Best Time to Travel in 2026: U.S. Holidays That Give You More Time Off

Planning your 2026 vacations today can help you save money, avoid stressful travel days, and make the most of your paid time off. Many travelers want to know the best time to travel in 2026, and the answer often depends on how U.S. holidays line up throughout the year. With the right strategy, you can turn a few paid days off into longer, more relaxing breaks.

Travel patterns in the U.S. are predictable. Some holiday weekends bring packed airports, higher fares, and long security lines. Others offer surprisingly empty airports and more affordable flights. If you understand these trends early, you can travel more cheaply and book better deals before everyone else starts planning.

In this guide, you’ll learn which 2026 U.S. holidays give you the most time off, which travel days are the busiest, and how to avoid peak pricing. And if you want help booking your flights, ASAP Tickets can find options that fit both your travel dates and your budget. Need help planning your 2026 trips? Call 844-300-7983 and have our agents book the trip that’s right for you.

U.S. Public Holidays You Can Use to Maximize Time Off

Some holidays in 2026 fall in ways that make it easy to turn a long weekend into a longer vacation. By taking one or two PTO (paid time off) days around these dates, you can enjoy more time off without using too much of your vacation balance. So, here’s how to plan each holiday for maximum impact.

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026

Take January 2 off to create a 4-day weekend (January 1–4).

Airport traffic is moderate, but prices rise for flights returning after January 1. Flying on the holiday itself is usually cheaper.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026

Take January 16 off for a 4-day weekend (January 16–19). This weekend is popular for short domestic trips. Expect busy airports on Friday afternoon.

Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 16, 2026

Take February 13 off and enjoy a 4-day weekend (February 13–16).

Winter flights to warm destinations often spike in price, so make sure to book these flights early.

Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026

Take May 22 and May 26 off to create a 5-day break (May 22–26).

This is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Avoid Friday evening if possible.

Juneteenth – Friday, June 19, 2026

If you want to take a quick trip to Canada or visit a domestic destination, you don’t need PTO, since you already get a 3-day weekend (June 19–21).

However, adding June 18 or June 22 gives you 4–5 days for a true summer getaway. That’s enough time for a quick trip to Europe, especially if you plan an early flight out and a late flight back.

Independence Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026

Because the holiday falls on a Saturday, many workplaces will observe it on Friday, July 3. So, take July 2 and July 6 off for a 5-day vacation (July 2–6).

Expect heavy airport traffic around July 3.

Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2026

Take September 4 off for a 4-day weekend (Sept 4–7). Fall flights often drop in price after this weekend, so traveling a bit later can save you money.

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Monday, October 12, 2026

Take October 9 off for a 4-day weekend (Oct 9–12). This is a great time for shoulder-season travel to Europe or the Caribbean.

Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Take November 12–13 off for a 5-day trip (Nov 11–15). Midweek holidays create great flexibility for travelers.

Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 26, 2026

Take November 27 off for a 4-day weekend (Nov 26–29). Airport traffic is very high on Nov 25 and Nov 29, so avoid both if possible.

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, 2026

You automatically get a 3-day weekend (Dec 25–27). Take December 24 and December 28 off for a 5-day holiday break. But keep in mind that traveling on December 25 is often cheaper than flying on December 23 or 24.

High-Traffic Airport Days to Avoid (or Plan Around)

Some travel days in the U.S. are known for long lines, high prices, and airport delays. These patterns happen every year, and 2026 will be no different. Avoiding these peak days will help you choose the best time to travel in 2026 and enjoy a smoother trip.

The Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

This is one of the busiest travel days of the entire year. Airports get crowded, flights are full, and prices are at their peak. If possible, fly on Thanksgiving Day instead. Airports are much quieter, and flights are often cheaper.

The Sunday After Thanksgiving

This is the single most crowded return-travel day. Expect long TSA lines and high ticket prices. Flying home on Monday or Tuesday can save you money and time.

December 23 and December 26

These two days bring heavy Christmas travel traffic. Many people fly out on December 23 and return on December 26. Flying on December 25 or December 27 is usually easier.

Friday Before Memorial Day and Friday Before Labor Day

These Fridays mark the unofficial start of summer and fall travel. Airports fill up quickly, and delays are common. Leaving one day earlier helps you avoid the rush.

July 3 and July 5

Travelers heading out for Independence Day create large crowds on July 3. July 5 is also very busy as people head home. Flying on July 4 itself is often cheaper.

Spring Break Dates (Mid-March)

Travel demand spikes nationwide, especially for flights to Florida, the Caribbean, and other popular beach destinations. Prices rise, and airports stay crowded for most of the month.

Long Weekend Mondays

Holiday Mondays like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and Columbus Day see heavy return traffic. Flying home early morning or the day after gives you more breathing room.

When to Travel for Cheaper Prices in 2026

Travel prices rise and fall in predictable patterns throughout the year. If you want to find the best time to travel in 2026, understanding these seasonal trends will help you save money and plan your trips better. These are the best travel windows for lower prices in 2026.

January to Early March: Affordable International Trips

Right after New Year’s, airfare drops. This is one of the best times to find deals to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Airports are calmer, and flights are cheaper than in late spring.

Late April to Early June: Spring Shoulder Season

Many destinations are warm and pleasant, but not yet crowded. Flights to Europe, the Caribbean, and the Philippines are often cheaper during this period. Traveling before schools let out can save you hundreds.

Late August to October: Best Travel Deals of the Year

This is the sweet spot for budget travelers. Summer crowds fade, but temperatures stay warm in many destinations. Europe, Mexico, and island destinations see major price drops. Even domestic routes become more affordable.

Early November to Early December: Quiet and Cost-Friendly

After Halloween, demand slows. Flights and hotels drop in price until mid-December. This is an ideal time for quick getaways before the holiday rush starts.

Traveling Midweek Saves More

Tuesday and Wednesday flights are consistently the cheapest. Weekend departures cost more, especially around holidays or popular events.

Use Flexibility to Your Advantage

Leaving a day earlier—or later—can make a big difference. Early morning flights also tend to be cheaper and less prone to delays.

How ASAP Tickets Helps You Build a Smarter 2026 Travel Plan

Planning travel around U.S. holidays isn’t always easy, especially if prices rise and airports get crowded. That’s where ASAP Tickets can make a difference. Our travel agents help you find flights that fit your schedule, avoid peak travel days, and save money in the process.

ASAP Tickets agents have access to unpublished airfares, flexible booking options, and flights and hotel packages that aren’t available on regular search engines. With one phone call, you can compare multiple airlines, choose the best routes, and create an itinerary that works with your vacation days.

If your plans change, you won’t be left stranded. ASAP Tickets offers 24/7 support, so you always have someone to help you adjust your flights or explain your options. This is particularly useful during busy holiday periods, when rebooking can become a challenge.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a two-week escape, our team can help you build a smoother, smarter travel plan. Call us at 844-300-7983 to speak with an agent and start planning your 2026 trips.

Final Thoughts

Planning your trips early is the best way to save money and avoid the busiest travel days. When you understand the best time to travel in 2026, you can stretch your paid time off, skip crowded airports, and enjoy longer vacations with less stress. Some planning, like flying midweek or avoiding peak holiday weekends, can make a big difference in both comfort and cost.

If you want help finding the right flights, planning around holidays, or booking a complete vacation package, ASAP Tickets is here for you. Our agents can compare airlines, search for unpublished fares, and build an itinerary that fits your schedule.

Start the new year with a smarter travel plan. Call 844-300-7983 to begin planning your 2026 trips today.