A woman has shared her top tip for getting the most out of your annual leave in 2026 – and it’s perfect for those who are looking to stretch out their days off
A woman has devised a brilliant strategy for those wanting to maximise their time off next year. We’re all attempting to avoid burnout wherever possible and maintain our wellbeing as we reach that stage of the year where we’ve worked hard and are desperate for a rest. It’s vital to strike the perfect balance between work obligations and much-needed downtime.
Most of us are limited by a fixed number of holiday days or hours, and securing time off during busy periods can often be challenging. For those slogging away Monday to Friday, there’s usually a minimum of 28 days’ paid leave available each year, totalling 5.6 weeks of time to take off. Meanwhile, shift workers may receive time off in lieu if they work extra hours or weekends.
It’s essential workers secure approval for their planned getaways to avoid any potential fees from altering plans or cancellations.
Fortunately, one woman on Instagram has shared how you can set yourself up for 63 days off work in 2026 if you have 28 days in total.
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If you have fewer than 28 days, the method can still help you make the most of your annual leave, though you won’t achieve quite as many days off.
Travel content creator Danielle, who enjoys sharing her top holiday advice from destinations to getting there and booking time off, explained in an Instagram post: “This is for my UK followers and I know 28 is a bit higher than average but hope this helps.”
This is how she’s planning her 2026 annual leave…
Annual leave to book off 2026
- Book off Friday January 2 – this way you get four days off from Jan 1 to 4 as New Year’s Day is a bank holiday
- Book off March 30 to April 3, as well as April 7 to April 10 – this way you get 16 days off between March 28 and April 13 as this is when Easter Bank Holidays fall
- Book off May 5 to May 10 – you will get nine days off between May 2 and May 10 because there’s an early Bank Holidays
- Book off May 26 to May 29 – you can get another nine days off between May 23 and May 31 because of Spring Bank Holiday
- Book off September 1 to September 4 – you can get nine days off between August 30 and September 7
- Book off December 21 to 24 and December 29 and 31 – you can get 16 days off between December 19 and January 3
Danielle advises: “The downside of this is that it’s peak time to travel and can mean prices are a bit higher than usual.
“However if you’re looking to fit in more holidays or longer holidays, this is the way to do it! Book your flights and hotels far in advance to grab the best deals. Easy Jet has just released summer 2026 flights too.”
One person responded to the post, saying: “This is fab. Thanks. I get 33 days holiday plus I do a 9 day fortnight so I get 16 Fridays off.”
Another chimed in: “37 days plus Bank Holidays! This is still really useful. Thanks! Planning for next year now.” Someone else shared their leave allowance, stating: “33 days annual leave plus 24 days flexi leave per year = 57 days leave.”
Another individual pointed out: “All the people complaining about the amount of days they get but they get all the bank holidays and Christmas off. Try working in healthcare, you’re working them all.”
One more warned: “One thing to note is that flight prices absolutely surge over bank holiday weekends and weeks. So be prepared to pay way more than you usually would for your cheap holiday flights.”
Another agreed, adding: “This works except you’re having time off around Bank Holidays and holidays so prices are doubled.”
Another individual highlighted: “I get 21 days but still helpful thanks. The only trouble is that we have a policy where by if two people are already off then no one else can be due to the small team. So it’s unlikely 1 person would be granted the best days off a year.”