How does 55 nights away in 2026 sound, using just 27 days’ annual leave?

Most people book their holidays one week at a time and then wonder where all their leave has gone by October. With a bit of forward planning, the exact same allowance can be turned into long, proper breaks that actually feel like holidays.

January is the perfect moment to do this. Diaries are open, prices are sensible, and you have the best choice of flights, hotels and experiences before everyone else catches on.

By lining your annual leave up with UK bank holidays, here is how 27 days’ leave can give you 59 days off and up to 55 nights away in 2026.

April - Easter is the big one

16 days off | 15 nights away

Using 8 days’ leave

When

Late March to mid April 2026

UK bank holidays included

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Book off

30 March to 2 April

7 to 10 April

What you get

16 consecutive days off from 28 March to 12 April

This is where clever planning really pays off. Eight days of leave unlocks more than two full weeks away. Perfect for long haul travel, once in a lifetime adventures or simply slowing right down without watching the clock.

Easter dates always book well, so getting this in early makes a big difference to availability and price.

May - Two bank holidays = Big rewards

18 days off | 17 nights away

Using 8 days’ leave

When

May 2026

UK bank holidays included

Early May bank holiday (4 May)

Spring bank holiday (25 May)

Book off

5 to 8 May

26 to 29 May

What you get

18 consecutive days off if you book both weeks

May does a lot of the heavy lifting. Two bank holidays, warmer weather, fewer crowds and excellent value before peak summer prices kick in.

Whether you turn this into one long adventure or two separate breaks, this is one of the smartest uses of annual leave in the whole year.

Late summer into September - The sweet spot

9 days off | 8 nights away

Using 4 days’ leave

When

End of August into early September 2026

UK bank holiday included

Summer Bank Holiday (31 August)

Book off

1 to 4 September

What you get

9 consecutive days off from 29 August to 6 September

Four days of leave, nine days away, and travel just as peak season eases off. September is one of my favourite months to travel, with better prices, lighter crowds and still gorgeous weather in many destinations. An easy win.

December - Finish the year properly

16 days off | 15 nights away

Using 7 days’ leave

When

December 2026 into January 2027

UK bank holidays included

Christmas Day

Boxing Day substitute day (28 December)

New Year’s Day

Book off

21 to 24 December

29 to 31 December

What you get

16 consecutive days off from 19 December to 3 January

This is how you end the year feeling refreshed rather than wrung out. Whether that is festive markets, winter sun or a complete change of scenery, this stretch gives you time to travel properly and start the new year relaxed.

The big picture

With smart planning, 27 days’ annual leave can give you 59 days off and up to 55 nights away in 2026. That is not about taking more leave; it's about using it better.

All dates are based on UK bank holidays for England and Wales. If you are based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, dates may vary slightly and can be adjusted.

If you would like help turning these dates into real holidays, that is where I come in. I will help you choose where to go, when to travel and how to get the very best value from your annual leave...