How To Double Your Annual Leave in 2025?
By strategically combining public holidays with weekends and annual leave, you can double your annual leave and turn just 22 days into 50 days off in 2025. Let’s first take a look at the official public holidays for 2025 in the UK.
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2025 UK Public Holidays
– New Year’s Day: January 1st, Wednesday
– Good Friday: April 18th, Friday
– Easter Monday: April 20th, Monday
– Early May Bank Holiday: May 5th, Monday
– Spring Bank Holiday: May 26th, Monday
– Christmas Day: December 25th, Thursday
– Boxing Day: December 26th, Friday
How can you stretch these public holidays into at least 9-day breaks? And where can you go during these holidays? Let’s explore together.
Maximizing New Year’s Holiday 2025: 9 Days Off!
By taking just a few days off during the New Year, you can double your annual leave and enjoy a full 9-day break. If you take two days of annual leave on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st of December 2024, you can double your annual leave and enjoy a total of 5 days off. If you want a longer break, you can take four days of leave from December 30th to January 3rd and maximize your annual leave to a full 9 days! Here are some vacation ideas from Salam Booking to make the most of your New Year’s holiday:
Watch Aurora
Turn the cold winter months into a magical experience by watching the Aurora in countries like Norway, Iceland, or Finland. This natural wonder will make your winter holiday truly unforgettable.
Summer Holiday Suggestion: Maldives
The Maldives is a top destination to relax when you double your annual leave and take advantage of the New Year break. If you’re seeking warmth during the New Year Holiday, the Maldives offers the perfect escape. As a Muslim-majority country, it’s a great fit for a relaxing and culturally mindful vacation.
Cultural Holiday Suggestion: Southern Europe
For those who prefer a cultural holiday, Southern Europe offers fantastic options. The southern regions of Spain and Italy provide milder climates during winter and are perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.
Maximizing Good Friday And Easter Monday 2025: 10 Days Off!
Without using any annual leave, you can enjoy a 4-day break from April 18th-21st. For a longer vacation, use four days of annual leave from April 14th-17th and double your annual leave to a full 10 days! Here are some travel suggestions for this period:
Spring Holiday Suggestion: Japan
Japan in April is a feast for the senses, with cherry blossom (Sakura) season in full bloom. The unique culture of Japan combined with nature’s beauty during this period creates a perfect spring getaway. A 10-day vacation allows ample time to explore both the bustling cities and tranquil landscapes, making Japan an ideal destination.
Cultural Holiday Suggestion: France
France offers a rich cultural experience. From the historic landmarks of Paris to the natural beauty of Provence and the culinary delights of Lyon. France is a must-visit in the spring.
Summer Holiday Suggestion: Turkey
If you’re eager to experience summer early, southern Turkey boasts warm weather and stunning beaches, making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Maximizing Early May Bank Holiday 2025: 9 Days Off!
Enjoy a 3-day break from May 3rd to 5th without using any annual leave. For a longer break, take four days off from May 6th to 9th, allowing you to enjoy a full 9-day vacation from May 3rd to 11th. Salam Booking has selected the following holiday ideas for this period:
Summer Holiday Suggestion: Greece
Greece is a fantastic summer holiday destination, with beautiful coastlines, islands like Santorini and Mykonos, and a rich historical heritage. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea or cultural exploration, Greece offers it all.
Cultural Holiday Suggestion: Sicily (Italy)
Sicily, one of Italy’s most culturally rich regions, is a haven for history lovers. From ancient Greek temples to Baroque architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily is perfect for a cultural escape.
Spring Holiday Suggestion: Switzerland – The Alps
Spring in Switzerland is stunning. The Swiss Alps offer hiking, nature walks, and even camping. The breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes provide a tranquil escape, making Switzerland a memorable spring destination.
Maximizing Spring Bank Holiday 2025: 10 Days Off!
The Spring Bank Holiday allows you to enjoy a 3-day short break without using any annual leave. But if you want a longer getaway, take five days off from May 19th to 23rd and stretch it into a 10-day vacation. Here are Salam Booking’s recommendations for Spring Bank Holiday:
Summer Holiday Suggestion: Mediterranean Countries
Late May is the perfect time to enjoy the Mediterranean’s mild waters. Destinations like Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Greece are ideal for soaking up the early summer sunshine and relaxing by the sea.
Spring Camping Holiday: Norway
If you’re seeking a nature-filled holiday, Norway offers stunning landscapes perfect for a spring camping trip. The mesmerizing fjords and serene environment will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected with nature.
Cultural Holiday Suggestion: Central Europe Tour
Explore the historical cities of Central Europe with a cultural tour. Countries like the Czech Republic (Prague), Poland (Krakow), and Hungary (Budapest) are full of history, architecture, and rich cultural experiences.
Maximizing Spring Bank Holiday 2025: 10 Days Off!
Christmas falls on Thursday December 25th, with Boxing Day on Friday December 26th, giving you a 4-day holiday weekend. To extend it, take three days of leave from December 29th-31st, resulting in an 8-day break. Add one more day on January 2nd, and you’ll have an 11-day vacation, using only four days of annual leave! Here are some travel suggestions for this holiday period:
4-Day Winter Holiday Suggestion: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is magical in December, with its festive lights, Christmas markets, and cozy cafes. The city’s walkable streets and historic charm make it perfect for a short winter break.
8-Day Warm Holiday Suggestion: Marrakech, Morocco
For a cultural escape, Marrakech is a fantastic option. With its warm weather, vibrant markets, and rich history, it offers a unique holiday experience during the winter months.
11-Day Long Winter Holiday Suggestion: Iceland – Aurora
For an extended winter break, Iceland offers breathtaking natural wonders. Experience the Aurora, relax in geothermal spas, and explore ice caves. Iceland’s stunning winter landscapes make it the ideal destination for a memorable long holiday.
If you combine your annual leave with bank holidays, you can enjoy a variety of trips throughout the year while making the most of your vacation days.