Let's face it - November and December are hardly the months in which the British Isles cover themselves in climatic glory. You'd think that would be the perfect stimulus for people to get away for a cheeky city break or a dose of winter sun. And yet us Brits are some of the worst in the world at taking our full holiday allowance. Of the 28 days annual leave (29 in Scotland, lucky blighters) we're entitled to, the average Brit fails to take a whopping four days every year. You don't have to be a maniacal Marxist to think it's appalling that across the working population that equates to a serious number of free days we work for businesses.

Use it or Lose it Holiday Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • Stay Austria – Vienna

    A Weekend in Vienna - Timeless Charm and Gastronomic Gems

    Whisk yourselves away to Vienna for four wistful days, soaking in the city’s rich culture and glorious gastronomy

    4 days, from £1350 to £1900

  • One Country Italy – Milan

    Italy’s Capital of Style - A Long Weekend in Milan

    Dive into Milan for four days of iconic art, stylish streets and authentic cuisine

    4 days, from £1500 to £1800

  • Stay Spain – Andalucia – Seville

    A Romantic Escape to Seville - Grand Palaces & Gourmet Strolls

    Dial up the romance on this four-day sojourn in Seville, soaking up the city’s culture and cuisine

    4 days, from £1650 to £2150

  • Stay Spain – Madrid

    Iconic Art and Cinematic Flair - A Cultural Big Short Break in Madrid

    Spend four days discovering Madrid's vibrant culture, rich history and captivating arts, punctuated by plenty of tapas

    4 days, from £1650 to £2000

  • One Country Malta - Valletta

    Valletta City Break - A History-Focused Long Weekend

    Spend a long weekend discovering Malta’s history and culture in Valletta and the south

    4 days, from £2150 to £2750

Use it or Lose it Holidays by country

There are apparently several reasons why we Brits don't always take our full holiday allowance, with fear of falling behind at work and disorganisation being two. Both understandable, granted, but when we hear that another key reason for not travelling is not knowing where to go, that's disappointing. As a result, it's time to rekindle 'Use it or Lose it' - Original Travel's annual campaign to help Brits make the most of those (already measly) holiday allowances. As the creators of the Big Short Break, designed around the concept of minimum time and maximum experience, we know where to go and what to do in November and December to use up those pesky few (hopefully) remaining days off.

Keep coming back to the Use it or Lose it page to see what enticing ideas we've added to make the most of those remaining days off. Your boss will thank you for it. Possibly.