Holiday Hack: Make the Most of Your Time Off Using UK Bank Holidays in 2026

Limited Days, Limitless Discovery!

Maximise the minimum, max out the memories! The United Kingdom has relatively fewer national holidays than most countries – just 8 a year – but with wise planning and strategic calendar plotting, these finite public holidays can be the perfect time for the ultimate getaway and endless fun! Here’s the hack: Make sure to align your annual leaves accordingly around the bank holidays and weekend dates, allowing you to enjoy significant time off with minimal out-of-office days used. Make your dream holiday a reality with an extended break, giving you ample time for action-packed adventures, beach day bliss, and more memory-making experiences. Here’s how you can make the most of your holiday allowance for 2026...

January: New Year’s Day – Take 1 day off work and and enjoy 4 days on a holiday

Days to take off: 2nd January 2026 (1 Day)

New year calls for new experiences and new places to explore! From the beach blowouts in Rio to the first midnight flashes over Sydney’s skyline, New Year’s Day is celebrated in almost every corner of the world. Get your party blowers and raise a glass – here’s where to welcome 2026 in style…

Sydney, Australia

Ring in the New Year witnessing the spectacular fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve, with the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House setting the stage – creating a truly marvelous moment straight out of the movies! Set the Sydney glamour behind, Australia is a destination that brims with wonders, from the world-famous Great Barrier Reef to the historic Daintree Forest and its adorable native koalas.

New York City, USA

NYE in NYC is nothing short of magical and awe-inspiring, with the iconic ball drop taking the spotlight in the bustling Times Square. This time-honoured tradition draws thousands of crowds, filling the busy intersections with confetti showers and joyful cheers! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vastness and fast-paced vibe of New York City, where the blinding neon lights and cloud-scraping towers are as constant as the never-ending stream of crowds engaging in a flurry of activity, but it’s also the perfect place for a city break – get lost, find your footing, and start the year right.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach is one of the most renowned beaches in Brazil, famed for its iconic crescent shape and vibrant energy. No worries if you missed out on the grand Rio Carnival because the fun just never stops in Rio, with the Réveillon taking centre stage in Copacabana during the New Year’s Eve. This event attracts millions of people, all dressed in white, gathering on the beach to celebrate the new year with lively samba music, modern party vibes and dazzling fireworks over the horizon!

April: Easter Holiday – Take 8 days off work and enjoy 16 days on a holiday

Days to take off: 30th March-2nd April and 7th-10th April 2026 (8 Days)

April is a month of rebirth and renewal – where blooming landscapes create a postcard-perfect scenery, and streets become alive with festive cultural traditions and celebrations. From Japan’s cherry blossoms to Spain’s solemn processions, below are some of the best destinations to experience Easter 2026 and early spring serenity…

Seville, Spain

Seeking an authentic, ancient Easter experience? Seville celebrates the Easter holiday like nowhere else, with centuries-old Semana Santa or Holy Week rituals that last from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Immerse yourself with the spirit of this week-long observance, characterized by intense processions, ornate floats, and pensive music, all deeply woven into Seville’s cultural identity, devotion and tradition.

Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom is a bucket-list experience that truly encapsulates the beauty of springtime! ‘Hanami’ is a Japanese tradition that usually involves a casual stroll in the park to simply admire the blossoms. Catch sight of the delicate petal shower in the urban parks of Tokyo, admire the sea of budding pink flowers adorning the hike up an observation deck overlooking Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi or treat your sense of smell to the soft powdery scent that douses temple grounds in Kyoto — this magical spectacle colours many cities in dreamy sceneries!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

April marks the beginning of Amsterdam’s tulip season, which paints the Dutch capital with a kaleidoscope of rich, vivid colours! Known as the ‘Garden of Europe,’ the Keukenhof Gardens offer a vantage point for viewing the breath-taking tulip blooms, boasting millions of spring flowers – from yellow daffodils to red roses and pink carnations! Whether you want to walk around the meadows of flowers, take a leisurely bike ride and pass by stunning flower fields, or hop aboard a scenic canal cruise, there’s plenty of ways to appreciate Amsterdam’s springtime beauty.

May: Early May Bank Holiday & Spring Bank Holiday – Take 8 days off work and enjoy 18 days on a holiday

Days to take off: 5th-8th May & 26th-29th May 2026 (8 Days)

Late springtime signals the final chance to bask in the mild weather and see the spring blooms before the hot spell of summer sets in. Good thing, May is a generous month with two bank holidays to give you a double nine-day break, totalling to 18 for the month. Ready to soak in the last of spring bliss? Let’s inspire you where to go…

Bali, Indonesia

Bali perfectly captures the essence of Asia’s exotic charm – where the warm weather lays way for tropical scenery, punctuated by terraced rice paddies and ancient temples, and turquoise waters gently lap on white-sand shores. Dubbed as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ this captivating island in Indonesia boasts an imposing cluster of temples and religious sites, including the legendary Lempuyang Temple, the clifftop Uluwatu Temple, and Tanah Lot, which rises above the sea. Take the chance to meet some mischievous monkeys in Ubud, before visiting Tegallalang Rice Terraces for a refreshing stroll.

Canada

Soaring snow-capped mountains that are every snowboarder’s dream, dramatic Fall Foliage colours, untamed wilderness home to moose and diverse wildlife, and the sparkling lakes and the powerful Niagara Falls, all blended seamlessly to give you incredible culture, scenery, delicious food and a feeling like home away from home – Canada beckons everyone with wide open arms! The legendary Rocky Mountaineer train journey is an impressive way to explore Canada’s great outdoors and cultures, where the spellbinding sight of the Canadian Rockies and beyond unfold slowly before your eyes.

Italy

Well-preserved classical architecture, blooming landscapes, serene lakes, rolling countryside and delectable food and wine – there’s no denying that Italy is one of the most enchanting places in the world! Late spring is just the perfect time to take in Italy’s coastal elegance and city romance. Some of the highlights include the Colosseum in Rome, the Tower of Pisa, and the winding canals of Venice. Be in awe of the Renaissance heritage in Florence, get a glimpse of the ancient Roman life in Naples, and grab a bite of authentic Italian pizza along the way!

August: Summer Bank Holiday – Take 5 days off work and enjoy 10 days on a holiday

Days to take off: 24th-28th August 2026 (5 Days)

Sunshine on your mind? Make the most out of the last days of summer before August slips into a moment in time – enjoy longer daylight, embrace warmth, and embark on a bucket-list adventure! Plan your summer holidays in these hottest locations, so you’ll have warm weather, golden horizons and unique experiences to look forward to…

Croatia

The Mediterranean is a world-renowned summer hotspot and Croatia is one of the region’s most sought-after destinations – offering a perfect mix of pristine beaches, sun-dappled peaks, ancient architecture and terracotta-capped towns! From the dazzling Dubrovnik, a walled Adriatic gem – car-free, and bathed in sunlight, recognisable as “King’s Landing” to Game of Thrones fans, to the laid-back Split, a quaint city where Roman emperor Diocletian, had his retirement palace built – every moment in Croatia is as enchanting as the cities you’ll explore!

Alaska

Embark on a journey of epic proportions as you venture through the wild beauty of Alaska, a place of endless wonders – much of it remains unexplored! In summertime, Alaska turns into a land of midnight sun, when days are longer and brighter, and beautiful sceneries are as clear and palpable as the skies! Cruising through the Inside Passage, you’ll pass by Juneau, Alaska’s capital – where Mother Nature puts on quite a show at the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, Skagway, dubbed as the ‘Gateway to the Klondike,’ and Ketchikan, an oasis for culture and history buffs, known for its totem poles, which are intricately hand-crafted by the indigenous Tlingit people that call this paradise home.

Africa

Every corner of Africa is unique and captivating, from basking in the island bliss of the Indian Ocean to getting up close with the legendary Big Five on an Africa Safari adventure. August is the high time to watch the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes move together from Tanzania to Kenya. The dramatic spectacle peaks at the action-packed Mara River crossings, where herds battle for their survival as crocodiles wait for their feast on the waters. Serengeti, Maasai Mara and Chobe National Parks offer the ultimate African experience, combining remarkable wildlife with untamed landscapes and time-honoured indigenous cultures.

December: Christmas Holiday – Take 7 days off and enjoy 16 days on a holiday

Days to take off: 21st-24th December and 29th-31st December 2026 (7 Days)

Celebrate the holidays in style with our Christmas cruises, perfectly packaged like a present! Whether you’d like to chase the sun on a tropical paradise or embrace the winter chill and explore the traditional Christmas markets – the world is your oyster! So, where will the festive spirit take you?

Germany

Unwrap the magic of European Christmas markets in Germany, one of the most enchanting locations to experience this long-standing tradition! Hamburg offers a great variety with over 30 magnificent Christmas markets, Dresden hosts time-honoured Christmas markets that oozes old-world and romantic charm, and Cologne delivers local and authentic Christmas market experience. Germany is a place of endless inspiration, as seen in various art forms like films and classic fairytale books. Some of the most notable sights include the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle!

Thailand

Turn your tropical dreams into reality in Thailand, where every moment is as the smiles of its people! From the ancient temples of Bangkok to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket and the island serenity in Koh Samui, Thailand has a diverse range of experiences for every style and interest. Being the only Asian country that was never colonised, Thailand packs a punch of cultural jewels to discover, including the Grand Palace of Bangkok, Big Buddha in Phuket and the Secret Garden of Buddha in Koh Samui, all offering a refreshing a cultural break after your relaxing spell in the Far East sun!

Caribbean

The Caribbean entices visitors with its year-round sunshine, tropical beaches and rich cultures! Stare out to clear turquoise waters as you sip rum cocktails on the white-sand shores of Barbados, hit the vibrant beach bars in St. Lucia for a taste of local life, and explore the 365 beaches of Antigua and Barbuda – one for each day of the year! For history and culture, head to St. Maarten where the French and Dutch heritages meet or discover Puerto Rico’s colourful Spanish colonial buildings and centuries-old fortresses.

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Holiday Hack: Make the Most of Your Time Off Using UK Bank Holidays in 2026

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Limited Days, Limitless Discovery!

January: New Year’s Day – Take 1 day off work and and enjoy 4 days on a holiday

Sydney, Australia

New York City, USA

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

April: Easter Holiday – Take 8 days off work and enjoy 16 days on a holiday

Seville, Spain

Japan

Amsterdam, Netherlands

May: Early May Bank Holiday & Spring Bank Holiday – Take 8 days off work and enjoy 18 days on a holiday

Bali, Indonesia

Canada

Italy

August: Summer Bank Holiday – Take 5 days off work and enjoy 10 days on a holiday

Croatia

Alaska

Africa

December: Christmas Holiday – Take 7 days off and enjoy 16 days on a holiday

Germany

Thailand

Caribbean

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