Some destinations, like a city trip or a beach break, only require a few days off at a time. But to cross bucket-list destinations off your to-visit list, and to truly experience a far-away locale fully, you might want to consider spending the full extent of your PTO in one go. This is especially true of places that are rich in culture, brimming with history, and feature varied topography that might require more than just a long weekend.
Take somewhere like Cape Town, for example. There’s so much going on beyond the city limits, you’d be pressed for time to explore the city itself if you only had a few days to spare. Likewise, in Norway, many of the top destinations are located far apart; you’d easily burn an entire day just traveling between them. These types of trips are so different from, say, flying from New York to Miami to sunbathe for a weekend.
As a frequent traveler with a day job who has battled limited PTO, in certain destinations, I find it’s better to wait to visit until you’ve saved up enough vacation days to explore each place properly, without feeling rushed or short on time.
Read on to find the six places that justify using all your PTO at once.
In this article
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of those places with an almost overwhelming amount of things to do. There are gorgeous beaches and scenic hikes, plus fascinating history, charming neighborhoods, and a trendy bar and restaurant scene. While you could easily spend 10 days in the city alone, you’d be remiss if you skipped the Stellenbosch wine region, which is just 30 minutes away and filled with some of the world’s most picturesque vineyards. If you’re coming equipped with a full log of PTO days, consider staying for a night or two at a wine estate like Babylonstorento really soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Of course, after traveling all this way, you should also devote a few days to visiting one of the nearby wildlife game reserves for an authentic Big Five safari experience, like Gondwana Private Game Reserve (4 hours away) or Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (3 hours away), each of which will require two to three days at minimum when you factor in travel, and to increase the likelihood of spotting animals. Remember, too, that because Cape Town is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are flipped from what we experience in North America. This makes it an ideal choice for a warm-weather vacation in December, when you may already have time off for the holidays, helping your PTO to go even further.
Thailand
It may come as no surprise that Thailand is a destination where you could (and should) easily spend two weeks or more. Start with at least three to four days up north in Chiang Mai, which is filled with ornate temples, local markets, and opportunities to ethically interact with elephants.I loved washing and feeding the elephants at Elephant Nature Park.
Then move on to Bangkok, which requires a minimum of two days, though really I’d recommend at least three of four. Thailand’s most vibrant city is buzzing with energy, and it’s a great place to ride a tuk-tuk over to Khao San Road, indulge in a traditional Thai massage, admire ancient temples, and if you’re feeling brave, sample roasted insects on a stick like scorpions and tarantulas.
The country is also flanked by picturesque islands on both sides—in the Gulf of Thailand on one and the Andaman Sea on the other—which could occupy an entire trip on their own. Cap your final days with a beach break in either Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Koh Tao, where you may want to spend a week at least to relax and recharge.
Arctic Circle, Norway
Visiting Norway in the winter might sound like a crazy idea with its extreme temperatures and minimal sunlight, but it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. From cruising through frozen fjords speckled with glaciers outside of Bergen to feeding reindeer with the local Sami community in Tromso and, of course, staying up late to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, Norway really does offer that magical winter wonderland experience.
You’ll need as many days as possible though considering that the country is enormous, with can’t-miss destinations spread across far distances. Places like Tromso and Alta are located inside the Arctic Circle and are ideal for winter activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing, while hotspots like Bergen and Oslo are situated a bit farther south and offer more of a city atmosphere. To travel between the two regions you’ll need to fly, and while it’s far faster than driving, you’ll still need to build in travel days, making this a place to reserve to visit once you can fully redeem all of your PTO. It does get as cold as you’d expect, too, so be sure to dress the part.
Hawaii, USA
Each island within Hawaii has its own unique character that differs from the others. Oahu has cities and urban development, while Maui exudes luxury and beautiful beaches. Kauai is lush for hiking and nature pursuits, while the Big Island is where you can come up close to active volcanos. To see it all, you’ll need several days on each island, ideally at least three to four to do them the justice they deserve.
For example, you might spend three to four days hiking and exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Kauai, which I find are reminiscent of “Jurassic Park.” You’ll want around five days as well on Maui, where you can experience the scenic 64.4-mile Road to Hana, which takes you on a windy journey through hidden beaches, towering waterfalls, and charming roadside towns. You’ll then need close to a full week to thoroughly cover the Big Island, which features active volcanoes within Volcanoes National Park, and is also home to prime snorkeling and coffee farm.
Finally, Oahu has that state’s capital city of Honolulu, which is where you’ll find designer shopping, world-famous Waikiki Beach, and the historic Pearl Harbor memorial. A short drive away, Oahu’s the North Shore also has some of the most revered surfing spots in the whole world, and another three to four days at minimum will allow you to see it all.
India
Technically a subcontinent, each region of India has its own distinct culture, cuisine, history, and even language, which can be overwhelming, even if you use all your PTO. From the Himalayas in the north to the beaches of Goa in the south, you could spend months in India and never experience it all. But for a single, unforgettable trip spanning two weeks or so, consider the “Golden Triangle” route, which encompasses Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
These cities are all located relatively close to each other (between 3 to 5 hours driving), and offer a feel for the palaces and landmarks, vibrant cities, and vast landscapes the country is known for. In Delhi, for example, you’ll need at least four to five days to fully get your bearings and explore the city, both Old and New. Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, and requires two to three days to cover the rest of the major sights, like the Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. Finally, three days in Jaipur is enough to visit the major historic landmarks like the Amber Fort, the old city bazaars, and watch the sunset from Nahargarh Fort.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re in the market for a proper vacation, this is it. With water so crystal clear you can see straight down to the bottom, and cliffside landscapes dotted with pastel-colored homes, the Amalfi Coast looks like a painting brought to life. Post up in one of the larger towns, Positano or Sorrento, for the week and spend each day hopping between other charming coastal towns like Ravello, Amalfi, or Praiano, which are short drives away and are each steeped in history and charm. And while you’re in Positano, be sure not to miss the panoramic Path of the Gods hike.
You’ll also want to save time on a quick 40-minute ferry from Sorrento to the nearby island of Capri, but don’t just visit for the day. Instead, plan to spend two to three days wandering through the hillside town of Anacapri (you can ride a chairlift to the top) and admiring views over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Back on the mainland, you’ll need another one to two days to visit historic Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius before heading home.
The Shortcut
Bucket-list trips to far-flung destinations aren’t quick trips you can often do with just a few days of PTO.
To maximize the experience, and your time off, choose destinations where you can experience a place thoroughly and explore all it has to offer, rather than trying to pack too much into a small window.
Pick destinations with a good mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation for a full, well-rounded experience.
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