Let’s be completely honest—annual leave never quite feels like enough, does it? You spend months hoarding those precious days, only to see them vanish in a blur of life admin and odd Fridays off.

But here’s the secret: you don't actually need more leave. You just need to be a bit more tactical with the calendar. By "stacking" your time off around UK bank holidays in the next 12 months, you can turn a handful of days into proper, long-haul-worthy adventures.

Here is exactly how to "hack" your calendar to get the most out of your allowance.

Easter: The "Big One" (16 Days Off)

The Trick: Book 8 days off (30 March – 2 April & 7 – 10 April) = 16 days away.

Why it works: With Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on the 6th, you’re bridging two full weeks for the price of one.

Where to go: This is your chance for a "bucket list" trip. April is the ultimate time for Japan’s cherry blossoms, or a massive Australian multi-centre trip before their winter kicks in. If you've got kids in tow, Florida is the classic Easter winner although flights to Orlando are booking up fast.

May: The Double-Dipping Month

The Trick: Book 4 days off = 9 days away (twice!).

Why it works: May 2026 gives us two bank holidays (the 4th and the 25th).

Option A (4–8 May): Perfect for a spring city break to Lisbon or the East Coast USA before the summer humidity turns unbearable.

Option B (26–29 May): Ideal for Greece or Turkey—you’ll get the heat and the turquoise waters without the crushing July crowds.

August: The Summer Safari Window

The Trick: Book 4 days off (1–4 Sept) = 9 days away.

Why it works: Using the Monday 31 August bank holiday (England/Wales/NI) as your anchor.

Where to go: This is prime time for the Great Migration in Kenya. August/September offers some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet. Alternatively try a late summer family tour to Sri Lanka’s North East coast before the kids head back to school.

Christmas & New Year: The 9-Day Reset

The Trick: Book 3 days off (29–31 Dec) = 9 days away.

Why it works: Christmas Day is a Friday, and the Boxing Day bank holiday shifts to Monday the 28th. New Years Day Falls on the Friday. Travel on Boxing Day for a 8 night break or sneak off early on Christmas Eve for a longer holiday.

Where to go: If you want to trade the turkey for a beach, head to the Maldives or South Africa. For those who want the full "Home Alone" festive vibe, a Christmas city break to New York is hard to beat. For something a bit more "luxe," Dubai and Oman are in their prime weather window right now.

Plan Your 2026 Holidays with the Flights Guru

At The Flights Guru, we specialise in holiday packages from the UK, combining flights, hotels and tailor-made itineraries to destinations worldwide. Whether you’re planning a short winter escape, a family Easter break, or an once-in-a-lifetime safari, our experts help you get the most value from every leave day.

Secure your leave early, then let us take care of the rest.

Travel smarter in 2026 with The Flights Guru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I maximise my annual leave using UK bank holidays in 2026?

You maximise your leave by booking days either side of UK bank holidays. This turns a small number of leave days into a longer break. In 2026, Easter, May bank holidays, late August and Christmas offer the biggest opportunities to stretch your time off.

Q. How many days off do I need to book to get 16 days off at Easter?

By booking 8 working days around Good Friday and Easter Monday, you can create a full 16 day break. This works because Easter naturally splits across two working weeks, letting you bridge them with fewer leave days.

Q. Is May a good month for long holidays from the UK?

Yes, May is one of the best months. With two UK bank holidays, you can book just 4 days off and get 9 days away, twice. It’s also a great time for travel before peak summer prices and crowds arrive.

Q. Where is best to travel during UK school holidays without peak summer crowds?

Late May, early April and early September are ideal. Destinations like Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Sri Lanka offer warm weather but fewer tourists compared to July and August. Booking around bank holidays helps keep costs down too.

Q. Can I really get 9 days off at Christmas using only 3 leave days?

Yes. In 2026, Christmas and New Year fall in a way that allows a 9 day break by booking just 29 to 31 December. Travelling on Boxing Day or Christmas Eve gives you even more flexibility.

Q. When should I book holidays if I’m planning around bank holidays?

As early as possible. Flights and accommodation around UK bank holidays sell out fast, especially Easter and Christmas. Securing your leave first and booking travel early usually means better prices and more choice.

Q. Are holiday packages better than booking flights and hotels separately?

Often, yes. Packages can offer better value, more protection and easier planning, especially for long trips or family travel. They’re also useful when travelling during busy periods like bank holidays, when prices can rise quickly.