How to Get Extra Days Off in 2025

Daniel Riley May 02nd, 2025 26 views

Calendar. Picture Credit: Canva
Annual leave is one of the most cherished perks of working life. For full-time employees in the UK, a minimum of 28 days of paid leave per year might seem generous, but when you’re juggling work, holidays, and personal commitments, it’s easy to wish for more time off. With some strategic planning, however, you can make your annual leave stretch further in 2025, using just 27 days to unlock an incredible 59 days off.

Here’s how to plan your holidays like a pro and make the most of your time away from work.

Why Plan Early?

Maximising your leave requires foresight and a bit of competition. Employers often allocate annual leave on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking early ensures you get your desired days off while your colleagues are still contemplating their options.

Key Dates and Tips for 2025

April: Double Your Break Over Easter
The Easter holidays in 2025 provide an excellent opportunity to transform 8 days of leave into a relaxing 16-day holiday.

Plan your leave:

Bank holidays: Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April).
Days to book off: 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, and 25 April.
Holiday period: Saturday, 12 April – Sunday, 27 April.

For adventurous travellers, consider exploring the sunny beaches of Cyprus or Malta, or venture further afield to the lively streets of Las Vegas. Prefer a quiet retreat? The southern Mediterranean is perfect for enjoying mild temperatures and smaller crowds in spring.

May: Take Advantage of Two Bank Holidays
With two bank holidays in May, you can create two extended breaks, perfect for early summer getaways.
1. Early May Bank Holiday:

Bank holiday: Monday, 5 May.
Days to book off: 6, 7, 8, 9 May.
Holiday period: Saturday, 3 May – Sunday, 11 May.

2. Spring Bank Holiday:

Bank holiday: Monday, 26 May.
Days to book off: 27, 28, 29, 30 May.
Holiday period: Saturday, 24 May – Sunday, 1 June.

May is ideal for visiting Mediterranean hotspots like the Balearic Islands or enjoying a quieter, sunny city break in Sicily or Corsica.

August: Soak Up the Summer Over the Bank Holiday
By booking just 4 days off, you can enjoy 9 consecutive days to close out the summer.

Plan your leave:

Bank holiday: Monday, 25 August.
Days to book off: 26, 27, 28, 29 August.
Holiday period: Saturday, 23 August – Sunday, 31 August.

Whether you prefer lounging on the beaches of Bali, adventuring in Scandinavia, or exploring the Canary Islands, the late summer weather makes for unforgettable trips.

December: Make the Most of Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New Year’s are prime opportunities to extend your holiday without eating up too much leave. In 2025, Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), and New Year’s Day (1 January 2026) fall perfectly to create a long festive break.

Plan your leave:

Bank holidays: 25, 26 December, and 1 January 2026.
Days to book off: 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 December, and 2 January.
Holiday period: Saturday, 20 December – Sunday, 4 January 2026.

This extended holiday is ideal for escaping the winter blues. Why not drive Iceland’s stunning Route 1, bask in Tenerife’s warmth, or celebrate the New Year under Australia’s summer sun?

Bank Holiday Cheat Sheet for 2025

In England and Wales, there are eight bank holidays to factor into your plans:

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

For those in Northern Ireland, two additional bank holidays apply: St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (14 July). In Scotland, swap Easter Monday for holidays on 2 January and St. Andrew’s Day (30 November).

Top Tips for Success

Book early: Lock in your dates as soon as your annual leave year opens.
Coordinate with colleagues: Be mindful of team schedules to avoid clashes.
Be flexible: If your first choice isn’t available, alternative months or destinations can still provide great value.

By planning now, you can secure exciting trips and long breaks in 2025, ensuring you return refreshed and ready to tackle the year ahead. Whether you’re seeking sunny beaches, cultural experiences, or festive celebrations, these tips will help you make the most of your precious time off.