Yes, we still have a few more months to go before the new year, but if you’re looking to maximise your time off next year, now’s the time to start thinking about it. Because while most of are entitled to 20 days of annual leave per year, depending on the dates you use them, you can turn 22 dates (taking two extra days off) into a whopping 46.
How, you ask? Well, by being strategic. We’ve spent hours poring over a calendar, doing the holiday hacking for you. Below, we’re sharing the dates to request leave so you can best capitalise on public holidays. This is how to effectively double your annual leave in 2024.
December 2023/January 2024
Book three days of annual leave for a 10-day holiday.
This year, Christmas falls on Monday, December 25, Boxing Day is Tuesday, December 26 and New Year’s Day is Monday, January 1. By taking the three days off between — December 27, 28 and 29 — you’ll get 10 days off in total.
Travel between:
Saturday, December 23 — Monday, January 1
Book these dates:
Wednesday, December 27
Thursday, December 28
Friday, December 29
January 2024
Book four days of annual leave for a nine-day holiday.
In 2024, January 26 falls on a Friday, which already means you get a three-day holiday. For a nine-day holiday though, take the four days off beforehand.
Travel between:
Saturday, January 20 — Sunday, January 28
Book these dates:
Monday, January 22
Tuesday, January 23
Wednesday, January 24
Thursday, January 25
March 2024
Book four days off around Easter for a 10-day holiday. Or book 11 days off for a 16-day holiday.
Make the most of the last warm days by booking time off around Good Friday and Easter Monday and be treated to an extended break. Good Friday falls on Friday, March 29 while Easter Monday is Monday, March 31.
Travel between:
For the 16 days off, Friday, March 23 — Sunday, April 7
For 4 days off, book these dates:
Monday, March 25
Tuesday, March 26
Wednesday, March 27
Thursday, March 28
OR
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Thursday, April 4
Friday, April 5
For 16 days off, book these dates:
Monday, March 25
Tuesday, March 26
Wednesday, March 27
Thursday, March 28
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Thursday, April 4
Friday, April 5
April 2024
Book four days off around Anzac Day and get a nine-day holiday.
In 2024, Anzac Day falls mid-week on a Thursday. Take three AL days beforehand and the Friday after to make it a nine-day holiday.
Travel between:
Saturday, April 20 — Sunday, April 28
Book these dates:
Monday, April 22
Tuesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 24
Friday, April 26
June 2024
Book four days of annual leave for a nine-day holiday. (This one goes for all states except QLD and WA.)
The Queen’s Birthday, now called the King’s Birthday, falls on a Saturday in 2024, meaning we get the following Monday off as a public holiday. Book the Tuesday — Friday off after for a nine-day break.
Travel between:
Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 16
Book these dates:
Tuesday, June 11
Wednesday, June 12
Thursday, June 13
Friday, June 14
December 2024/January 2025
Book three days off for a nine-day holiday. Or book seven days of annual leave for a 16-day holiday.
The festive period is brimming with travel opportunities. Get in quick before your colleagues and book these dates for a generous break. In 2024, Christmas falls mid-week on a Wednesday, while Boxing Day is on a Thursday.
Travel between:
For 16 days off, Saturday, December 21 — Monday, January 5
For 9 days off, book these dates:
Monday, December 23
Tuesday, December 24
Friday, December 27
For 16 days off, book these dates:
Monday, December 23
Tuesday, December 24
Friday, December 27
Monday, December 30
Tuesday, December 31
Thursday, January 2, 2024
Friday, January 3, 2024
Expert tip: Take off the rest of the week after Monday, January 1 to make it a 16-day holiday.
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