benefits

If you are a timeshare owner, your ownership is a perfect way for making your vacation days even more affordable and attainable. Not only can you maximize your time away but, with your vacation ownership, you are able to stay in luxurious resort accommodations. Read more here.

Grand Palms Resort's Lazy River

Grand Palms Resort - The Perfect Getaway

Grand Palms Resort is the perfect place to spend your valuable vacation time. To make your reservation, call 888-913-4477 or click here to make your reservation online.

Here's why our Resort is the ultimate destination for your well-earned getaways:

• Flexibility for Every Trip

Whether you're planning a quick 4-day weekend or an extended stay, Grand Palms Resort offers accommodations to suit every vacation need. Our spacious suites and villas are perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.

• Year-Round Paradise

With our South Carolina tropical location, Grand Palms Resort is an ideal escape for any season. Beat the winter blues in January, celebrate summer in July, or enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere in December – we've got you covered all year long.

• Maximize Your Relaxation

Just as you've learned to maximize your time off, we'll help you maximize your relaxation. From our world-class spa to our pristine beaches only a complimentary short shuttle ride away, every moment at Grand Palms Resort is designed to help you unwind and recharge.

• Activities for Every Interest

Whether you're looking for adventure or tranquility, Grand Palms Resort offers a wide array of activities. Enjoy world-class entertainment, golf on championship courses, or simply lounge by our luxurious pools – the choice is yours.

Create Lasting Memories

Each of your 45 days off is an opportunity to create unforgettable vacation experience. At Grand Palms Resort, we're committed to making every moment count, ensuring you return home refreshed with a treasure trove of memories.

So, as you map out your strategic vacation plan for 2025, remember that Grand Palms Resort is ready to welcome you for each and every escape. From quick weekend retreats to extended stays, we're here to help you make the most of your time away from the office. After all, you've earned it – now it's time to enjoy it at Grand Palms Resort, where every day feels like a vacation.

Book your reservation now and get ready to transform your 12 days of PTO into 45 days of paradise at Grand Palms Resort. Your ultimate year of relaxation and adventure awaits!