Out of Office Goals: How to Take More Trips in 2026
If you're reading this, you’ve likely uttered something along the lines of, “Next year, I’m really going to travel more.” And then—time passes, meetings pile up, PTO disappears into the ether, and suddenly it’s September and your suitcase hasn’t seen daylight.
Let’s change that.
2026 is your year to step away from the inbox and out into the world. With a little strategy (and a dash of luxury), you can travel more, stress less, and reclaim the joy of exploring somewhere new. Here’s how to make it happen.
Start With a Travel Vision for 2026
Before looking at calendars, start with inspiration. What experiences call to you? A culinary escape to Portugal? A dive trip in the Maldives? A long weekend exploring Provence’s vineyards?
Create your “Big Three”:
One long-haul dream trip
One long weekend escape
One meaningful celebration getaway
You’ll be amazed how much easier planning becomes when you know what you want before figuring out what you can.
Mastering the PTO Game
PTO is basically travel currency—spend it wisely.
A few pro tips:
Build around holidays. Federal holidays are your best friends. Add one PTO day around a long weekend and suddenly you’re sipping mezcal in Oaxaca for four nights.
Use mid-week departures. Flying out Wednesday, returning Monday often gets you better flight pricing and availability.
Plan now, thank yourself later. People who pre-plan their PTO tend to take more of it. (Yes, science agrees.)
Turn Holidays Into Getaways
Here’s where the magic happens. Holidays in 2026 are generous:
MLK Weekend (Jan 17–19): The perfect winter wellness escape—think hot springs in Iceland or a quiet Caribbean stay.
Presidents’ Day (Feb 14–16): Romance in Europe or a sunny beach break.
Memorial Day (May 23–25): Kick off summer somewhere coastal—Amalfi, Riviera Maya, Mallorca.
July 4 Weekend (July 4–6): Pair it with 1–2 PTO days and you could be sailing the Greek Islands.
Labor Day (Sep 4–6): Shoulder-season Europe at its finest.
One strategic PTO day often turns into a 4–6 day trip. Vacation smarter!
Book Early to Unlock More Luxury
Booking 6–12 months out is a game-changer:
Better suites and room categories
Private tours that haven’t sold out
Business-class flight availability
The peace of mind that your plans are handled
Your future “I need a vacation” self will thank you.
Build a Travel Budget That Feels Good
A simple monthly travel fund can transform your year. Consider:
Automatic savings transfers
Flexible hotel & tour payment plans
Splurging where it counts: the room category, private guide, or that out-of-this-world dinner
It’s all about intentional indulgence—because luxury should feel like joy, not guilt.
Outsource the Logistics
You don't need to spend six hours comparing boutique hotels or deciding which fjord cruise is the right fjord cruise. That’s what I’m here for.
A travel advisor streamlines your planning, stretches your PTO, and ensures your getaway actually feels like one.
Ready to make 2026 your most well-traveled year yet? Let’s build your Out of Office strategy together. Schedule your planning call and I’ll do the rest.