[IvyMike]

It's a terrible policy, and unfair across the company as it depends on local manager approval. Have a workaholic manager? Enjoy getting less vacation approved than your peers.

Keep track of it yourself in a spreadsheet.

Don't go under your previous amount (make sure you're still getting your three weeks per year, or whatever), but don't go too far over unless you're really confident.

Don't "bank up" too much virtual time. Like don't say "I'm going to take no time this year and then a whole month next June". Because if you're fired/leave in May, you get nothing.

Evil Life Pro Tip: If you're going to quit soon, and you want to milk the system? Feel free to take as much as you want.