While I can create a list of my favorite internationally travel experiences, many may not be accessible to someone that can’t take time off work to travel for months.  This is a list of the international destinations that I’ve personally visited that I believe would be a great one to two week paid-time-off (PTO) trip for Americans. My ranking is based on “bang for buck”, weighing the amount of logistical stress you’ll undergo against enjoyment potential. I hope it serves as food for thought.

5. London

I snuck in a trip to London after visiting Iceland, and I have to say, it’s a fantastic spot for a PTO trip. What I love most about London is its history, which you can see in landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. If you get historical, be sure to check out Westminster Abbey and the British Museum. The Winston Churchill War Rooms were also a highlight of my trip. Beyond the historical sights, London has a vibrant modern side too. Check out neighborhoods like Soho and Camden, each offering a unique culture, from trendy cafes to bustling markets. A walk along the Thames River brings you close to the city’s energy, with plenty of street performers and locals soaking up the atmosphere. And if you have a little extra time, I recommend a day trip to Bath, an ancient Roman town just outside the city. There’s also plenty of nearby cities within the UK that are only a train ride or quick flight away.  Again, this list is all about bang for buck. I think all the historical sites plus the vibrancy of a large city like London make it worth a taking a seven-hour flight from the US.

4. Peru: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Cusco is what gave me the idea for this list. Now working as a professional travel advisor in Peru, I help families make this trip in as little as 5 days all the time.  While backpacking through South America, a friend met me in Cusco for a PTO trip and we got the opportunity to do so much in just ten days. Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire. It’s is a beautiful city full of ancient history and colonial architecture. Cusco has delicious food and its set up to make tourism easy. Many people are there to see Machu Picchu and I agree, it’s a must. You can see it via the Salkantay Trail, Inca Trail, or take a train to its base and make a quick trek up. In addition to Machi Picchu, you should do a Sacred Valley tour. It’s a one-day tour from Cusco that takes you through Inca sites like Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. The tour will give you a broader perspective of the region beyond Machu Picchu. The hardest part about pulling off the Cusco PTO trip is the flights. You’ll most likely have to take three flights from the US. If you can suck these up, I think you’ll have one of the best one to two week vacations possible from the US. If you’re interested in visiting Machu Picchu, check out my blog post, Planning for Peru: A Travel Advisor’s Framework.

3. Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice

During a three-week Europe trip, I had the chance to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. Each city offered a unique experience, and they’re all close enough to make for a great PTO itinerary. Rome is a history lover’s paradise, with must-see sites like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City. My personal favorite was St. Peter’s Basilica. Regardless of your religious beliefs, it’s a remarkable relic of human culture. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio are just a few of the highlights that I loved. Definitely take a city tour in Florence because the scenery is easier to appreciate when you know its origin. I became obsessed with Venice when I visited. Its famous romantic canals and gondolas are gorgeous. The colors of the city and the canals were some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. There’s also the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy that I’ve heard is amazing. While you’ll have to hustle to fit this into a one to two week trip, it was my favorite experience during my time in Europe, and I think you’ll love it.

2. Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto

Everyone loves visiting Japan. It’s tough to choose, but Japan might be my favorite country I’ve visited. I’ll admit, this is much more of a shorter PTO trip for those living in the west coast, but I still had to include it. Japan was my first destination as I started backpacking. I spent about three weeks there. I visited six cities but if you only have one to two weeks for a PTO trip, I recommend focusing on Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Tokyo, the largest city in the world by population, offers an exciting mix of ultra-modern and traditional experiences. From the futuristic technology and skyscrapers to historic sites like the Meiji Shrine and Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. The food scene is incredible—whether you’re enjoying Michelin-starred restaurants or street food, there’s something for everyone. Osaka is known for its street food scene and neon-lit streets. I didn’t get the chance, but it seems like a great place for a night out. Kyoto, just an hour from Osaka, is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. It has incredible temples, gardens, and shrines like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The peaceful atmosphere offers a nice balance to the busy cities. While you could easily spend more than two weeks in Japan, if you’re short on time, you won’t regret a whirlwind tour of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

1. Banff National Park, Canada

Visiting Banff National Park is a wonderful way to see the Canadian Rockies. I had the chance to visit the park during my time living in a van. Nestled in Alberta, Banff is known for its stunning turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and scenic hikes. Famous spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway offer stunning views. Banff is also great for any level of outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re looking for a multiday backpacking trip or an easy walk around a lake. For these reasons, I have included Banff as one of my top nature destinations of all time in my other blog post, Raw Beauty: My Top 7 Nature Experiences. I put Banff number one on this list because of its bang for buck. It’s world-class mountains so close to the U.S. While it may be expensive, it’s fairly simple to fly into Calgary, rent a car, and explore the region. If you’re an outdoor lover, I’d give Banff serious consideration for an upcoming trip.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning your first international trip or just trying to make the most of limited vacation days, I think these destinations offer a great balance of accessibility, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Each place on this list gave me a strong return on the time, money, and effort invested—what I call true “bang for buck.” While the right destination depends on your travel style and interests, I hope this list helps spark ideas and shows that a PTO trip can still offer a lot of international adventure. You don’t need to quit your job to explore the world, you just need to pick the right places. If your looking for destinations within the U.S., check out my blog, Itineraries for Exploring the United States, which breaks the U.S. down into 1-2 week vacation chunks.