Photo: Contiki
Table of Contents
What’s the most important thing in life? “TRAVEL!” we all say in unison (very good). What’s the one thing stopping us from going on as many vacations as possible? “NOT ENOUGH PTO!” we all groan in unison (ugh).
Well, here at Contiki we really prioritize getting out there into the world and travelling – duh – so don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you want to make the most of your PTO in 2025 then refer to our guide below. We’ve done all the calculations for you, so all you have to do is book. If you have 10 days of PTO available, you can turn that into a whopping 42 days away! You’re welcome.
January – New Year’s Day
January starts off pretty well with some rest on New Year’s Day so you can recuperate from the excitement of the holiday season. If you want to prolong your slow start into the year, take the 2nd and 3rd off from work and enjoy a lovely 5 day break!
Stay at home and start working on your resolutions, or go away and escape for a little bit. Maybe chase some sun and head down south to LA for some beach and city exploration. Soak up the winter rays, eat some good food, and get excited for the warmer weather to come. Or you could hit the slopes of Whistler and Banff for some thrills and ski!
Either way, you should start the year how you intend to finish it: having tons of fun and making amazing memories.
Image source:Contiki
April – Easter
Whether you actually celebrate Easter or not, this is going to be one of your big breaks of the year! With Good Friday off on the 18th, you can take a week to yourself with a weekend on either side, giving you 9 wonderful days in exchange for only 4 days of PTO – magic.
So, where should you spend your week off? You can hit up Asia for a glimpse into wonderful and unique cultures. Take the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto on Japan in a Week, or head to the beautiful paradise of Thailand, hopping from island to island and enjoying delicious pad thai and mango sticky rice.
Want to head to Europe instead? Good choice, April is when the continent starts to warm up and blossom with fun and life. Check out the natural beauty and mysteries of Ireland’s ruins and coasts on our Ireland in a Week trip. Don’t want to be bound to one country? London to Berlin by Train may be the trip for you as you’ll get to see some beautiful European highlights and experience plenty of culture.
May – Victoria Day
For Victoria Day on the 19th of May you’ll be able to treat yourself to a lovely 3-day vacation which will allow you to relax or explore – your choice! If you really want to get out there, get to know the Big Smoke on our London Explorer where you’re free to walk the city and experience all the peaceful parks and impressive museums. And I mean, it makes total sense to take a royal tour when celebrating a former Queen of the United Kingdom, right?
Image source:Contiki
July – Canada Day
For Canada Day on the 1st of July we’re giving you 9 days off to really celebrate your nation! Maybe travel to a city you’ve never been to before? There’s plenty to do in Québec for example, and the Canadian staycations are charming and all offer a great time!
If you’re itching to get out of the country, head to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe! Not only will you be floored by the stunning natural beauty of the waterfalls, you’ll be able to chase some thrills by bungee jumping, river rafting, and ziplining. Or, if you want to make the most of a Euro Summer, why not head for some Croatia Island Sailing? There’s sunset cruises and the opportunity to discover the beauty and wonder of the Dalmatian coast and Adriatic Sea. And, if you’re in a particularly beachy mood, head to Portugal where you can gorge on pastel de nata with your toes in the warm sand.
Just take Monday the 30th of June and Tuesday 2nd-Friday 4th of July off to claim this escape!
August – Civic Holiday
Right when summer is at its peak, you’re gifted a day off on Monday the 4th as a national civic holiday in Canada! With the weekend before, you’ve got a wonderful 3-day break which you can use to get to know your home country a little more.
Or, if August is your preferred summer month to travel instead of July, take those 4 days and use them here between the 5th and 8th of August.
Shine a Spotlight on Greece and enjoy a few days discovering incredible ruins and tasting refreshing tzatziki, or get a taste of boat life and beautiful Türkiye on the Turkish Sailing trip which is as dreamy as it sounds.
If you’re in the mood for something totally different and totally spectacular, explore one of the world’s most famous natural beauties: the Great Barrier Reef! Spend a few days under the golden Australian sun and snorkel or dive under the surface to explore a brand new world – what a way to spend your PTO, hey?
Image source:Contiki
September – Labour Day
September comes in with Labour Day, and you’ll automatically get a 3-day weekend – but if you really want to embrace the spirit of this day off, take the rest of the week off with 4 days of PTO between the 2nd and 5th of September and go away!
Enjoy the blue domes and blue waters of Greece. As it’s September the islands will be less crowded, but the weather is just as heavenly – so really this is the absolute best option for your Labour Day break! From Athens to Santorini you’ll really get to know this Mediterranean gem.
October – Thanksgiving
With vibrant autumn in full swing, it’s time for Thanksgiving on the 13th giving you a 3-day weekend to soak up all the joy and gratitude. Spend it with your loved ones, take a day trip out, or explore the hidden gems of your home city! There’s so much to uncover that you may not have discovered already and now’s the time to indulge in it all.
If you want some extra time off, take the 14th to 17th off for 4 days of PTO, and head out to Egypt for some ancient wonders and golden sun. Now’s your time to visit the iconic Pyramids and cruise down the sparkling Nile, and then you’ll come home with even more to be thankful for!
Image source:Contiki
December – Christmas
And last but not least, capping off 2025 is of course Christmas! The holiday season gifts you with two days off on the 25th and 26th, and if you really want to extend the cheer, why not take off the 22nd to 24th?
Take in the glittering snow, the twinkling trees, and the smells of delicious festive treats. If you really want to make your Christmas special, why not explore the iconic Christmas Markets of Europe? Germany, France, The Netherlands, etc. – they all have the most charming booths where you can buy hand-made trinkets and plenty of hot chocolates and waffles.
Head to New York or London for some luxurious window-shopping and last-minute gift buying, and spread the cheer all around!
Bonus Day!
Although it’s not an official holiday in Canada, who doesn’t want to travel around the 17th of March to celebrate the iconic St. Patrick’s Day! Get to know Ireland when the country is really at it’s best – there’s dancing and celebrations all around, and if there’s one thing to know about the Irish it’s that the locals are so warm and welcoming, you’ll make friends in no time!
If you want to make the most of this added holiday, then take Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th of March off and get ready for a really special weekend.
