Grab your calendar because we’re about to spill the beans on the key dates you need to know, and how to turn 23 days of annual leave into 55 in 2024. Plus, we’ll share what we’d be booking to make the most of all that extra time off.
How Much Annual Leave Are You Legally Entitled to in the UK?
The majority of full-time workers who follow a Monday to Friday work week are typically entitled to 28 days of paid holiday, which includes bank holidays. However some companies throw in a few extra paid days of leave on top of the legal allowance.
If your workplace is closed on bank holidays, you will likely have them off. There will be eight bank holidays in 2024, although it’s up to your company whether they give you bank holidays off.
When Should You Request Your Annual Leave for 2024?
Don’t forget to get a head start on your leave requests, as many of our suggested dates are quite popular, and you might find yourself competing with your colleagues for time off.
Easter
Easter 2024 will fall on 29 March (Easter Friday) and 1 April (Easter Monday). So, if you book 25, 26, 27, and 28 March off (the preceding Monday to Thursday) you will be able to get a ten day break, while only using four days of annual leave.
Adding in 2, 3, 4 and 5 April (the following Tuesday to Friday) will take you to 16 consecutive days of time off over the Easter period, while only using eight days of your annual leave.
Book 4 days' annual leave: 25, 26, 27, 28 March 2024
Get 10 days off: 23 March - 1 April 2024
or
Book 8 days' annual leave: 25, 26, 27, 28 March, and 2, 3, 4, 5 April 2024
Get 16 days off: 23 March - 7 April 2024
Where we would go: With so many free days on offer, this is a great time to book a long haul trip. Head to Thailand before the wet season kicks in in May by flying into Bangkok for incredible street food. Then, travel out to an island to relax. We recommend Koh Lanta which is less well known, meaning your money will go even further.
If you want an affordable but chic stay, check out Alama Sea Village Resort for rooms from £40 a night. Feeling fancy? You need to stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa whose rooms cost from £200 a night in April. It’s one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at!
May
There is a bank holiday at the beginning of the month on 6 May and at the end of the month on 27 May.
So why not take 3 May off for a four day break while only using one day of your annual leave? If you want a longer break take 7 May off as well to make it a five day break.
At the end of the month, if you take 28, 29, 30 and 31 May off, then this will give you a nine day break while only using four days of your annual leave.
Book 2 days' annual leave: 3 May and 7 May 2024
Get 5 days off: 3 May - 7 May 2024
and
Book 4 days' annual leave: 28, 29, 30, 31 May 2024
Get 9 days off: 25 May - 2 June 2024
Where we would go: A five day break is the perfect amount of time to visit Malta. The temperature on the island is nice and warm – on average 24 degrees!
For the longer break at the end of the month, you can go on a nine day road trip through Albania which is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot thanks to its affordable prices, amazing weather and gorgeous beaches. Avoid the summer crowds by going in May and start your trip in the capital, Tirana, before heading down the coast.
August
Have a long weekend with the 26 August Summer Bank holiday. Book Friday 23 August off for a long weekend and get a four day break over the weekend and Monday, while just using one day of leave.
If you want a longer break, book 27, 28, 29, and 30 August off for a total of nine days holiday.
Book 1 days' annual leave: 23 August 2024
Get 4 days off: 23, 24, 25 and 26 August 2024
or
Book 4 days' annual leave: 27, 28, 29, and 30 August 2024
Get 9 days off: 24 August - 1 September 2024
Where we would go: For the last two years, we’ve been to Poland in late August to make the most of the warm weather and the amazing deals on luxury hotels! Last August, we headed to Wrocław and stayed in the gorgeous 5 star Hotel Altus Palace for £125 a night.
Who said you have to dial things back in peak periods?
December
The Christmas and New Year periods are a great time to use your annual leave as there are three national days off. Both 25 and 26 December are bank holidays, as well as 1 January 2025 (New Year’s Day).
Take off 23, 24, 27, 30 and 31 December 2024 and 2 and 3 January 2025 for 16 consecutive days off.
Book 7 days' annual leave: 23, 24, 27, 30 and 31, and 2 and 3 January 2025
Get 16 days off: 21 December - 5 January 2025
Where we would go: If you’re searching for summer sun, check out the Canary Islands, Madeira and Egypt. However, for a more alternative but still affordable Christmas getaway, try Tanzania!
Turn Your Time Off From Work Into 55 Days Annual Leave
Plan smart and get 55 days’ annual leave in 2024 by booking your time off from work around the UK bank holidays during Easter, May, August and December.
Have I helped? Want to say thanks?
