How to Get 63 Days of Vacation in 2026: Calculating Days for the UK.

Proper Vacation Planning

According to The Sun: If you plan your vacation correctly, you can get up to 63 days off next year.

By choosing vacation dates around the eight public holidays in the UK in 2026, you will be able to extend your holidays.

Your 28 vacation days can give you much more if you choose your dates wisely.

Holiday Extras has already prepared everything and identified which days you should book next year.

Here are some dates to consider:

• JANUARY 2026: Thursday, January 1 – Sunday, January 4 (4 days for 1)

Next year, New Year's Day falls on a Thursday.

Book Friday, January 2, and you'll get four days off using just one vacation day.

This could be a great long weekend in Europe, for example in Lanzarote, where temperatures can reach 20°C in January.

• MARCH/APRIL 2026: Saturday, March 28 – Monday, April 13 (16 days for 8)

Easter holidays fall from March 28 to April 13 next year.

Therefore, if you book these dates, you'll use only eight vacation days, receiving 16 days off in return.

Be sure to book the week from March 30 to April 2 and from April 7 to April 10.

Consider a trip to a distant beach, such as Seoul, as Virgin Atlantic launches new flights from London to this city starting March 29.

• MAY 2026: Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 10 (9 days for 4)

Opportunities to get double the time off during the May holidays.

Book from May 5 to May 8, and you'll get nine consecutive days off.

This is still before the summer peak season, so you may find great deals, for example in Cyprus, where temperatures reach 29°C.

• MAY 2026: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 31 (9 days for 4)

May is rich in holidays, providing another opportunity to get nine days off while only using four vacation days.

Public holidays at the end of the month mean you'll want to book from May 26 to May 29.

Morocco could be a fantastic May destination where you can combine luxury camping with coastal exploration.

• AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026: Saturday, August 30 – Sunday, September 7 (9 days for 4)

At the end of summer vacations, a public holiday in August allows you to book from September 1 to September 4 and get nine days off using just four days.

Since this is outside the summer season, you can also expect cheaper prices.

One of the best late summer destinations is the Algarve, where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the sun.

• DECEMBER 2026: Saturday, December 19 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 (16 days for 7)

Christmas will require careful planning regarding vacation days, but you can get 16 days off using just a week.

Book from December 21 to December 24, as well as from December 29 to December 31 to have more than two weeks off.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for a faraway winter sun getaway, such as Cancun or Jamaica, where temperatures can reach around 30°C.

The Average Vacation Size in the UK

In the UK, employees are entitled to at least 28 vacation days, including 8 public holidays.

However, most employers offer more to attract talent.

According to IRS data, the average number of holidays is 34, including public holidays, meaning 26 vacation days.

On average, public sector employees get 37 days, while those in the private sector usually get 34 days.

Ensuring extended weekends through skilled planning can be the key to genuine rest. For many, such tips will be a good start for planning unforgettable trips and vacations, as taking time off is a vital aspect of life that promotes productivity and overall well-being.

So, don't forget to plan your weekends in advance - and watch as your time off becomes much more rewarding and filled with memorable experiences!