Smart Ways to Use Your PTO (Even If You’re Staying Home)
Think you need a tropical vacation to make the most of your PTO? Think again. Whether you're low on funds or just craving a breather, your time off can still leave you recharged, relaxed, and ready to return — no passport required!
Make the most of your time off
Many Americans leave hours of PTO on the table each year. Maybe you’re too busy, don’t have travel plans, or simply forget to schedule it. Either way, skipping time off doesn’t just mean missing out on a vacation. It can impact your health, happiness, and productivity.
Burnout is real. But taking regular breaks can help:
- Reduce stress
- Boost job satisfaction
- Improve focus and clarity
Best of all, you don’t need a luxury getaway to benefit.
💡Pro tip: Don’t wait until you need a break. Plan your PTO in advance like any other priority. You're more likely to use it — and enjoy it — when it's already on the calendar.
PTO ideas based on how many days you have
Not sure what kind of break fits your schedule? This might spark some ideas:
🕐 1 day: Netflix binge session, movie marathon, local hike, self-care day
📆 2-3 days: Short road trip, family game weekend, home refresh
🗓️ 4+ days: Regional vacation, creative retreat, DIY projects
Getaway ideas that won’t break the bank
You don’t have to cross the ocean or even state lines to feel like you’re getting away. A short, affordable trip can offer just enough distance from daily life to recharge your mind and body.
- 🚗 Road trip: Head to a nearby city, scenic route, or nature reserve. You'll save on airfare and travel on your schedule.
- 🏘️ Day trip: Check out small towns, trails, lakes, or local attractions within a couple of hours.
- 🏨 Weekend getaway: A two-night stay at a boutique hotel or Airbnb can offer a full reset without the hefty price tag.
- 🏖️ Off-season destination: Visit a beach town in the fall or a ski resort in summer for money-saving deals and fewer crowds.
➢RELATED: 17 Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
A change of scenery — even close to home — can do wonders for your mood and creativity. Breaks that include nature or time away from screens are especially refreshing.
💡Pro tip: Set clear boundaries while you're away. No texting coworkers, writing emails, or checking anything work-related!
➢RELATED: 10 Tips to Plan an Amazing Vacation on a Budget
How to choose the right destination for your budget and time
You don’t need a perfect plan — just one that fits your time, budget, and energy.
Here are a few things to consider:
- ⏰ Time vs. travel: Only have a few days? Choose nearby destinations that don’t require much travel time.
- 💸 Budget comparison: Sometimes a staycation with a few local excursions can be just as satisfying. Explore your hometown like an out-of-towner would.
- 💰 Look for savings: Check for travel deals, free attractions, and discount passes to museums, parks, and events.
✅ Where should I spend my time off?
5 questions to ask yourself to help narrow down your options:
- 📆 How many PTO days do I have?
- 💵 What’s my total budget, including food and transportation?
- 🏝️ What type of break do I need (rest, adventure, fun)?
- 💰 Are there deals available for where I want to go?
- ✈️ Will travel time eat into my actual break?
Sample weekend staycation budget | |
Activity | Cost |
Local rental (2 nights) | $120 |
Groceries/snacks | $30 |
Local attraction tickets | $20 |
Total | $170 |
Small changes to your normal weekend can create the feeling of a true getaway without the hefty price tag.
Family-friendly staycation ideas
Staycations can be just as fun as travel — especially when you treat them like a real vacation. Plan activities, unplug, and make it memorable.
Some simple, fun, and low-cost ideas can include:
- 🏕️ Backyard camping: Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and tell stories by flashlight.
- 🍿 Themed movie marathons: Pick a theme (superheroes, 90s hits, Harry Potter), make snacks, and binge-watch together.
- 🎲 Game nights: Add friendly competition and prizes for more excitement.
- 🌿 Scavenger hunts or park adventures: Explore trails or playgrounds you’ve never visited. Add a checklist for bonus fun.
- 📚 Library or museum days: Many libraries offer free passes to local attractions. Let kids plan their own explorer day.
➢RELATED: 31 Summer Activities for Kids When You’re on a Budget
5 fun family things under $10
You don’t have to spend a lot to make lasting memories. Some family-friendly activities cost less than $10 and are perfect for a weekend, a day off, or just a break from the usual routine.
🍦 DIY sundae night
🎨 Dollar store crafts (Check out craft ideas on Pinterest!)
🧺 Picnic in your local park
🚲 Bike ride with a lemonade stop
⭐️ Stargazing with an app to identify constellations (Skyview Lite on Apple or Android)
Recharge without leaving home
Sometimes the best way to spend your PTO is to do absolutely nothing. No alarms, no errands — just peace and quiet.
- 💤 Sleep in guilt-free: Rest is productivity too.
- 💅 Take a “me day”: Spa treatments, reading, journaling, or a long walk.
- 🛠️ Tackle home projects: Organize a closet, deep clean, or hang that picture you’ve been avoiding.
- 🧁 Explore hobbies: Paint, bake, write, garden, start a puzzle — it’s up to you! Do whatever brings you joy.
- 📆 Catch up on personal life: Run errands, reconnect with a friend, or handle overdue appointments.
Most importantly, you need to disconnect. Treat your day off like it matters, because it does. Turn off Slack, silence email alerts, and be fully present in whatever you’re doing (even if it’s binge-watching your favorite show).
💡 Pro tip: Log out of work apps and mute notifications before your day off starts. Protect your peace!
PTO planning tips for different work situations
Not all PTO is created equal. When you're a gig worker, part-timer, or hourly employee, taking time off can feel more complicated. If your PTO is limited or unpaid, plan mini breaks around long weekends or quieter work periods. Even a few hours off can help you reset without affecting your income too much.
Planning time off with a partner or friend
Taking PTO with someone else? Make the most of it with collaborative, low-cost ideas. Plan a "duo day" with a shared activity like cooking a new recipe together, hiking a new trail, or hosting a themed dinner night at home.
What to do if you can’t take PTO right now
We get it. Not everyone can step away from work. If your schedule or budget doesn’t allow for time off right now, that’s okay. Try to fit microbreaks into your typical workweek.
- Avoid multi-tasking during lunch
- Unplug from all work emails for an afternoon
- Create a no-work evening ritual
- Take a digital detox over the weekend
Even if PTO isn’t available, you still deserve moments of rest.
Your break, your rules
PTO isn’t just a perk — it’s a reset button. Whether you want to rest, recharge, or explore something new, there are endless ways to use your time off in a way that benefits you without busting your budget.
You’ve earned those days. Make them count!
Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
About the author
Ashley Masiello is an experienced copywriter and editor who has crafted engaging content for numerous websites and continues to do so with Advance America. She likes to combine her creative personality with clarity to make concepts easy and fun to read.