I always love talking travel, but some conversations resonate long after the cameras stop rolling.
This week, I had the pleasure of joining Jeremy Hubbard on FOX in Denver to discuss two big travel trends: PTO maxxing and vacation maxxing. They sound similar, but they’re actually two different approaches to making the most of our time away.
As someone who covers travel every week and spends a lot of time talking with families about how they choose where to go and why, I think these trends reveal something much bigger: people aren’t just taking vacations anymore. They’re being far more intentional about how they use their most valuable resource- time.
Another reason these trends are gaining momentum is that people are starting to view time as part of their overall wellness. After years of feeling overscheduled and constantly connected, travelers are recognizing that stepping away from work isn’t a luxury- it’s an important investment in their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Vacation time isn’t just about escaping; it’s about recharging.
What Is PTO Maxxing?
PTO maxxing is all about strategy.
Travelers are carefully looking at holiday calendars, school schedules, and long weekends to stretch their paid time off as far as possible. By combining just a few vacation days with existing holidays, they’re creating longer breaks without using all of their PTO.
For many families, it’s the difference between taking one major trip and taking several meaningful getaways throughout the year.
With remote work, flexible schedules, and the growing realization that experiences matter, people want every single vacation day to count.
While PTO maxxing is great for a staycation or for staying close to home, it can also come with a downside. Because these trips often center around busy holiday weekends, travelers may actually end up spending more than expected. Higher demand and limited supply during peak travel periods can drive up prices for hotels, flights, and even local experiences. So while you’re saving PTO, you may be paying a premium for the timing.
What Is Vacation Maxxing?
Vacation maxxing takes a different approach.
Instead of trying to take more trips, travelers are focused on making each trip more memorable, immersive, and meaningful. They’re upgrading experiences, adding once-in-a-lifetime activities, staying an extra day, or choosing destinations that create lasting memories.
It’s less about checking destinations off a list and more about fully embracing the experience.
I’ve talked before about what I call Memory-First Travel on every network now- the idea that the best vacations are the ones that create memories your family will talk about for years. Vacation maxxing aligns perfectly with that mindset. Travelers increasingly want experiences that are transformative, educational, and deeply personal. Think about where you want to splurge versus where you can save.
Why These Trends Matter
What I find fascinating is that PTO maxxing and vacation maxxing aren’t opposites.
Many travelers are doing both.
They’re maximizing their time off and maximizing the quality of the experiences they have while they’re away. Whether that’s a quick weekend adventure, an educational family trip, or a dream vacation that’s been years in the making, people are placing a higher value on experiences than ever before.
And honestly, I think that’s a wonderful shift.
Because years from now, we rarely remember the emails we answered or the meetings we attended. We remember the sunrise we watched together, the meal we shared in a new place, or the adventure that brought our family closer.
Thank you again to Jeremy Hubbard and the entire FOX31 Denver team for such a fun conversation. I always enjoy sharing the latest trends with viewers, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.