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A Realistic 2026 PTO Schedule: How 17 Days Turn Into 40+ Days of Travel
Most people scatter their days randomly and then wonder why they “never have time” to travel. Meanwhile, the calendar is literally handing out free days if you know how to stack them. In 2026, federal and bank holidays do a lot of the work for you. When you plan intentionally, you can turn roughly 17 PTO days into 40–48 total days off across the year. This is how. ⸻ The Rule: Holidays Do the Heavy Lifting Most U.S. holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays. That’s the opening. Inst
How to Travel More Without Quitting Your Job: Mastering the 48–72 Hour Trip
Let’s clear something up real quick: you do not need a two-week PTO-approved escape to travel well. I have multiple jobs y’all, I work more than most lol. I love posting about a place and then, before all my videos even finish uploading, I’m already back at home looking at my dog like nothing happened. Get in, make memories, and get out. I literally specialize in leaving on a Friday and returning on a Monday. This isn’t theory. This is experience. I’ve done it domestically, i
Mexico City During Día de los Muertos (and the NBA Game!) — My Full Experience
I went to Mexico City during Día de los Muertos weekend, and the energy was unreal. Everywhere were marigolds, altars, painted faces, parades, and crowds celebrating like the entire city was one big, moving festival. It just so happened that the game lined up with Día de los Muertos weekend, which made the whole atmosphere even more electric. And full honesty: because I was intoxicated after Xochimilco, I missed the big Día de los Muertos parade , and I am still slightly pe
✈️ What to Expect When Traveling During a Government Shutdown
Traveling during a government shutdown? Here’s what to expect at airports, national parks, and passport offices—plus insider tips
✈️ Priority Pass: A Traveller's Best Friend
Let’s be real—airports are chaos.I enjoy the chaos b From overpriced bottled water to that one guy yelling into his phone at the gate,...
Booked Abroad: Prague
Prague draws you in with its spires, its fog, its slow trams rattling over centuries-old streets. It’s the kind of city where stories...
Booked Abroad: Malta
✈️ What Is Booked Abroad? Booked Abroad is a true crime series told through my passport. Every case featured here happened in a country...
CrimeCon 2024: I Volunteered… Because Who’s Paying $300+?
Let’s kick this off with my very first True Crime Travel experience: CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee—a weekend-long convention...
🕵🏾♀️ Welcome to True Crime Travel — A BreeLeaves Experience
If you’ve been around BreeLeaves for a while, you already know this space is all about community, culture, and cuisine—but let’s be real:...
A Museum Girlie at Heart: Why I Never Skip the Exhibit
The Fabric of BreeLeaves is stitched together by three threads: community, culture, and cuisine. And for me, community and culture are...
“If I Don’t Like Beer in Prague, I Won’t Like It at All”: My Honest Review of Beer Spa Beerland
Let’s start with the obvious: I do not like beer. Not a fan. Never have been. People have handed me citrus IPAs, chocolate stouts,...
Free Walking Tours: My Favorite Travel Hack (That’s Actually Worth It)
Real experiences using FreeTour.com in Lisbon, Prague, Madrid & beyond I dread the “well, what is there to do there?” question. You know...
Checked In: My Hotel Stays of 2025 (So Far)
I stay loyal to Marriott—call me a Marriott Maven—but every now and then, I let the vibes, location, or my budget lead me off the beaten...
So You’re Going to DLT Malta? Read This First.
🎟️ 1. Book Early — Like, Seriously Early Festival tickets sell out FAST , especially VIP. Payment plans are offered—take advantage of...
I Did It: DLT Malta 2025 💃🏾🌍
Y’all, I did it. I went to DLT Malta 2025 . I’ve been talking about this trip since 2022, but really manifesting it since 2023. And...
Stop Traveling Without Understanding the Culture—And Then Complaining About It
One of the most frustrating travel trends in recent years is people visiting destinations with no real understanding of the culture—and...
Twin Cities Across the Atlantic: American Cities and Their European Counterparts
One of the coolest things about traveling is stumbling across places that feel oddly familiar, even when you’re thousands of miles from...
Why U.S. Beaches Are More Important Than Ever
Because Travel Plans Are Changing, but a Good Swimsuit Moment Is Forever Let’s be real—I’m not a huge beach person. Sand gets everywhere,...
The 2025 Travel Ban: What It Means for Global Travel This Summer
A new travel ban is set to shake up the way we move across borders, just in time for peak vacation season. With restrictions targeting...
Welcome to 2025 with BreeLeaves: Kicking Off the Year at the World’s Oldest Restaurant
Happy New Year, BreeLeaves family! As we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to bring you along on my first adventure of the year: an...
BREE LEAVES
Welcome to my blog!
As the self-proclaimed queen of the 4-day trip, I’m here to share my secrets to traveling efficiently and making the most out of every adventure. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a dream trip on a budget, you’re in the right place. I’ll cover everything from finding the best accommodations and dining spots to packing smart and managing your finances. Plus, I’ll dive into the unique experiences of traveling while Black and broke, offering tips, stories, and inspiration to help you explore the world your way. Let’s make every journey unforgettable!
WELCOME
Discovering the world one community, culture, and cuisine at a time.
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