How many of you have a full-time job?
How many of you are allotted just 20 days of annual leave each year? How many of you appreciate your 9-5 and are not inclined to quit to travel full-time? If you answered affirmatively to any of those questions, this article is tailored for you.
Working full-time, you understand the value of annual leave. You dedicate significant effort to your job and, consequently, you deserve to enjoy your time off. Making the most of your paid holidays is essential. While the idea of leaving your job to travel might seem enticing, it often is not a realistic option for many. Furthermore, it is not always what we truly desire.
What we actually aspire for is to excel professionally while ensuring financial security, all the while exploring the world to the fullest extent possible.
With over 11 years of full-time work experience, I have managed to journey to incredible destinations such as New York City, Ibiza, Nepal, Australia, Poland, Mallorca, Miami, Hong Kong, and Scotland, primarily utilizing annual leave. I am fortunate to prioritize my disposable income on travel, and even when travel is not on my agenda, I maximize my paid time off to enhance enjoyment outside my working hours.
Those 20 days of annual leave, the UK minimum requirement for paid leave, equate to four weeks of absolute FREEDOM from the hustle of the 9-5.
By considering bank holidays alongside your annual leave, you could enjoy 28 days of paid holiday, translating to 5.5 weeks in total.
So, how can you effectively maximize those 20 days of annual leave? How can you extract every ounce of adventure from your annual leave?
To assist you in optimizing your holiday time in 2025, I present some inspiration and a guide on how to transform 20 days of annual leave into 54 days of exploration.
Lake District, UK | 4 Days Off
1 Day of Annual Leave + 1 Bank Holiday + 2 Weekend Days
The Lake District in winter has an enchanting allure. The cold, crisp air provides an ideal setting for fresh walks in the countryside, followed by cozy afternoons by a warm fire. To prolong your holiday, consider taking January 2nd off, thus granting you three full days to revel in this stunning region of the UK.
Ullswater is a personal favorite for its impressive scenery, or you can visit Grassmere, renowned for its gingerbread shop. If you seek a more vibrant village atmosphere, consider renting a cottage for a new year retreat.
Where to stay: Another Place, The Lake
What to do: Indulge in a massage, enjoy a swim, hike to Aira Force, or savor lunch at Pooley Bridge.
Berlin, Germany | 3.5 Days Off
1.5 Days Annual Leave + 2 Weekend Days
Despite the chill, February opens up the perfect opportunity for a city escape to Berlin. Depart on Thursday afternoon and return on Sunday, allowing yourself ample time to explore this historically rich German city.
Experience a guided tour of the Reichstag, stroll alongside the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and spend your evenings in the city’s vibrant bars and restaurants. Be sure to dress warmly and take breaks at charming coffee shops.
Iceland | 5 Days Off
3 Days Annual Leave + 2 Weekend Days
Imagine spending a few days soaking in the wonders of Iceland. Known for spectacular natural phenomena like the northern lights, it ranks high on many travelers’ bucket lists. March is an excellent time to visit for a chance to witness this wonder, all while enjoying crystal-clear blue sky days.
Spend one day touring the Golden Circle, another day exploring the scenic South Coast leading to the black sand beach of Vik and breathtaking waterfalls, and a third day in Reykjavik, the hip capital of Iceland.
A guided Reykjavik Food Tour doubles as a delightful culinary experience, and renting a vehicle offers the flexibility to explore at your leisure. Don’t forget to carve out time for the Blue Lagoon; it’s a must-do!
Where to stay: Hotel Fron, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre, or KEX Hostel
What to do: Engage in everything—whether you dedicate your entire five days to exploring Reykjavik’s museums, luxuriating in thermal lagoons, enjoying happy hours, or warming up in local coffee shops, an unforgettable experience awaits you.
Scotland | 10 Days Off
4 Days Annual Leave + 2 Bank Holidays + 4 Weekend Days
Make the most of the double bank holiday during Easter. By adding four days of annual leave, you unlock an impressive ten days off, ideal for an adventure in Scotland, particularly in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh. Consider staying at East Side Cottages, known for various cozy accommodations, including Westside Woodshed.
I favor the Westside Woodshed for its proximity to scenic walks, a hot tub, and a comfortable sofa to relax on. While it feels remote, Edinburgh is under 40 minutes away, with stunning coastal beaches waiting to be explored.
Where to stay: Westside Woodshed
What to do: Spend a day in Edinburgh, hike across the peaks of West Kip, East Kip, and Scald Law and unwind in the hot tub while enjoying views of the Pentland Hills.
Leeds | 3 Days Off
2 Weekend Days + May Day Bank Holiday
With numerous bank holidays in May, a long weekend close to home is quite appealing. Three days in Leeds allow you to reconnect with friends, enjoy laid-back mornings, and explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales—whatever your choice, make it relaxing. Experience a weekend of leisure, devoid of work commitments, ideally spending quality time in the city.
What to do: Coffee shop hop through Leeds’ many independent cafes, or embark on a shopping spree in the city center. Alternatively, escape to the Yorkshire Dales for a hiking adventure; Pen-y-Ghent is my favorite peak, even with its challenging scramble at the summit.
Ibiza | 3 Days Off
1 Day Annual Leave + 2 Weekend Days + Spring Bank Holiday
Ready for a spring getaway? The Spring Bank Holiday is an excellent opportunity to enjoy warmth. Experience sun, sea, and sandy beaches in Ibiza. This long weekend is perfect for basking in the sun, with only a two-hour flight to maximize your relaxation time.
Where to stay: OKU Ibiza
What to do: Witness the sunset on the Sunset Strip, gather drinks from a local store to enjoy by the shore, or indulge in a cocktail at Cafe Mambo for a memorable sunset experience. During the day, relax at Cala Gracioneta or explore Ibiza Old Town.
Yorkshire Dales | 3 Days Off
0 Days Off + August Bank Holiday
August Bank Holiday often leads to heavy traffic and costly flights, so a staycation is an excellent alternative. Capitalize on the summer weather by going glamping or camping in the Yorkshire Dales, or consider renting a cabin or cottage for your countryside retreat.
Rhodes | 9 Days Off
5 Days Annual Leave + 4 Weekend Days
September offers a quieter and more affordable travel option. The pleasant weather across Europe makes it an ideal time for a restful week in Rhodes, characterized by its historic towns, beautiful beaches, and serene hotels. Spend eight nights at
Cook’s Club Ialyssos and relish time by the pool coupled with exciting day trips in Rhodes to Rhodes Town, Lindos, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
Where to stay: Cook’s Club Ialyssos or Casa Cook Rhodes
What to do: Relax fully! This is your time to unwind. If you feel adventurous, visit the historic Old Rhodes Town and wander through its charming streets while enjoying an ice cream, capping off your day with dinner at one of the vibrant local restaurants.
Unplugged Digital Detox | 3.5 Days Off
1.5 Days Annual Leave + 2 Weekend Days
In today’s world, technology pervades our lives. To escape, consider booking a three-night stay at one of Unplugged’s Digital Detox Cabins. With various locations in Southern England, these cabins provide the perfect retreat to reconnect with oneself.
Founded by Hector and Ben, these solar-powered cabins ensure comfort while promoting a digital break. Upon arrival, you’ll secure your phone in a provided box, although an old-school Nokia phone remains available for emergencies. Gradually, you disconnect from the outside world.
These cabins come equipped with everything you need— a fully furnished kitchen, a log burner, panoramic windows to embrace the views, an Instax camera with 10 films, and a collection of books and board games. Can you unplug for three days? Why not challenge yourself?
Alternatively, bask in the winter sun in Lanzarote, where four days provides ample time to relax and explore the incredible surroundings on this volcanic island!
Christmas and New Year | 10 Days Off
3 Days Annual Leave + 3 Bank Holidays + 4 Weekend Days
For many, Christmas is a time to reconnect with family and friends, indulge in delicious food, savor festive beverages, visit Christmas markets, and take leisurely walks in the fresh winter air. While there’s no necessity to travel during this time, flights on Christmas Day are often quite affordable. If you’re managing a budget in 2025, consider taking advantage of this to embark on a long-haul getaway.
There are myriad possibilities with 20 days of annual leave. Financial considerations will certainly play a role— if your budget allows, seize the opportunity to engage in the experiences listed above for an extraordinary year.
Nevertheless, even if you use this as a template to strategically plan your annual leave throughout the year, you will definitely increase your time away from work. Moreover, if you are fortunate to have more annual leave— perhaps 25 or even 30 days— you can enjoy a more extended adventure without worrying so much about aligning your time off with bank holidays.
