As 2023 comes to an end, we all start thinking about planning some adventures for 2024. In the UK, bank holidays are eagerly anticipated opportunities for a well-deserved break from work. These days off allow us to relax, spend time with loved ones, and get out on adventures to explore new places. However, with careful planning, you can make the most of your annual leave by strategically booking additional days off around these bank holidays. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the bank holidays in the UK for 2024 and share tips on how to optimise your time off for an unforgettable year.
England and Wales Bank Holidays in 2024
In 2024 there are 8 bank holidays for England and Wales:
New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024
Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024
Easter Monday – Monday, April 1, 2024
Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 6, 2024
Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 27, 2024
Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, August 26, 2024
Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Boxing Day – Thursday, December 26, 2024
With JUST 22 days of annual leave you can get a whopping 50 days off work! How you ask? Well let's find out...
1. New Year: Kickstart the year with a bang or maybe just a long lie-in. Want a bonus day of joy? Sneakily book January 2nd off, and voilà, you've got yourself an extended weekend of relaxation or revelry.
2. Easter Holidays Good Friday bank holiday is the official start of the Easter weekend, followed quickly by Easter Monday. But here's the trick: wave your wand and add a little magic by booking off Tuesday 2nd April- Friday 5th April Thursday. Voilà! You've got yourself a magical 10-day holiday to hop around like the Easter bunny or hop abroad.
3. May Day: In May, spring is in full swing. The Early May bank holiday on the 6th is your golden ticket to enjoy those blooming flowers and the gentle sunshine. Sneak some leave from Tuesday 7th-Friday 10th May for a 9-day extravaganza.
4. Spring: May is the month of bank holidays! Extend your springtime bliss by conjuring up another holiday off! With the bank holiday on 27th May, all you have to do is book Tuesday 28th-Friday 31st May Friday. 9 days of freedom to chase those elusive rays of sunshine.
5. Summer bank holiday: Summer's last hurrah! Summon the Summer bank holiday with the magic words "I'm booking leave! Gimme Tuesday 27th-Friday 30th August off please!" Abracadabra! A 9-day mini break appears.
6. Christmas and Boxing Day: Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Christmas is a time for joy and family. To level up the festive spirit, sprinkle your leave calendar and you'll have yourself a cozy, 11 day blanket. All you have to do is book Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th, Friday 27th, Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st December!
Tips for Maximizing Your Annual Leave
Plan in Advance: As soon as the bank holiday calendar for the following year is released, start planning your leave days. This will help you secure the dates you want before they get booked up.
Long Weekends: Look for bank holidays that fall close to the weekend and book leave days before or after to create a longer break.
Combine with Public Holidays: Align your leave days with existing bank holidays to maximize your time off.
Off-Peak Travel: Taking leave during less popular times can mean more affordable travel and accommodation options.
Bucket List Adventures: Use your extended breaks to embark on adventures you've always dreamed of, whether it's exploring a new city, hiking in the countryside, or enjoying a beach getaway.
Rest and Recharge: Don't forget the importance of rest. Use some of your leave days for a staycation or simply to relax at home and recharge.
Consider Personal Plans: Remember to balance your leave with personal events and commitments, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings.
With a strategic approach to booking your 28 day annual leave around UK bank holidays in 2024, you can make the most of your time off and create memorable experiences throughout the year. Whether you're planning a getaway, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply taking a break to recharge, these bank holidays provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. Start planning today to ensure you don't miss out on these valuable moments of relaxation and adventure.
Thank you for reading and as always, if you have any questions, thoughts or feedback please leave these in the comments section below.
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I hope you all have a wonderful 2024 and get ticking off some things from the bucket list!
Janire xo
Yes! Just what I needed as I'm planning next year's holidays right now!!