Whether you’re planning to splurge on a purse in Milan or stock up on skincare in a Parisian pharmacy, shopping is often a highlight of a trip to Europe—especially with the handy VAT refund. Travelers have become as strategic with the VAT refund as with a sought-after sample sale. And for good reason: While sales tax in the US averages around 7.5%, in Europe it’s a staggering 22%. Wait—don’t get sticker shock just yet! Travelers can shop tax-free in all 27 European Union (EU) member states, but with a few catches.

Thanks to the VAT refund program, you can recoup some of your money on the spot or at the airport before flying home. The first catch is that there’s a minimum spend everywhere except Spain. (Due to Brexit, the United Kingdom doesn’t qualify—Northern Ireland, however, does.) The second is that you have to claim your refund before leaving the EU. Now that the basics are out of the way, here’s everything you need to know to navigate the VAT refund and earn cash back on your next shopping spree in Europe.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

What is VAT?

Unlike the United States, where tax is tacked on top of an item’s retail price, in Europe, Value Added Tax (VAT) is already factored into the price tag. That means you won’t pay an additional percentage when checking out. VAT varies from country to country in the EU—typically falling between 17% and 27%—and international travelers can claim the VAT back on items they’re bringing back home.

Who can get a VAT refund?

Anyone who is a non-EU resident (including citizens with a permanent address outside of the EU) can claim a VAT refund on purchases made in Europe. When you’re departing, you’ll need to show customs the stamped VAT refund documents, the physical goods in your personal luggage (to show you’re taking the items out of Europe), and prove that you’re a non-EU resident with your passport or residence permit—and it must be within three months of the purchase.

How do you get a VAT refund?

Note that VAT refund rules vary from country to country in the EU, but here’s a general breakdown of how the VAT refund process works.

Step 1: Meet the minimum spending requirement

Nearly anything bought for personal use, from clothing and jewelry to cosmetics and skincare, qualifies for a VAT refund—as long as you meet the country’s minimum spend per transaction. (Sorry, vintage and flea market finds don’t count.) Spain is the only country without a threshold, but the minimum requirement often isn’t steep. In Germany, Greece, and Portugal, it’s €50; Switzerland’s minimum amount is the highest, at 300 CHF (around $385), but it’s also one of the countries with the lowest VAT—a mere 8.1%.

Step 2: Request a VAT refund form

Most luxury retailers and department stores will automatically offer a VAT refund document (also called a tax-free form or a tax refund voucher) if you’ve reached the minimum spend, but be sure to ask the cashier or sales associate at smaller boutiques and even pharmacies (if you’re shopping skincare and cosmetics) for the paperwork. They’ll need to see your passport (some require the physical version and will not accept a copy or a photo of the ID page) to prove you’re a non-EU resident and qualify for VAT back.

Step 3: Fill out the refund form—and keep receipts of your purchase

The retailer often does the heavy lifting here, filling out and signing or stamping the refund form before attaching the receipt. Double-check everything is correct (your personal information, date of purchase, item descriptions and prices) before signing it yourself. Keep the refund forms and receipts or shopping bills easily accessible when you go to the airport—you’ll need to present or scan the forms at customs or a VAT refund counter when leaving the EU.

Step 4: Get your tax-refund form stamped

When you’re flying home or leaving the EU, follow the signs to the customs office at the airport (they’re always in the departure terminals, often near check-in counters). The last step to claiming your refund is the most important—a stamp from customs or electronic validation at a kiosk. While some stores may be able to provide onsite tax refunds, you’ll still have to validate your forms by scanning or stamping them at the airport or train station—proof you’ve taken the items out of the EU. Even if you received a cash refund at the shop, without the stamp, they can reverse the refund and charge your credit card.

Step 5: Claim your refund

Depending on the airport, you may have to go to a separate VAT refund counter (which may be located before or after security) after getting your forms stamped or verified electronically. You’ll want to have everything ready to show customs agents—forms, boarding pass, passport, the unused goods—so keep the items in your carry-on.

Step 6: Receive your refund

Take your pick between an instant cash refund (which may come with a higher commission fee) or a refund to your credit card, which may take a couple of days. Keep your forms together in case you haven’t been refunded within six weeks and need to follow up. It can take longer during heavy travel periods like summer or the holidays, but tax-free services like Zapptax allow you to track VAT refunds right in the app.

How to get a VAT refund in France

If you spend more than €100 at the same store on the same day (now’s the time to snag your dream Chanel bag or shoes!), you’ll qualify for a VAT refund in France. Request a tax-free form (also known as a formulaire de détaxe) that both you and the retailer will sign—and be sure to keep the receipt with it. In department stores like Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, you’ll find a Tax Refund Area where you can request a refund on the same day or within two calendar days of purchase (you’ll need to show your physical passport). Before checking your luggage at the airport, get the form stamped at the customs office or electronically at a PABLO kiosk (usually near the customs office). Once your form has been approved, you can get reimbursed on the spot or request a bank transfer.

How to get a VAT refund in Italy

When you’re shopping in Italy, you can request a tax exemption form anywhere from designer shops like Gucci and Prada to luxury department stores like Rinascente, as long as you’ve made a purchase of more than €70 at the same shop on the same day (since the tax-free system is now digital, you can show a copy of your passport). When you’re leaving Italy, head to the Agenzia delle Dogane (customs office) with your passport, receipts, and items (keep the tags on in case they inspect them!) to get your forms stamped before heading to a VAT refund counter.

How to get a VAT refund in Spain

When making a purchase in Spain, request an electronic tax-free refund document (DER/DIVA form), which you’ll need to validate at a DIVA kiosk, counter, or customs office when you’re at the airport. Spain not only has no minimum threshold, the stamped form is valid for four years from the issuing date. You can receive an “early refund” in cash (in euros) or on your credit card at any Global Blue or Planet refund point—including airports and even fashion outlets—if you provide a credit card guarantee and leave the country within 15 days.

What if I am not exiting the EU from the country of my purchase?

Not a problem. You can’t collect your refund until you’re departing the EU, so if you shopped in Paris but are returning home from Madrid, you’ll validate your forms at customs in Spain. The same rules apply for what you’ll need to show: the goods (unused), the stamped VAT refund form, your passport, and boarding pass. Since your final exit point from the EU is your only chance to claim a VAT refund, if you’re heading to the UK by train from Paris, you’ll need to validate your forms electronically at the PABLO kiosks inside the Eurostar terminal in Gare du Nord. Unlike the airport or some shops, you won’t have the option for a cash reimbursement—refunds are automatically credited back to your bank or credit card.

Tips from travelers:

• Bring your physical passport while shopping (not all retailers accept a copy or photo) and always ask for a VAT refund form—and make sure it’s stamped or signed.
• You may receive a larger refund if you shop all at once at the same store instead of making multiple transactions.
• Keep track of your receipts in case you may need to present them at US customs.
• Give yourself plenty of time at the airport, and keep the unworn items separate and ready to show during the VAT refund process.
• Remember: If you’ve spent over $800, you’ll have to declare your purchases to US customs. Tax-free shopping in Europe doesn’t necessarily make the items duty-free back home.

Amsterdam is an easy city to love, with its canals, architecture, stroopwafels, and poffertjes. But when one loves a city, one wants that city to love you back, right? Amsterdam has been a leading example of the pitfalls of overtourism and, in part thanks to its liberal approach to drugs and sex work, it has gained a reputation as one of Europe’s biggest party capitals. This has attracted a swathe of tourists who perhaps take advantage of the beautiful city and view it merely as their playground, much to the chagrin of locals. At one point, the government even launched a 2023 campaign warning rowdy tourists from the United Kingdom to “stay away.” And while the Red Light district and coffee shops are cultural and historic threads that make up the urban, multifaceted fabric that is Amsterdam, it’s a city that offers so much more to those looking to explore its multiple personalities: dynamic and gentle, uber-cool yet warm. Below are just a few tips on how to do as the Amsterdammers do.

A version of this article was originally published in Condé Nast Traveller UK.

Amsterdam is famous for biking culture.

Getty Images

Rule 1: Cycle everywhere you go

Probably the most important thing to know before visiting Amsterdam is that biking is the city’s main mode of transport. Famously, there are more bikes in the city than there are people. The urban centre is set up with a network of well-defined bike lanes—they are marked in red alongside the roads—and while other modes of transport include trams, the metro, and taxis, bikes are the easiest way to see the city, and get from A to B quickly.

Be sure to look twice (maybe even three times) before you cross the street in Amsterdam.

AscentXmedia/Getty Images

Rule 2: Watch where you walk

Even if you don’t plan on biking yourself, you will come into contact with bikers on their wheels. Many of them. And often. Cyclists in Amsterdam bike quickly, and the lanes can get incredibly congested. Mix that with visitors who aren’t used to biking cities, and you have accidents waiting to happen. It’s often easy when looking up at the beautiful gabled canal houses to wander into the cycling lane and find yourself facing the wrath of angry bikers’ bells. Be sure to stick only to walking on the sidewalks and look both ways when crossing the street. Twice. Maybe even three times. And if you hear lots of fast-approaching loud dinging sounds, run.

Rule 3: Know the rules of the road

While cycling in Amsterdam can be intimidating for many, it offers the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. But before you rent a bike, there are some road rules to keep in mind: Stick to the right of the bike lane and overtake on the left. Cycle in a straight line and don’t weave about so that overtaking cyclists know where you’re going. Use your bell to communicate and let others know you’re overtaking, or to alert a tourist that has wandered into the bike lane. Cycle lanes are one-way unless there is a broken line down the middle, so don’t bike against traffic and always signal with your hand while turning. When crossing intersections, ride perpendicular to tram lines, as bike tires can easily get stuck in them, sending even the most experienced riders flying over the handlebars. And always lock your bike securely.

Rule 4: Learn a few Dutch phrases

The Dutch pride themselves on their excellent English, particularly in urban cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Signs are often written in both Dutch and English, and while learning Dutch ahead of time isn’t necessary, some words are always appreciated: “goedemorgen” (good morning), “dankjewel” (thank you), “doei” or “tot ziens” (goodbye), “alstublieft” (please), and “een biertje” (one beer). Absolutely none of these words are pronounced as you’d expect, so do a quick search for an audio pronunciation before using them on a live Dutch person. Another word you’ll hear often is “gezellig,” which loosely means “cozy.” The Dutch often use it to describe when something is pleasant, and it is similar to the Danish “hygge,” but with more of an emphasis on socializing and the warmth of being with friends.

Still, if you can wait to make that agreement official, that would be better. Mercury goes retrograde on February 26 until March 20, and this will create confusion and disorder in your work day, miscommunication among your teammates, and diagnoses and treatments you may need to do over. You will probably need extra patience to deal with potential travel mishaps as they come up, more effort than usual to communicate clearly when organizing your trip, and more flexibility to navigate your day when your routines inevitably fall apart these next couple weeks.

Scorpio Rising

Ready or not, it’s time to embrace whatever “doing life on hard mode” is going to mean for you for the next couple of years. Think back to late May to September of 2025, because this was the preview of Saturn in Aries that is now beginning for real on February 13. There could be very real challenges you’ll be facing that you didn’t necessarily choose, and there could be uphill struggles you’re willingly walking into because you’re ready to “do your own thing” work-wise. Maybe you’re beginning a private practice, going freelance, or struggling to balance everything with an understaffed skeleton crew. Maybe the unpaid labor of domestic life and parenting is going to be the albatross around your neck, or maybe you’re signing on for the boot camp of raising an unruly puppy. Either way, Saturn entering your 6th house of labor could very much feel like, well, that.

This transit could also bring its fair share of health challenges too, and a sense of bootstrapping it through a recovery process or a training montage of getting yourself into shape (possibly resulting from a wakeup call you receive around the Saturn-Neptune conjunction on February 20). However, the full moon in Leo on February 1 is pointing to turning points in your career or status this month, and the eclipse in Aquarius on February 17 strongly suggests that this new beginning will involve changes to your domestic life, living situation, and family. Venus forms a conjunction to the North Node the same day as the eclipse, which is a positive omen for “putting the kids first”, feeling connected to them, or recovering your creative spark and lust for life after the last couple years snuffed it out.

As you welcome (or deal with) these foundational changes, look for the subtle or not so subtle ways life is inviting you back into a sense of wonder, communion, and enchantment. Venus will be approaching a trine to Jupiter on February 22 that creates a sense of romance or enjoyment that makes your world feel larger—almost like you’re on vacation and enjoying some momentary bliss before you have to return to normal life and deal with whatever the universe is throwing at you next. Despite the tumultuous astrology of the moment, this wouldn’t be the worst time to be far from home or your normal routine, or even just pouring more love into your creations and hobbies. On February 26, Mercury stations retrograde in this same part of the sky. The next couple weeks will be a fruitful time to revive an old creative project, return to something that once brought you joy, or work on improving communication with your children or lovers.

Sagittarius Rising

You knew that labor pains are part of the package deal of how creation is made—now all that’s left is to follow through with it. As Saturn and Neptune conjoin in your 5th house on February 20, a new foundation is set for you. In certain ways, your life going forward will revolve around the needs of your children or your creative projects, because both will demand a lot from you in the coming years. There is a commitment taking shape around nurturing life, around doing what it takes to bring things to fruition and fight the uphill fight to maintain joy, love, and levity in your life. In other words, you might be fighting for your right to party in an unforgiving landscape that doesn’t give you that ability for free.

“Let me know when you are able to get a flight in, honey.” It’s been a year since I got that text, a year since my sister walked into an urgent care in my hometown of South Bend, Indiana, when she called my mom as her partner drove her to the emergency room. A year since she was intubated, my mom caressing her hand, before she closed her eyes for the last time. Her life was then on support, but in reality, her life was gone.

Sitting up in bed, I had to find a flight from Los Angeles to South Bend. “There’s only one flight that gets there earlier,” I texted, knowing another message was soon to come. I updated my mom with every search. My dad, her husband of nearly 40 years, had passed just nine months before. When that happened, I was on a work trip to Bermuda that had literally just landed hours before I needed to leave again. And somehow that felt easier to finagle than this.

Getting to where you need to be in moments of grief and duress and emergency can feel like solving string theory when you’re inundated with emotions and other logistics that don’t involve planes. Thankfully, I had points and miles. Thankfully, I had a credit card and savings. Thankfully, thankfully, thankfully, I could get home.

But the one thing I wish I had known at this moment was the existence of bereavement fares. Sometimes called “compassionate fares,” these rates are special, flexible airline tickets offered in circumstances of imminent death or the loss of an immediate family member—often with reduced prices, looser change rules, and the ability to book very last-minute without the usual penalties.

The ins and outs of bereavement fares

The big thing to know is that bereavement fares not offered by every airline. These are the ones who do: Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet are four airlines that have specific bereavement fares outlined on their websites. (Hawaiian Airlines has a bereavement page, as well, but it’s only for those traveling between the Hawaiian islands—though they do have stipulations for changing or canceling an existing booking due to bereavement as well, no matter where you’re flying.) Most of these airlines require you to call a person on their end. Many will require you to indicate the identity of the person who has died, how they were related to you, and other such information, which may or may not be triggering for some.

“Bereavement fares can be confusing, and frankly, the process isn’t always compassionate,” says Tovah Means, MS, LMFT, co-owner of Watch Hill Therapy. “Some airlines still offer them, but the requirements can feel bureaucratic at a moment when paperwork is the last thing you can emotionally manage. If you have the capacity, calling the airline directly can help—a real human voice sometimes makes room for nuance. But if you can’t deal with that, that’s completely legitimate. Grief shrinks your bandwidth. Choose whatever route feels least draining.”

Delta and Alaska—the airlines I reached out to that came back with a response at the time of publication of this article—couldn’t give much more info on their bereavement fares beyond what was outlined on their page. These public breakdowns, while thoughtful and rooted in genuine attempts to support travelers, also speak to a broader truth: As a culture, we’re still profoundly uneasy with death, grief, and the logistical chaos that comes with them.

Airlines aren’t trying to be cold—they’re operating within systems built for efficiency, not emotional emergencies—but the limits of those systems can make you feel even more alone at a moment when everything already feels isolating. Policies, procedures, and carefully worded statements can only go so far when you’re navigating one of the most disorienting experiences of your life; the gap between what’s offered and what’s needed becomes another reminder of how much we shoulder on our own in grief.

At the airport: Do let employees know what’s going on

That being said, talking to people on the ground when actually traveling can help even more. Countless stories (a lot of them Delta-crew based, from what I’ve found) talk about pilots, flight attendants, and passengers going out of their way to accommodate the grieving. Holding planes to make tight connections, heartfelt notes from the crew, and neighboring passengers helping grievers navigate the airport before landing have all made the internet rounds.

Time for the rules. When the subway arrives, stand to the side of (not in front of) the door to let passengers off the train first. Once everyone gets off, then you can board. If the doors are closing right when you get there, don’t panic—and please don’t hold them open. There’s likely another train right behind it. If there are lots of people packed into one car, move to the center to make room for riders filing in behind you. And if you get stuck standing right in front of the door, you’ll need to exit at the next stop to let folks out (just stand to the right or left, and then you can hop back on).

Now for the seating etiquette: They are reserved for butts, not for bags—so don’t hog a spot with your purse. Offer your seat if you see someone who needs it more. If you’re standing and wearing a backpack like a tall schoolchild on a crowded train, take it off and hold it in your hands or place it by your feet so you don’t whack the people behind you. When you’ve finally arrived at your destination and are climbing up the stairs back to life above ground, real New Yorkers will always offer to help carry strollers or heavy suitcases—we’re all in this together.

That subway car is empty for a reason

“Never get on an empty subway car,” says Global Digital Director Arati Menon, “because there’s probably a good reason for it.” Perhaps it’s summer, and the air conditioning broke, or a big spill has sent a carton of fragrant fish soup trickling down the length of the car. Take the cue and go where the other people are, even if it means you don’t get a seat—there’s safety in numbers.

Jaywalking is a precise art

One of the first things you might notice when visiting New York City is that we don’t wait for the crosswalk signal to cross. I mean, really, who has time for that? In fact, jaywalking is so commonplace that it’s now officially legal in New York City—so there’s no need to worry about getting a ticket. However, this does not mean you should blindly follow the person in front of you and cross the street with your phone directions in front of your face. “Locals will mentally time the gap between traffic to a millisecond and it may no longer be safe for you to cross once it’s your turn,” explains our associate editor Hannah Towey, “Before taking the leap, look in the direction that traffic is coming from—both ways if you’re not sure—and then look again for any e-bikes in the bike lane—they are more likely to hit you than a car.”

The sidewalk has similar rules to traffic

Walking is a form of commuting for New Yorkers. Until she moved to Ridgewood earlier this year, Global Features Editor Erin Florio frequently walked to work from Carroll Gardens. “You will see so much city life doing so,” she says. It’s ok to go slow as a tourist and take in the sights, but if you’re going to move glacially, do so with mindfulness. Think of the sidewalk as a two-lane highway. Keep right, first of all. Two pedestrians across, maximum (more on that in a minute). You’re not wearing horse blinders, so try to keep tabs on whether or not someone is trying to get around you—and let them. The faster walker always has the right of way. Why would you cut someone off only to trap them?

Your January 2026 horoscope has arrived. Some years start out sleepy, others start out loud. And this one kicks off in a secret third way—a growing intensity of motivation that doesn’t announce itself before it makes a move. Many of us may be cooking up ambitious schemes for the year ahead that we’re not yet ready to make public. Many will be getting crystal clear on our desires and unmet needs, and then creating a detailed plan that will set us up for success (versus playing it by ear and hoping for the best).

January begins with a pileup of planets in Capricorn, which includes a rare triple conjunction of the Sun, Venus, and Mars. This is the time for planning (maybe one of the best places go in January, if you need trip inspo), organizing your time, and thinking like a project manager. In 2026 specifically, it’ll also be a time of heated tension, keeping your cards close to your chest, and getting quiet enough to hear where your hunger is leading you next. During the first half of January, and especially between January 6 and 9, Venus and Mars are reborn together in the heart of the Sun, and this begins a new story around relationships, desire, ambition, and creativity. This isn’t peaceful energy, to be clear. But it is profoundly clarifying.

Although we might be prone to bickering with our trip companions, directing some of that energy into completing an ambitious itinerary together could be a helpful way to blow off steam. Some of us might find ourselves tempted to be a little naughty, or wrestling with desires we’re not “supposed” to have. Thrill-seeking isn’t always a bad thing, especially if it helps you rekindle your spark. Just know that some impulses could lean toward destructive under these skies, and you can always choose to approach this with curiosity or a desire to understand the deeper itch you’re trying to scratch.

In the second half of January, planets start to congregate in Aquarius, which takes us from “turf war” to “info war,” from “drafting the architectural plan” to “outfitting the castle with smart home technology.” We might be dwelling more in the conceptual, abstract layers than the cold, hard facts of physical reality. This might be a more stimulating time to engage in intellectual debates and challenge your own thought paradigms. A provocative tour guide might get you to question what you’ve been told about a place. A culture unfamiliar to your own might show you what life could be like outside of the matrix you’re a part of.

Assuming you don’t blow your life up on vacation (look, no judgment), and even if you do, you will probably emerge from this month with a clearer view of the mountain you need to climb this year. In February, the new timeline starts to begin in earnest. For now, there’s still some amount of saying goodbye and making peace with the past before we move on for good.

Mexico City’s distinctive charm has made it a white-hot destination in recent years. But in a city this large and turbulent, social decorum and long-standing customs help make daily maneuvering more manageable. Tourists should know that there are many unspoken rules here. Learning a few words in Spanish and being a cognizant traveler are not only helpful to you as a traveler, but helpful to those who call the destination home. Especially as gentrification and the arrival of long-stay visitors continues to reshape this city.

I’m the chef and co-owner of Cicatriz, an all-day-cafe/bar in Colonia Juarez, Mexico City, and a permanent Mexico City resident who has lived here for a decade—so I’m still learning the guiding principles that define the metropolis, but I have also made it a priority to follow the lead of locals, and the unwritten rules they live by. These are my tips for thoughtfully visiting Mexico City—the largest city in North America, and one I feel lucky to call home.

Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here, which includes:

Bring an umbrella

In this mountainous valley, at 7,350 feet above sea level, weather is unpredictable and can shift at a clip. Visitors may be surprised to learn that it rains more in Mexico City than in London, and the summer period, June through September, brings torrential rainstorms (2025 has already broken multiple rain records). Carry an umbrella and wear layers.

Be mindful when crossing the street, whether you’re on foot or bicycle.

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Pedestrians beware

Be extremely careful when crossing the street or riding the bikeshare Ecobici. Cars rarely cede passage to pedestrians (even when it is the walker’s right of way) and frequently ignore traffic lights and signals. Look both ways and opposite directions when crossing a street. If you bike, know that bike lanes are often inhabited by any mix of the following: bicycles going the contrary direction, packs of teenagers smoking, and motorcycles cutting through traffic.

Tip 20%

If you customarily tip 20% in restaurants back home, then why not extend the courtesy here? While peso-earning locals may tip 10 to 15%, those making American dollars and Euros with a favorable exchange rate should strongly consider tipping what you would at home—the act goes even further here. I promise the service staff will greatly appreciate it. And hey, you’ll likely be spending less going out to eat than you do at home anyways. Make the gesture.

Don’t assume that people speak English

Mexico is in North America, of course, but most of the population does not speak English. Do not expect them to. Learning a few simple courtesies, like “gracias”, “por favor”, and “buenas tardes” is respectful and kind. Translation apps on your phone like Google Translate or Apple Translate makes easy work of it.

Carry cash

While most formal restaurants take debit and credit cards, with the mango vender, tamale seller, and anyone else you see on the street, cash will be necessary. Additionally, keep a stash of 5 and 10 peso coins in your pocket. It is common—and kind—to hand out a coin or two to the person bagging your groceries, street musicians, and children selling candy.

Go beyond Roma and Condesa

The tourist corridor of Roma and Condesa draws in foreigners and tourists like moths to a flame, and for good reason—these neighborhoods are chock full of green parks, restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels, and they ooze an idyllic charm. These neighborhoods, however, are just a speck in a city of almost 600 square miles with dozens of unique ‘hoods and are two that are strained by upscaling and overtourism. Go elsewhere if you want a more realistic representation of what life is like for the 22 million people who call Mexico City home. Narvarte, with two large, criss-crossing avenues, is home to many excellent taquerias; Parque Hundido, in Extremadura Insurgentes, is a great place to stroll; and all four quadrants of Centro are historically and culturally significant.

If you’re as travel obsessed as the Condé Nast Traveler staff, the first thing you do when the company holiday calendar lands in your inbox is immediately plot out all of your upcoming trips for the next year. In 2026, I’m personally determined to maximize my vacation days so that I always have a getaway to look forward to, without letting any precious PTO go to waste.

This is where a little planning can go a long way, especially if you’re planning a lengthy bucket-list trip, like a snow leopard safari in northern India or hiking Japan’s ancient pilgrimage trails.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American gets 15 days of vacation after five years of working at a private company. That may not seem like much when compared to our European counterparts, but by being strategic about which dates you request, you can stretch that to up to 45 days—nearly 7 weeks—of vacation.

Below, I’ve outlined a few easy ways to hack the holiday calendar for yourself. It’s a common trick: by linking your personal time off with US federal holidays and weekends, you can get more overall time out of the office and out in the world.

Since every office schedule is a bit different, these suggestions are geared toward people who get all US federal holidays off. I’ve chosen the following schedule to maximize PTO while providing windows for both long and short trips, but you can always redistribute days from the longer breaks and tack them onto a holiday of your choice. It’s your time, so do with it as you will—and when you’re ready to plan, know that we’ve got you covered on hotel, restaurant, and cruise recommendations for wherever you’re headed.

Here’s how to maximize your vacation days in 2026. Plus, our picks for where you should spend them.

Three long holiday weekends (nine days of vacation)

In 2026, Christmas Day, Juneteenth, and July 3rd (an officially observed holiday since July 4 is on a Saturday) all fall on Fridays, meaning they create three automatic long weekends, adding nine vacation days to the total count. If you prefer planning trips around any of those three dates instead of the below, cut PTO from any of the longer breaks and take off Thursday or Monday around one of the Friday federal holidays instead.

Take off January 2 (four days of vacation)

Start the new year off right by taking off Friday, January 2, and creating a long, four-day weekend. Whether you want to spend some time getting a jump start on your New Year‘s resolution, plan to relax and recoup after the holiday season at home, or take a romantic weekend trip somewhere special, taking off the second day of the year ensures you’ll have a nice, long break before getting started on all of your 2026 work goals. Personally, the Condé Nast Traveler team will be spending our first OOO of 2026 in London, Mexico City, Manila, and New York.

Take off January 20-23 (nine days of vacation)

January can be one of the gloomiest months of the year, thanks to its shorter days, colder weather, and the lull that comes from knowing the holiday season is firmly in the rearview mirror. To make the most of it, take off January 20-23, the week following Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19), and head somewhere new for nine whole days of vacation. Our recs? Defrost from the winter chill and head to warmer climes, say in Mexico‘s Riviera Nayarit, or bundle up for a snow-topped trip to Norway or Salt Lake City, Utah—all of which are included on our list of the best places to go in January.

Take off February 17-20 (nine days of vacation)

Presidents’ Day falls on Monday, February 16, this year, so if you you count the preceding weekend and take off February 17-20, you can enjoy a long, 9-day vacation for just 4 days of PTO. That’s enough time for a long-haul trip across the globe, like Hong Kong (one of our Best Places to Go in Asia in 2026), or to unplug in Costa Rica on a leisurely surf trip in the sun. Prefer to lean into the cold weather? Venture to Big Sky, Montana, or Switzerland to enjoy ski season. (For more inspiration, see our full list of the best places to go in February.)

Take off May 26-27 (five days of vacation)

Extend your Memorial Day weekend with just two PTO days. For some, the Friday before Memorial Day is a half-day, which means you’ll actually get five and a half days off. This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, so taking off the following Tuesday and Wednesday means extending your weekend by double time. This is the perfect time for a quick trip to your hometown or a relaxing staycation—especially since many US destinations can get crowded, and prices rise, right as peak summer travel season kicks off.

Take off November 23-25 and 27 (nine days of vacation)

This year, Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 26, so if you take November 23-25 and November 27 off, you’ll be able to luxuriate in a nine-day vacation for the price of four PTO days. (If you get Black Friday off—or are just looking to extend your vacation—take off the following Monday, November 30 instead.) While this is a great time to soak up some R&R with family, maybe you’ll choose to take time for yourself in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or the Seychelles, two of our best places to go in November. Better yet? Convince the family to go with you.

Alternative: Take off December 23-24 instead of May 26-27 (five days of vacation)

An alternative option to traveling over Memorial Day is to save those two PTO days you’d use in May and use them on December 23 and 24. Either way, two days of PTO turn into five days of vacation. That’s the perfect amount of time for snuggling up with a good book in a quiet wintry cabin, or for a short ski trip to Banff before the end of the year. For those who have company-wide closures between December 25 and January 1, you’ll be able to secure 12 days of vacation for just two PTO days. If you’re lucky enough to have that much uninterrupted time off, we recommend using those two weeks to book that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip, like an Antarctica expedition cruise. The Cotswolds, England, and Frankfurt, Germany, are also great winter options thanks to their excellent Christmas markets—and are sure to be filled with festive holiday-season charm. If you’re looking for something a bit warmer, consider Malaysia or Belize. (All five destinations are some of our picks for the best places to go in December.)

Come the evening of December 31, the AMC Empire 25 movie theater on 42nd Street changes into a New Year’s extravaganza, aided with plenty of movie magic. While movie-going and overflowing buckets of buttery popcorn are on the table, that’s just the beginning. The party really kicks off with visits to the open bar, live entertainment, and a Champagne toast. Every ticket even includes access to the sixth-floor “Platinum View Terrace,” with guaranteed views of the live ball drop. This year’s screenings include Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and Marty Supreme, among others. This is the family-friendly New Year’s event you won’t want to miss.

A watch party for under $100: Frames Bowling Lounge

When: December 31, 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Where: Frames Bowling Lounge, 550 9th Ave.
Price: Starting at $99
How to book: Tickets available online

Who said you couldn’t ball on a budget while watching the ball drop? Frames Bowling Lounge offers a ticket just shy of $100. A brisk 10-minute walk away from Times Square, the lounge’s party starts at 7 p.m. and lasts til 2 a.m. The ball drop is cast on every angle from the venue’s wall-to-wall TVs, and the new year is welcomed with none other than a Champagne toast. Keep the good times going at the open bar, live DJ, buffet stations with kid-approved food (i.e., chicken tenders), and, of course, bowling, bowling, and bowling. Upgrade your ticket for table service, private lanes, and other perks.

A magical rooftop bar: Moxy Times Square

When: December 31, 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Where: Moxy NYC Times Square, 485 7th Ave.
Price: Starting at $175
How to book: Tickets available online

The tickets for the rooftop at the Moxy have actually dropped for this year. That might just be all it takes to convince us the ditch our black tie tuxedoes and cinch a spot at one of Midtown’s most colorful hotels, Moxy NYC Times Square. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Magic Hour, is throwing an all-night New Year’s Eve party featuring what’s touted as an “urban amusement park” with “State Fair-inspired light bites,” plus an open bar and a Champagne toast at midnight. Bonus: The hotel is just a few blocks away from Times Square. While it’s one of the most affordable ways to watch the ball drop this year, trust that the price point does not subtract from its sheer class.

Mosquera makes a compelling case for embracing the rainy season: “It’s actually my favorite time. The site becomes magical with fewer crowds given that overtourism is one of Machu Picchu’s greatest threats. The rain isn’t nearly as disruptive as people imagine, as it mainly falls in the evenings, not all day. February is particularly special because the Inca Trail closes for maintenance, making the site even quieter.”

The wet season transforms the landscape dramatically. Stone terraces flush vibrant green, hidden waterfalls emerge, and morning mist creates atmospheric reveals of the citadel. The timing also aligns perfectly with Peru’s coastal summer. “More travelers are discovering this split-season strategy,” says Mosquera. “You can explore misty ruins early in the trip, then travel down to Lima’s world-class restaurants or Máncora’s beaches where summer’s in full swing.” Temperatures at Machu Picchu remain moderate year-round, with rain typically following predictable afternoon patterns rather than all-day downpours.

When is peak season in Machu Picchu?

While June through August marks the traditional peak season, visitor patterns create multiple surge periods throughout the year. The rhythm begins with Holy Week in late March, when domestic travelers arrive en masse, overlapping with North American spring break crowds from mid-March through April. The longest surge runs from late June through early November, when the Ministry of Culture formally increases daily capacity to 5,600 visitors.Cultural celebrations intensify these patterns. “Inti Raymi, on June 24th, transforms the entire region,” explains Cochran. “It’s the most important celebration in the Incan calendar, and Cusco erupts with traditional dances all month.” Similar surges occur around Peru’s Independence Day (July 28), when domestic tourism peaks. Visitors during these windows should book earlier and target dawn or post-2 p.m. entries for calmer experiences.

How many days do I need to spend in Machu Picchu as a first-timer?

The three-hour basic circuit belies the time needed for a complete experience. “Plan for four to five nights minimum in the Cusco region,” advises Cochran. “You need time to adjust to the altitude—we’re talking 8,000 feet above sea level—but more importantly, you need time to grasp the bigger picture.” The citadel reveals different facets through its various circuits, from sophisticated urban planning to precise celestial alignments. The complete narrative emerges through exploring the surrounding Sacred Valley, where sites like Pumamarca fortress and Huchuy Qosqo provide context without crowds, positioning Machu Picchu as the pinnacle of an entire civilization rather than an isolated wonder.

When visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, where should I go?

Understanding Machu Picchu’s circuit system before booking proves essential. The site operates three main circuits with multiple route variations, each emphasizing different viewpoints and archaeological zones. Certain dramatic trails—including the Inca Bridge and Intipunku (Sun Gate)—open exclusively during high season (June 1 to October 15) when weather conditions permit safe passage.

The Panoramic Circuit (Circuit 1) delivers iconic postcard views. Its premium Machu Picchu Mountain trail (Route 1-A) requires an early start (7 a.m. or 9 a.m. slots) and approximately four hours round-trip, ascending 3,000 stone steps to reveal the entire complex from above. For less strenuous options, the Upper Terrace route (1-B) provides classic vistas without the climb.