top of page
Koviyo Vertical Black.png
No Background.png

How to Maximise Your Annual Leave for More Travel in 2025

Jan 10

3 min read

0

3

0

As Australians, we love to travel, but balancing wanderlust with work commitments can be tricky. Fortunately, with smart planning, you can stretch your annual leave further and enjoy more holidays in 2025.


Here’s how to make the most of your time off, strategically using public holidays and long weekends to explore more destinations.



Why Plan Ahead?

Strategic planning helps you:

  • Make the most of long weekends and public holidays.

  • Secure leave days before colleagues claim popular travel periods.

  • Book early to snag the best deals on flights and accommodation.

With a little foresight, you can turn your 20 days of annual leave into weeks of travel adventures.


Key Public Holidays in Australia (2025)

Here’s a quick rundown of public holidays across the states and territories in 2025:

Date

Holiday

Day

1 January

New Year's Day

Wednesday

26 January

Australia Day

Sunday

27 January

Australia Day (observed)

Monday

7 March

Labour Day (WA only)

Friday

25 March

Good Friday

Friday

28 March

Easter Monday

Monday

25 April

ANZAC Day

Friday

10 June

King's Birthday (most states)

Monday

25 December

Christmas Day

Thursday

26 December

Boxing Day

Friday

State holidays like Labour Day and regional show days vary, so check your state’s specific calendar.


Long Weekends to Look Forward To

Make the most of Australia’s long weekends by planning short getaways. Here are a few ideas:

Australia Day Weekend (27 January)

Use: 1 day of annual leave (26 January) for a 4-day break.

Ideas: Relax on the Gold Coast, or head to Tasmania for stunning landscapes and food trails.


Easter Weekend (25–28 March)

Use: No annual leave required for 4 days off.

Ideas:Explore Melbourne’s cultural scene or take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road.


Anzac Day Weekend (25 April)

Use: No annual leave required for a 3-day weekend.

Ideas: Visit Canberra’s War Memorial or unwind in the Hunter Valley.


Christmas and Boxing Day (25–26 December)

Use: 3 days of annual leave (22–24 December) to create a 10-day holiday.

Ideas: Enjoy a tropical getaway to Fiji or Bali.


Maximising Annual Leave

By pairing public holidays with leave days, you can significantly extend your time off. Here are some ideas:

January: New Year’s & Australia Day

  • Take: 4 days of leave (2–5 January).

  • Outcome: A 9-day holiday (28 December–5 January).

  • Destination Idea: Celebrate the New Year in Queenstown, New Zealand.


March-April: Easter & Anzac Day

  • Take: 8 days of leave (24–29 March, 21–24 April).

  • Outcome: Two long breaks totalling 17 days.

  • Destination Idea: Explore Japan’s cherry blossoms in spring.


June: Queen’s Birthday

  • Take: 4 days of leave (11–14 June).

  • Outcome: A 9-day winter escape.

  • Destination Idea: Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland.


December: Christmas & New Year’s

  • Take: 3 days of leave (22–24 December).

  • Outcome:A 10-day festive getaway.

  • Destination Idea: Ring in the New Year in Paris or New York.


Quick Tips for Annual Leave Planning

  1. Book Early: Secure your leave and travel plans early to avoid missing out on popular dates and deals.

  2. Be Flexible:Travelling mid-week or during shoulder seasons can save money and avoid crowds.

  3. Work with Colleagues:Coordinate with your team to ensure fair distribution of leave during peak periods.

  4. Use Travel Apps: Apps like Skyscanner and Google Flights help you track flight deals and flexible dates.

  5. Don’t Forget Insurance: Protect your plans with comprehensive travel insurance from Koviyo, covering unexpected cancellations and emergencies.


Affordable Getaway Ideas

Need inspiration for your extended breaks? Here are some budget-friendly travel ideas:

  • Southeast Asia: Affordable destinations like Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand offer stunning beaches and vibrant cultures.

  • New Zealand: Perfect for adventure lovers, with breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities.

  • Domestic Escapes: Explore Australia’s backyard with trips to the Whitsundays, Blue Mountains, or Margaret River.


With a bit of strategic planning, you can turn 20 annual leave days into weeks of exciting travel adventures. Use public holidays and long weekends to your advantage, and don’t forget to book your travel insurance with Koviyo to ensure a stress-free experience.


Whether it’s a quick escape or a longer trip, 2025 is your year to explore the world!


Comments

Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
bottom of page