How to make the most of your annual leave allowance in 2026 with these simple tips

As 2026 approaches, it might be time to start thinking about holiday You can find time to get your work done, whether two weeks family holiday Go to Spain or go full adventure and explore islands of thailand.

However, before you click the buy button on these departing flights U.K.there are some specific dates to remember that will allow you to make the most of your annual leave.

There’s a simple trick you can use to make it feel like your vacation allowance is even bigger.

By crushing the banks holiday Put it all together, and optimize your weekend use, and you’ll have an amazing 63 days to do whatever you want.

If you live in England and Wales, here’s how you can make the most of your annual leave in 2026 (based on the 28-day annual leave allowance available outside bank holidays).

Four days off for New Year’s Day

Pre-order deadline: January 2

If you’re able to ask your boss for a last-minute leave, try booking your annual leave for Friday 2 January 2026 to give you four days to rest and recharge. The first day of the year, Thursday 1st January, is a bank holiday, so add in Friday and you have plenty of rest after New Year’s Eve in addition to the weekend.

Get some last minute travel inspiration for the New Year and January, See our guide to the best holidays Pre-orders for first month of 2026.

16 days off for Easter

Booking deadline: March 30 to April 2, April 7 to April 10

Book four days from March 30 to April 2, and another four days from April 7 to 10, and you’ll have 16 consecutive days of vacation. These days during the bank holidays – Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) – and three consecutive weekends give you plenty of time to soak up the sunshine. Starting March 28 and running until April 12, you can set your sights on a city break or a trip to Europe’s best coastal destinations, which have fewer crowds in the off-season.

From short-haul flights to Valencia to long-haul flights to Bali, see our guides The best places to travel in April are here.

There are 18 days left until May

Booking deadline: May 5-8, May 26-29

Now that we’re five months into the year, you might be tempted to take that vacation you usually save for the summer. Book a four-day holiday from 5 to 8 May, plus two weekends and the early May bank holiday on 5 May, and you’ll have a nine-day holiday. Alternatively, if you would like to extend your annual leave further in May, book a further 4 days between 26th and 29th May so you can take advantage of the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25th May for a further 9 days.

Want to extend your European vacation in May? Check Our list of places to travel in May.

Nine days of summer vacation in August

Booking deadline: September 1-4

Get nine days away from the office by booking four days from September 1 to 4 by linking the dates with the summer bank holiday on 31 August and two weekends. Nine days away from the office, plenty of time for a last-minute summer getaway or to make the most of the sunny weather U.K. During your stay.

If you’re considering staying in the UK this summer, watch our Recommendations for summer outings in the UK.

Closed for 16 days over Christmas and New Year

Booking deadline: December 21st to 24th, December 29th to 31st

Those who don’t work on bank holidays can enjoy two days off over Christmas. If you use up the 7 days of annual leave, you can take 16 days off during the holidays, and the annual leave can be increased by 8 times. There are 3 bank holidays over Christmas and New Year (25th to 28th December, then 1st January 2027), book between 21st and 24th December and then a further three days between 29th and 31st December, as the three weekends coincide exactly you will have over two weeks off.

Check out some The best Christmas markets in the world Festival 2026.

2026 bank holiday dates for England and Wales