How To Build A Large PTO Bank

Many people want to travel more, and as an American couple, we can totally relate. The pandemic derailed many of our travel plans, and now, we’re ready for major revenge travel. One of the biggest hurdles for those working full-time is getting enough time off. Let’s face it—Americans don’t get much vacation time. But it’s possible to build a large PTO (paid time off) bank. Don’t believe me? I’ve built mine to nearly nine weeks and counting!

Traveling extensively while working full-time might seem like a dream, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and personal experiences to help you build a substantial PTO bank, while still taking 5-7 trips per year.

Choosing the Right Employer

When I applied to my current employer, flexibility and ample time off were top priorities. This aspect of their benefits package attracted me. Over time, I enjoyed more vacation time and maintained a balance of about 80-100 hours in the early years of my employment.

When I joined my new employer, their vacation leave accrual rates were already two hours more per month than my previous employer. Plus, they offered more flexibility in using my vacation time. Switching employers was the right choice for more time off and flexibility.

Negotiating for More Time

As our desire for more travel grew, I knew I needed more time off. Working as an HR Recruiter, I was familiar with my employer’s leave benefits and policies. I negotiated to have my job re-classified, which increased my annual leave by two hours per month. This negotiation gave me an additional three days of paid leave every year. My employer also offers increased leave based on years of service, so this move helped me reach a higher accrual rate sooner.

My employer also allows separate “vacation” time banks from “sick” leave banks, which I prefer.

Understanding Leave Benefits

Before starting with a company, understand their leave benefits. Key points to consider include:

• Accrual Rates: How much leave you accrue per pay period, month, or year.
• Use-It-Or-Lose-It Policies: Does your leave carry over or expire?
• Maximum Accruals: What are the limits on how much leave you can bank?
• Service-Based Increases: Do you earn more leave with longer service?

Having a large PTO bank is essential for those who want to travel extensively or just enjoy more vacation time. Here are some tips to help you build a substantial PTO bank:

1. Plan Ahead: Strategically use your leave to maximize carryover.
2. Track Your Time: Keep detailed records of your leave balance.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Time Off: Save days for longer trips instead of frequent short breaks.
4. Utilize Company Holidays: Combine them with your vacation days for extended vacations.
5. Communicate with Your Employer: Be transparent about your leave plans to avoid conflicts.

Real-Life Tips for Building a PTO Bank

1. Use Long Weekends and Holidays: When I first started at my employer, we traveled during long holiday weekends, saving eight hours of vacation time each time. My employer also closes the week between Christmas and New Year’s, allowing us to travel without using much of my banked time.
2. Leverage Employer Policies: My employer’s generous policies allow rolling over time from year to year and having large maximums of banked vacation hours. They provide more leave accruals per month compared to many other employers and do not require leave for paid holidays. We also get more than double the standard holidays each year, which is incredibly helpful.
3. Overcome Challenges: The biggest challenge is always wanting to travel. By utilizing holidays early on, I gradually built up my PTO over about 9-10 years, while still traveling 5-7 times per year. It’s a slow process, but it works.
4. Start Small and Learn the Policies: As a new employee, set a minimum amount of vacation time you don’t want to fall below. Plan strategically, maybe leaving on Fridays after work and returning Sunday evening. Utilize any offered flex time and incorporate paid holidays to save about eight hours of banked time per trip.
5. Negotiate and Explore Options: I negotiated for my job to be re-classified for a higher vacation leave accrual rate. While this might not be possible for everyone, knowing your employer’s policies is crucial. Look for options like flex time, trading shifts, or working extra hours in one week to bank more PTO.

Embrace Weekend Getaways and Small Trips

Building a large PTO bank doesn’t mean you always need to take extended vacations or travel overseas. Weekend getaways and small trips add tremendous value and can be just as fulfilling. Social media often glamorizes extensive international travel, but smaller trips are more accessible, less stressful, and often better for the environment.

1. Value of Weekend Getaways: A quick trip to a nearby city or a national park can provide the much-needed break and rejuvenation without exhausting your PTO. These short trips require less planning and can be more spontaneous, allowing you to explore local destinations.
2. Environmental Benefits: Shorter trips often have a smaller carbon footprint compared to long-haul flights. By choosing local or regional destinations, you contribute to sustainable travel practices.
3. Less Stressful: Weekend getaways reduce the stress associated with extensive travel plans. You can enjoy a change of scenery and new experiences without the hassle of long travel times and extensive packing.
4. More Frequent Breaks: Taking smaller trips throughout the year helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Regular breaks, even if short, can reduce burnout and increase overall job satisfaction.

Admittedly, the pandemic allowed me to accelerate building up time in my PTO banks. Since then, we’ve been enjoying using our paid time to travel even more!

I also enjoy the extended benefit of attending occasional work conferences. Adding this option into our annual travels is a huge bonus in being able to travel more while not having to use precious banked vacation time. It helps save money and you learn something new too!

After following these tips for the first few years at our jobs, we’ve built up enough time that we no longer need to worry. We don’t always travel during holidays, saving money and avoiding crowds. We enjoy more days away from the office now because we have enough paid time off to travel whenever we want during the year. Plus, we still enjoy our paid holidays at home, too!

With a large PTO bank, you have the flexibility to mix extended vacations with frequent small trips. This balance allows you to explore more destinations, enjoy varied experiences, and maintain a sustainable approach to travel.

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