Easter 2026: How to Turn 4 PTO Days Into 10 Days Off

Easter 2026 Falls on a Sunday -- Here's Why That Matters

Easter Sunday is April 5, 2026. For most US workers, that's just a regular weekend. But with a little planning, the week after Easter becomes one of the best PTO windows of the entire year.

Here's the play: take Monday through Thursday off (April 6–9), and you get a 10-day break if your state observes Good Friday, or 9 days if it doesn't.

The Day-by-Day Breakdown

If your state observes Good Friday: 4 PTO days → 10 days off (Apr 3–12). That's a 2.5x return.

If your state doesn't: Take Good Friday as PTO too → 5 PTO days → 10 days off. Still 2.0x, and you get a real vacation.

Which States Observe Good Friday?

These 11 states currently recognize Good Friday as a state holiday: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.

Even if your state isn't on this list, check with your employer -- many companies give a half day or full day for Good Friday regardless.

Why April Is Travel's Best-Kept Secret

April is shoulder season almost everywhere. That means:

Europe: Temperatures are mild (60–70°F in Southern Europe), tourist crowds are a fraction of summer levels, and flight prices are 30–40% lower than June–August. Spain, Portugal, and Italy are ideal.

Caribbean: Hurricane season doesn't start until June. April has dry, warm weather across most islands, and resort prices drop after spring break peaks (which usually end by late March).

Japan: Cherry blossom season peaks in early April in Tokyo and central Honshu. It's the most beautiful -- and increasingly popular -- time to visit, but 10 days gives you room to explore beyond the tourist-heavy spots.

Domestic US: National parks are open but not yet packed. Zion, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite have perfect hiking weather without the July–August crowds.

The Booking Window

Flight prices for Easter travel start climbing in mid-March. If you're reading this and haven't booked yet:

• Domestic flights: Book now. Prices are climbing but still reasonable.
• Europe/Asia: 6–8 weeks out is the sweet spot. You're in it right now.
• Hotels: Easter week availability drops fast in tourist destinations. Book refundable rates now, keep looking for better deals.

Combine With Your Full-Year Plan

Easter is just one window. If you have 15 PTO days total, using 4–5 on Easter still leaves you 10–11 for the rest of the year -- enough for Thanksgiving (3 days), Christmas (3 days), and one more long weekend.

See all your 2026 windows calculated together →

One More Tip

If you're traveling internationally for Easter, check whether your destination also observes Good Friday and Easter Monday. Many European and Latin American countries have both as public holidays -- meaning shops, restaurants, and attractions may have modified hours on those days. Plan around it.