Where will you go on your extended break from work? (Picture: Getty Images)
If it’s your first day back at work after the festive period and you’re already counting down to your next holiday, this tip is for you.
It’s never too early to get a head start on booking your annual leave for the year. And it’s even sweeter if you know you’re making the most of it.
According to wellbeing coach Lorna Wilkins, time off work has a whole host of health benefits on top of the obvious ability to travel, socialise and generally chill out.
‘A change of environment and getting away from the pressures of day-to-day life not only helps you to clear your mind but can also help to improve your sleep quality as you’ll be feeling more relaxed,’ she explained on behalf of travel insurance provider PayingTooMuch.
‘Disconnecting helps you to be present in the moment too. You’ll even find that taking a break can benefit your work as time away from your usual environment encourages creativity, so when you return to work you feel more motivated and inspired.‘
You don’t need to tell us twice, so we’ve got a helping hand to ensure you maximise this precious restorative time, giving you 55 days off when you book 25 days of annual leave.
Get 55 days off by booking these 25 days’ annual leave
Easter: Saturday March 23 to Sunday April 7
With Good Friday falling on March 29 this year, you can enjoy a long Easter break of 16 days by only booking eight days off.
May: Saturday May 4 to Monday May 12 or Saturday May 25 to SundayJune 2
Thanks to the two Bank Holidays in May, there are two ways for you to enjoy nine days off in a row while only using four days of annual leave.
August: Saturday August 24 to Sunday September 1
Book four days off in August to gain nine days off for a summer holiday.
December: Saturday December 21 to Tuesday January 1, 2025
To end the year and enjoy the festive period with family and friends, book five days off to gain a total of 12 days off.
In the UK, full-time workers are entitled to 28 days’ paid leave each year, although the exact amount you get will depend on your employer, shift patterns and length of service.
This schedule is suitable for those who work Monday to Friday, get Bank Holidays off as standard, and are able to take any days they want throughout the year – unfortunately, that’s not always the case for those in retail, hospitality or seasonal trades.
It also may not apply if you live outside of England, as Bank Holidays differ slightly across the UK.
If you are able to take advantage, though, get those holiday requests in ASAP and mark them down on your calendar. You may even have a few days left over for spontaneous adventuring.
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Including an Easter break lasting more than two weeks.