Published 19th Jan. 2024
Reading time
A New Year means one thing: a fresh bundle of annual leave days to enjoy. And for us globetrotters, the wonderful challenge is how to max out those precious days off. The good news is that if you’re smart about it and plan your trips around UK bank holidays, you can turn 25 days of annual leave into a whopping 55 days off. Read on for our rundown of the bank holidays to use in 2024 and the top trips our travel experts recommend taking...
Plan a trip around the Easter bank holidays (29th March and 2nd April) and you’ll only need to take ten days of annual leave for 16 glorious days off. Colombia is always popular at this time of year, and we can tailor-make an epic tour from the streets of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena to the winding Camino Real trail, which passes through cobbled towns and tobacco fields. Along the way, you can even marvel at a 700-year-old mummy, which was discovered in one of the many Chicamocha Canyon caves and is now displayed in the Museum of Paleontology & Archaeology.
In May, combine one of the spring bank holidays (6th or 27th May) with four days of annual leave for nine days off – perfect for a Slovenian road trip. Soak in views of the Istrian coastline, sip your way through the Goriška Brda wine region and wander through the cobblestoned capital of Ljubljana. And don’t miss a trip to the enchanting Bled Island. Cruise out on a traditional plenta boat and climb the 99 steps to the church to ring wishing bell which, legend has it, will make your hopes and dreams come true.
Schedule a trip around the summer bank holiday (26th August), when four days of annual leave gives you nine days of holiday heaven. Spend them in Namibia, where you can combine a safari in Etosha (home to the world’s largest population of black rhinos) with time in Kaokoland, meeting the Himba people, and a stay in the starkly beautiful Namib Desert for R&R and landscape safaris from luxurious tented camps.
Looking to migrate somewhere warmer in winter? Enjoy 12 days off by combining the December and January bank holidays with five days of annual leave. We recommend spending them in sunny Southern Australia. Get your fix of the great outdoors with coastal walks, whale watching and a stay on the wildlife haven of Kangaroo Island which, believe it or not, is bigger than Singapore. Round off your Aussie adventure with a spot of surfing at Manly Beach and a walk to one of Sydney’s clifftop vantage points for views over the city’s skyline.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Saudi Arabia is having a moment. Despite being closed off to Western travellers until 2019, this vast Middle Eastern kingdom is on a mission to establish itself as a tourist hotspot (and prove that it’s more than just an oil giant) as part of its ‘Vision 2030’ programme. Whether you’re after ancient ruins, vibrant cities or diverse natural landscapes, Saudi Arabia has them all, and we’re excited for more and more people to add it to their travel bucket list.
3rd December 2025 - Saudi Arabia Travel Tips
Tunisia is on the rise as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the 2020s, welcoming over 10 million visitors in 2024 alone. Travellers can head to the vibrant capital of Tunis for its bustling souqs, ancient ruins and myriad UNESCO World Heritage sites, or visit the sprawling beaches of Hammamet and Sousse for a spot of sun, sand and sea. Wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed rich culture and vibrant history – so it’s no surprise that many travellers are choosing Tunisia for their next getaway.
27th November 2025 - Tunisia Travel Tips
On a recent research trip to Japan, our Asia specialist, Joyce, spent ten days exploring the lesser-trodden treasures of Tohoku, in northeast Honshu. She stayed in cosy mountain-framed ryokans, hiked along Iwate’s rugged coastline and admired Japan’s deepest lake – all without the crowds. From sipping smooth sake to sampling fresh uni, it was a trip for the books. Keen to know more? Read on for the most memorable moments from Joyce’s time in Japan.
24th November 2025 - Japan Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
