Maximise Your Holiday Days: How to Make the Most of Your Work Leave
We all know that the workweek can be demanding, and sometimes it feels like we barely have time to catch our breath. But what if you could make the most of your holiday days and turn them into a series of unforgettable getaways?
The key to an epic year of travel lies in how you use your work leave. In this blog, we’ll show you how to strategically plan your time off so you can make every moment count, whether it’s a weekend escape or a longer adventure abroad.
Think of your holidays days as your passport to exploring new destinations, unwinding from the daily grind, and embracing new experiences that recharge your soul. With a little planning and some insider tips, you can transform your limited leave into an exciting, life-changing series of trips. Ready to learn how to get the most out of your work leave?
Keep reading to discover how to maximise your holiday days and make this year your most adventurous yet!
Let’s dive in!
Easter Escapes: How to Get 16 Days Off with Just 8 Days of Annual Leave
Easter is shaping up to be the perfect opportunity for an extended holiday – thanks to two bank holidays and a little clever planning. For those of us in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, booking off just Monday, April 14th to Thursday, April 17th, and Tuesday, April 22nd to Friday, April 25th gives you a whopping 16 days off in a row!
That’s right—16 whole days to relax, recharge, and explore.
If you’ve got kids off school, this is an ideal time for a family getaway. Whether it’s the sunny beaches of Florida, the jungles of Indonesia, the wild landscapes of Namibia, or the laid-back charm of Southern Europe, there are so many amazing places to visit in April. Plus, with the weather being just right in many destinations and fewer crowds than in peak summer, it’s a win-win.
And don’t forget – if you’re in Scotland, Easter Monday is a working day, so you’ll need to save an extra day of leave to make the most of the long weekend!
When to book:
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: April 14–17 & 22–25
Scotland: April 14–17 & 21–25
Two Holiday May: 18 Days Off with Just 8 Days of Leave
May brings not one, but two bank holidays in the UK. The key to making the most of them? Book a few days off between each one, and you’ll get a holiday twice as long as you expected!
The first set of bank holidays is on May 5th (Early May Bank Holiday), followed by Spring Bank on May 26th. By booking four days off after each holiday (May 6th-9th and May 27th-30th), you’ll enjoy 18 days of vacation without burning through too much of your annual leave.
If you’re craving a late spring escape, this is the perfect time to head off to destinations like Oman for an unforgettable multi-centre adventure, or indulge in a relaxed holiday in the Caribbean. You could even explore the stunning coastlines of Croatia, Greece, or Italy on a European sailing trip.
When to book:
All UK: May 6–9 & May 27–30
Summer Bliss: 9 Days Off with Just 4 Days of Leave in August
Looking ahead to the summer, August offers another fantastic opportunity to maximise your time off. With the UK summer bank holiday on August 25th, all you need to do is book the four days following it (August 26th-29th) to enjoy a glorious nine days off.
This is the perfect time to explore more exotic destinations. Whether you’ve got your heart set on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, soaking up the sunshine on Mozambique’s beaches, or taking a scenic road trip through Canada and the USA, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind.
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can even get ahead of the game by booking a quick escape in mid-July. Just book off four days (July 15th-18th) after the Battle of the Boyne holiday, and you’ll have time to enjoy a summer break well before the rest of the UK.
When to book:
Northern Ireland: July 15–18
Scotland: August 5–8
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: August 26–29
Seasonal Sun: 13 Days Off with Just 6 Days of Leave in December
If you’re already dreaming of the festive season, December is another golden opportunity to stretch your annual leave.
With Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, all you need to do is book the days between December 22nd-24th and December 29th-31st.
This clever scheduling means you’ll enjoy a fabulous 13-day holiday to ring in the New Year!
Whether you’re craving a winter wonderland or the warmth of somewhere tropical, this is a fantastic time to head off on an adventure. Explore the beaches of the Caribbean, enjoy festive fun in Thailand, or even join the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Sydney Harbour in Australia.
When to book:
All UK: December 22–24 & 29–31
Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2025
With so many incredible long weekends and holidays, it’s easier than ever to make the most of your time off.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing escape, a family adventure, or a festive getaway, our travel experts are here to help you plan the perfect trip for any occasion.
Start planning your holidays now, and don’t forget to book your days off early to make the most of your time away! Happy travels!
Bank Holiday Dates for 2025:
1 January: New Year’s Day
18 April: Good Friday
21 April: Easter Monday
5 May: Early May Bank Holiday
26 May: Spring Bank Holiday
25 August: Summer Bank Holiday
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day
