How to use your annual leave to get the most days of holiday

We all want to know how best to use your annual leave in 2023 to make the very most of the national holidays. So, for each of the dates below, we’ve suggested a long- and a short-haul destination and offered a mix of hotel breaks and tours to suit different tastes.

How to use your annual leave to get the most days of holiday

Take four days’ leave from 3rd–6th April for a 10-day holiday

Hawaii

Ten days in the US’s only archipelago state gives you the chance to learn to surf or paddleboard on Oahu's North Shore, explore Pearl Harbor and helicopter over volcanos, to name just three highlights.

Italy

This five-night trip from Rome takes you to Naples and Pompeii to discover an intensely alive city and a Roman city that was buried beneath the ash of a Vesuvian eruption. You’ll then get to enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Returning to the Eternal City, extend your stay for four days to make the most of your time off.

Take four days’ leave from 2nd-5th May for a nine-day holiday

Bali

This magical eight-day tour invites you to explore the Indonesian islands’ temples, meet Bali Aga villagers (Bali’s first inhabitants) and experience authentic local life by joining farmers in the fields and helping to collect coconuts.

The Balearics

Spend eight nights at W Ibiza and get into the island’s playful spirit on the palm-fringed seafront of the authentic town of Santa Eulalia. Expect a contemporary vibe with colourful references to Ibiza’s bohemian roots.

Take four days’ leave from 30th May–2nd June for a nine-day holiday

South Africa

Our thrilling eight-day itinerary starts in Cape Town, takes you to the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve for sightings of the Big Five and culminates on the ‘Sunshine Coast’ of Port Alfred.

Greece

You can unfurl over eight nights at the upscale St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas overlooking Mirabello Bay in Crete, with its Cycladic-style buildings and sleek spa. Some of its options have private pools.

Take four days’ leave from 26th August–3rd September for a nine-day holiday

Iceland

Our seven-night south coast self-drive itinerary includes a trip to the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir hot spring and Glacier Lagoon amongst other stops.

Florida

Summer sees the world’s theme-park capital in full swing, with rides and attractions at venues including Universal Parks & Resorts open later at night for added hours of fun.

Take three days’ leave from 23rd December–1st January for a 10-day holiday

Sri Lanka

Our eight-day adventure and wildlife tour takes you on remarkable excursions including a trek to Kondagala peak via a tea estate and a jungle walk with the village chief of a forest-dwelling tribe. Add on three days in Galle to complete your stay.

Thailand

Take the kids to the ‘Land of Smiles’ for four nights of luxury at the Amari Phuket and the The Sands Khao Lak and two nights at the world-renowned Elephant Hills tented camp with its rescued pachyderms.

To make the most of your annual leave next year by booking one of these holidays, or for more inspiration, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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