##  Your PTO is going places with Delta in 2026 



To help kick off travel planning for 2026, Delta has mapped out popular PTO windows and paired them with destinations that shine during those exact moments.



Staff Writer

Tue, 12/23/2025 - 10:30

A little creative calendar planning in 2026 can go a long way. With strategic use of long weekends and holidays, just a handful of PTO days can unlock meaningful trips throughout the year, from quick city breaks to longer international adventures.   
   
To help kick off travel planning for 2026, Delta has mapped out popular PTO windows and paired them with destinations that shine during those exact moments. Think of it as travel inspiration that works *with* your calendar, not against it. Additionally, planning your next global adventure doesn’t have to be stressful with the [Delta Discover Map,](https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/find-your-destination/route-map) a planning tool that helps customers explore destinations across Delta’s global network and travel with confidence.

### **Jan. 1–4 (New Years Day) | 4 days, 1 PTO**

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Easy reset, culture, food***

**Go: New York City or Seattle**

Start the year with a change of scenery. Both cities are perfect for a short escape, offering world-class dining, museums and neighborhoods to explore without needing a long trip.


### **Jan. 16–19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) | 3 days, 0 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Long-weekend energy***

**Go: Austin or Los Angeles**

This holiday weekend is ideal for vibrant food scenes, live entertainment and a quick mental reset — no extra PTO required.


### **Feb. 13–16 (Presidents’ Day) | 3 days, 0 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Sun and warmth***

**Go: Cancun or Miami**

Mid-February is the perfect time to trade winter layers for warm weather. You and your significant other can enjoy a romantic and warm Valentine’s Day away in the sun. These destinations make it easy to feel far away in just a few days.

### **May 23–25 (Memorial Day) | 3 days, 0 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Early summer vibes***

**Go: San Diego, Nashville or Raleigh-Durham**

As summer approaches, this long weekend is ideal for laid-back coastal cities, music-driven destinations, and underrated gems that are easy to enjoy in a short stay.


### **June 19 – July 5 (Independence Day) | 17 days, 9 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Big international trip***

**Go: Sydney, Melbourne, Seoul, Hong Kong or Taipei**

This extended break opens the door to longer journeys to Asia and the South Pacific. It’s a great time to go big and experience the rich culture of the region by hopping to destinations throughout. If an over two-week trip is a bit too long for you, consider shortening the trip to June 27-July 5. This 9-day itinerary would use just 4 days of PTO.



**OR**



 

 

 

 

**Go: Malta, Sardinia or Porto**

Explore Delta’s newest flights to Europe and soak up the sun for a summer holiday abroad. Nonstop service to Malta, Sardinia and Porto will have taken off, allowing customers direct access to less-busy destinations during peak summer travel to Europe.


### **Sept. 4–7 (Labor Day) | 3 days, 0 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Shoulder-season cities***

**Go:** **Seattle** **or Boston**

Early fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and some of the best conditions for city exploration.


### **Oct. 9–12 (Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day) | 3 days, 0 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Fall atmosphere***

**Go:** **New York City**, **San Diego or** **Nashville**

From fall foliage to food festivals, October long weekends are perfect for cities that thrive during the season.


### **Nov. 6–11 (Veterans Day) | 5 days, 2 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Shoulder-season international***

**Go:** **Dublin** **or** **Marrakech**

Late fall is an ideal time to explore destinations that benefit from cooler weather and lighter crowds, making the journey feel especially rewarding.


### **Nov. 21–29 (Thanksgiving) | 9 days, 3 PTO**

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Thanksgiving getaway & the start of Christmas markets***

**Go:** **Paris**, **Amsterdam** **or** **London**

This is the PTO window that rewards going farther. Travelers can slow down, explore multiple cities, and fully immerse themselves in Europe at the start of the holiday season.

### **Dec. 24 – Jan. 3 (Christmas/New Years Day) | 11 days, 3 PTO** 

 

 

 

 

***Best for: Year-end escape***

**Go:** **Honolulu** **or** **Maui**

Close out the year with a reset in paradise, turning the holiday break into a true getaway with minimal PTO impact.


### **The Delta Discover Map**



Once you’ve found the PTO window that works for you, Delta makes it easier to turn those dates into a plan with [**Delta Discover Map**](https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/find-your-destination/route-map)**.**   
   
With the Delta Discover Map, travelers can:

- Explore where Delta flies and discover new destinations
- Learn about visa, passport and entry requirements
- View flight options and travel inspiration by region
- Go beyond the flight with SkyMiles® Member benefits, including [Delta Vacations®](https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-vacations), Delta Cars & Stays and Delta Cruises

### **The takeaway**

Whether it’s a long weekend close to home or a once-a-year international adventure, thoughtful PTO planning can unlock more opportunities to explore. With Delta’s global network, your calendar might be the best travel inspiration you already have.







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