Chess not Checkers: Submit these PTO requests NOW. Taking 15 days of PTO and turning them into 50+ of Vacation.

2024 is here and I am approaching year 2 of BreeLeaves ! So I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to set you up for 2024 with the best tools to save time and money! As your favorite travel cousin, I'm here to spill the tea on maximizing your precious paid time off (PTO). Because PTO is best used in advance, take the days now before your coworkers get a hold of the information. Because, if anybody is going to be outside next year, ya'll know it is me. So please know this plan isn't about conjuring more days out of thin air it's all about being the smart and making the most of the vacation time you've already have.

You see, I've mastered the art of squeezing every ounce of joy from the allotted vacation days. "Bree you never home" Well now you can never be home too. And as a person that works 2 jobs, I get it—weekends and holidays are the golden tickets, and I know exactly how to turn them into mini-vacations that feel like major escapes.

Now, a quick disclaimer: this advice is for the Monday-to-Friday crew who's lucky enough to bask in the glory of weekends and federal holidays off. If you're in that lucky bunch, keep scrolling to uncover the secrets of stretching those weekends like a pro. And hey, if you don't fall into that category, no worries—I'm still here for the travel tales and the next round of tips. Let's dive in and make every moment count! 🌴✈️

- January 2nd: Kickstart the year with a savvy move—lock in January 2nd for a four-day getaway, because why not extend the holiday vibes?

- January 16th: Keep the momentum going post-Martin Luther King Day by snagging the 16th for a relaxed yet stylish long weekend.

- February 16th: Ignite your independence in February—claim the 16th for a presidential-style escape and set the stage for a year of adventure.

- May 24th: As May approaches, pinpoint the 24th, the Friday before Memorial Day, for a seamless four-day retreat blending leisure and exploration.

- June 17th, June 18th, June 20th, and June 21st: Dive into June with a golden opportunity—secure these dates for an indulgent nine-day break, strategically aligning with Juneteenth celebrations. Because why are you working on Juneteenth?

- July 5th (2024): Fast forward to July, where the 4th falls on a Thursday. Make it a "take Friday off too" affair and elevate your extended weekend game. Because you know you going out of town anyway.

- September 3rd: End of Summer festivities—request Tuesday, September 3rd, off post-Labor Day, laying the groundwork for a well-curated four-day recharge.

- November 11th: November opens with a three-day salute for Veterans Day on November 11th. Extend the festivities by securing November 29th off, unlocking an extra four consecutive days of leisure post-Thanksgiving.

- December 23rd-24th and December 26th-27th: Wrap up the year with flair—secure these dates for a luxurious nine-day escape, embodying the mantra of "travel smarter, not harder."

Remember, PTO also means Prepare The Others—prepare them for a year where strategic escapes redefine the way we approach downtime. Your calendar is your canvas, so paint it with the colors of intentional travel and well-deserved breaks.

See you next year ! Happy Holidays !