Ready to book some holidays now your annual leave has been reset? Here’s how to maximise annual leave in 2024 and double your annual leave to 55 days by adopting my tips and tricks.
Now that 2024 is here, for most of us, our annual leave has been reset. With the dreary British January weather in full flow, you’re also probably looking at your travel plans for the rest of the year, keen to book in some holidays. As a keen traveller with a 9 to 5, I’ve long strategically planned my holidays to maximise my annual leave, and highly encourage you to do the same. Being crafty about it means you can enjoy longer periods of time off than you might have thought. Here’s how to maximise annual leave in 2024 by using national holidays to your advantage and secure extended holidays without taking any extra leave.
Easter: 23rd March to 7th April
We all have Good Friday (March 29) and Easter Monday (April 1) as bank holidays off work. But by booking off the 25 March to 5 April, you can enjoy a 16 day Easter break with just 8 days of leave. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy some sun – I recommend Marrakech or Ohrid, North Macedonia during this shoulder season, although I’d recommend going either side of the bank holidays.
May Bank Holidays: 7th to 10th May and 28th to 31st May
Thanks to the two bank holidays that frame the month of May, you could enjoy a whopping 18 days off when you book off just 8 days. By taking off the 7th to 10th May for a 9 day trip, and the 28th to 31st May, you can enjoy another week off as we get closer to summer. I took an extended break last year to tour the Balkans, and managed to squeeze in visiting Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania with just 4 days leave – bargain. I’d recommend heading to Cyprus at this time of year – it’s not too hot, and much quieter than the summer months. Sadly, we won’t be enjoying a bonus bank holiday this year like we did last year with King Charles’ coronation!
August Bank Holiday: 27th to 30th August
You can enjoy a mega 9 days off for the price of booking off 4 days in August when you request annual leave on August 27-30 following the bank holiday weekend. The summer bank holiday just before makes this an ideal time for heading off on a summer holiday. You’ll have enough time to travel a little further afield to destinations like Florida or Mexico, or simply enjoy an extended break in Greece or Italy before the chaos of back-to-school.
Christmas and New Year: 23rd, 24th, 27th, 30th, and 31st December
At the end of a long year, you’ll likely want to enjoy an extended break over the festive season. I’ve just returned from my break, and it was so needed. In fact, you can secure 12 days off with just 5 days of annual leave. All you need to do is book December 23rd, 24th, 27th, 30th, and the 31st to enjoy the last portion of 2024. Enjoy a staycation, the confusing period between Twixmas, or use it as an opportunity to get away for a New Year’s break. I visited Bruges and Lille last year and loved it.
Bank Holiday dates 2024
- Monday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 29 March – Good Friday
- Monday, 1 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 6 May – Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 27 May – Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 26 August – Summer bank holiday
- Wednesday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Thursday, 26 December – Boxing Day
Maximise 2024
If you’re wondering what to do with all of these extended breaks, be sure to check out the destinations section of my website. I’ve visited over 50 countries, and have shared plenty of tips, inspiration, and destination guides throughout my blog for you to explore.
That’s my guide on how to maximise annual leave in 2024! Planning ahead really does pay off to ensure you get those extended breaks you deserve. Where are you heading in 2024? Let me know in the comments below.
