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Hack Your 2025 Annual Leave: The dates you need to know

By November 27, 2024No Comments

We’re back with all the exact dates you need to pencil down and get booked off ASAP so you can squeeze every last drop out of your annual leave allowance for 2025. With multiple opportunities to stretch 4 days of leave into a 9 day break coming up this year, as well as an absolute whopper 16 (!) day break for the price of 8 if you play your cards right, here’s how to hack your 2025 annual leave.

First up, get these dates noted down:

2025 bank holidays

  • New Year’s Day – Monday, 1st January, 2025
  • Good Friday – Friday, 18th April, 2025
  • Easter Monday – Monday, 21st April, 2025
  • Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5th May, 2025
  • Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26th May, 2025
  • Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 25th August, 2025
  • Christmas Day – Thursday, 25th December, 2025
  • Boxing Day – Friday, 26th December, 2025

April

In April you can use 8 days of your 2025 annual leave – the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th and the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th– to double it up to 16 consecutive days off. Now, that’s a big ol’ stretch of time. So we reckon it’s the ideal opportunity to do a trip that’s not so run-of-the-mill – a relaxed wander across some Thai islands, say? Whilst the heat can be a bit much in the big cities, it’s lovely for some beach hopping, and boy do you have plenty to pick from.

Phuket is the Vegas of Thai islands (minus the Elvis impersonators). Think bustling beaches like Patong for the party crowd or head to Kata Noi for peace and quiet. Rent a longtail boat to discover those postcard-perfect hidden coves. Koh Samui is all about yoga retreats in the morning, and cocktails on Chaweng Beach by night. Say hi to the (really) Big Buddha too.

Whilst technically not an island, Krabi‘s got more cliffs and turquoise bays than your camera roll can handle. Railay Beach is a rock climber’s paradise. Koh Phi Phi is where they filmed The Beach. You’ll leave wondering how Leo didn’t get sunburnt with all that kayaking. Koh Tao, meanwhile, is a diver’s heaven. Take a plunge to spot some reef sharks, but no, you can’t bring one home.

Cheap flights to Thailand

May

You don’t have to wait long for extra big break, because in May you can use 8 days of your 2025 annual leave – the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th, as well as the 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th – to make 18 days off. This won’t be a consecutive 18 days, rather two 9 day breaks, but with all that extra time you can’t really complain, can you?

9 days is still a long stretch, so we suggest maybe going for another bucket-list trip like, say, heading to Cuzco in Peru and finally hiking Macchu Picchu. It’ll have you questioning why you skipped leg day for so many years, but the views are worth every wheezy breath. It’s May, which means the rainy season has finally buggered off. The trails are dry-ish, the skies are clear-er, and you’ll dodge the worst of the crowds—June and July brings everyone and their selfie stick.

You’ve got options, too. The Inca Trail is the biggie, a four-day slog where you’ll earn your bragging rights with every crumbling stone step. Prefer something less “survival mode”? The Salkantay Trek throws in snow-capped peaks and lush jungle for good measure. And if you’re more of a “bus to the top, thanks” type, the train from Ollantaytambo is right up your alley.

Or if less hiking and more glistening blue waters is your thing, you could also spend a 9 day stretch being stretched out on a sun lounger on an island in Greece. On several of them, in fact. Well, you’ve got the time, haven’t you? Can’t decide? Do both! You’ve got a whopping 18 days to fill up!

Cheap flights to Peru

August

Get 9 days off in August using only 4 days of your 2025 annual leave by setting your OOO on the 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th. Now that’s how you celebrate the last bit of the summer break! If you love some toasty temperatures, but not too toasty, then now is a lovely time to check out Canada – —a massive country that’s like a big, friendly lumberjack inviting you for a BBQ and a moose-spotting session.
Vancouver has beaches, mountains, and more sushi restaurants than Tokyo. Start with Stanley Park—hire a bike or just wander around pretending to be outdoorsy. If you’re feeling posh, head to Granville Island for local art and craft beers. Want a view? Hop on a gondola up Grouse Mountain, where even the laziest can say they’ve “conquered the great outdoors.” Toronto, meanwhile, is Canada’s answer to New York. Hit up the CN Tower for sky-high views or take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for a bit of peace and quiet. And for the love of poutine, don’t skip Kensington Market—it’s an indie paradise full of quirky shops and global eats.

Montreal is a slice of Europe. Stroll through Old Montreal for cobblestone streets and street performers who might actually be talented. Feast on a bagel or three (they swear theirs are better than New York’s, and they might be right). And if you’re into festivals, August is prime time for outdoor concerts and comedy shows. If cities aren’t your thing, head for the Rockies. Banff and Jasper National Parks (fly into Calgary) are Instagram come to life. Think turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and wildlife that might wander into your selfies. Hike, kayak, or just sit by Lake Louise and wonder how nature managed to outdo Photoshop.

Cheap flights to Canada

December

To round off the year with a bow, you can take 6 days of your 2025 annual leave and have an extra long, food-filled break around Crimbo and New Year’s – book off the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th and the 29th, 30th, and 31st and you’ll have not just a 12 days of Christmas but 13 days! Sounds good to us.
You know what also sounds good in December? Florida. The average temp is a balmy 22° and it’s the driest month of the year here – if you’re after a holiday escape that’s a bit sunnier than a wet weekend in Scarborough, the Sunshine State is the ticket.
Orlando is home to theme parks galore, from Walt Disney World Resort, Florida to Universal Studios (their new park Epic Universe – which actually is epic – opens in May 2025!) Think Christmas parades, over-the-top decorations, and the chance to have your photo taken with Mickey dressed as Santa. Miami, meanwhile is beach parties instead of mulled wine. Miami’s got art deco streets, Cuban food galore, shopping – and mega nightlife, obvs. Tampa is great for a mix of city vibes and beaches. Plus, there’s Busch Gardens for thrills.

Cheap flights to Florida

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