If you’re the kind of person who loves to squeeze every last drop out of your annual leave, 2026 is shaping up to be a dream year. With a clever bit of planning around the bank holidays, you can turn a handful of booked days into long stretches of holiday bliss. Imagine four-day weeks, long sunny breaks, and extra-long Christmas downtime—all while only using a fraction of your annual allowance.
✨ Why You Should Plan Now
The best breaks get snapped up quickly. Colleagues will cotton on, flights will rise, and the dream cottages will vanish. Planning your 2026 leave early guarantees you the best availability, the cheapest prices, and the smug satisfaction of knowing you’ve mastered the holiday game.
OnTheBeach:
On the Beach gives unbeatable value, low deposits, and total flexibility—perfect for booking sun-soaked 2026 escapes your way.
TUI:
Book with TUI for stress-free packages, ATOL protection, family-friendly deals, and expert planning that makes your 2026 holiday effortless.
EasyJet:
EasyJet Holidays means affordable flights plus curated hotels, flexible payment options, and sunshine breaks without the premium price tag.
2026 Summer Holidays with EasyJet
Here’s your ultimate guide to getting the most out of your 2026 leave:
April: The Perfect Spring Break
- Bank holidays: Friday 3rd April & Monday 6th April
- Book off: 30th March, 31st March, 1st April, 2nd April
- Total time off: 10 days
Start the year strong with a mega spring break. By booking just four days, you unlock 10 consecutive days off. It’s the perfect chance to chase early sunshine abroad, plan a family staycation, or simply enjoy the Easter long weekend without a rush back to work.
May: Double the Bank Holiday Fun
Early May Bank Holiday
- Bank holiday: Monday 4th May
- Book off: 5th–8th May
- Total time off: 9 days
Turn one lonely Monday off into an extended nine-day holiday. Whether you fancy a city break, a countryside retreat, or a long-overdue project at home, this is the perfect chance to recharge.
Late May Bank Holiday
- Bank holiday: Monday 25th May
- Book off: 26th–29th May
- Total time off: 9 days
Yes, May delivers twice! Another long nine-day escape just three weeks later. Why not use one for travel and one for downtime? It’s like getting two mini-holidays in one month.
August: The Long Summer Stretch
- Bank holiday: Monday 31st August
- Book off: 1st–4th September
- Total time off: 9 days
Wave goodbye to summer with another nine-day break. This is perfect for family holidays, European getaways, or simply soaking up the last of the UK sunshine before autumn sets in.
December: The Ultimate Christmas Wind-Down
- Bank holidays: Friday 25th December, Monday 28th December, and Friday 1st January 2027
- Book off: 29th–31st December
- Total time off: 10 days
The jewel in the crown of 2026 leave planning. By booking just three working days, you give yourself a luxurious 10-day holiday spanning Christmas and New Year. That means plenty of time for festive food, family gatherings, and easing into 2027 without rushing back to the office.
The Big Picture
With just 15 days of annual leave, you can unlock:
- 10 days in April
- 9 days in early May
- 9 days in late May
- 9 days in August
- 10 days over Christmas
That’s 47 glorious days off—nearly seven full weeks of downtime—for less than half your allowance.
By planning smartly and booking early, you’ll stretch your leave, secure the best deals, and guarantee unforgettable adventures. 2026 isn’t just another year—it’s your year of maximum holidays. So, open your calendar, get those dates in, and start dreaming. 2026 could be your most relaxing year yet.
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