Want to maximise your travel time in 2025 without using up all your annual leave? With a bit of planning, savvy tips, and clever use of UK bank holidays, you can enjoy more trips for less. Here’s how:

1. Plan Around UK Bank Holidays

Bank holidays are the key to stretching your time off. Here’s a quick guide:

• New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January. Extend your celebrations with a Friday-to-Monday weekend escape.
• Easter Weekend: Friday, 18 April, and Monday, 21 April. Take 4 days of annual leave and enjoy a 10-day break.
• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May. Perfect for a springtime weekend road trip.
• Late May Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May. Use this for a long weekend adventure.
• August Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 August. A great time for a summer getaway.
• Christmas: Wednesday, 25 December, and Thursday, 26 December. Take 3 days off, and enjoy a full 10-day festive break!

By strategically planning your leave around these dates, you can maximize your days off and enjoy extended trips with minimal annual leave usage.

2. Explore Multi-City Destinations with Car Hire

Some locations are perfect for road trips where multiple cities are just a short drive apart. Book a hire car to unlock even more adventures!

• The Netherlands: Fly into Amsterdam and explore Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague—all less than 2 hours away by car.
• Northern Italy: Start in Milan and visit Lake Como, Verona, and Venice for a blend of culture, romance, and scenery.
• Portugal: Begin in Lisbon, and with a hire car, you can explore Porto, Sintra, and the Algarve.
• Germany’s Romantic Road: From Munich, take a road trip through Bavaria to see charming towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Car hire gives you the freedom to see more and travel at your own pace, all while sticking to your budget.

3. Save Big with Quick Weekend Trips

Short weekend breaks don’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to make them affordable:

• Book flights early: Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find budget-friendly options.
• Travel mid-week: If possible, start your trip on a Thursday evening to save on flights.
• Opt for alternative accommodations: Think cozy B&Bs, boutique hostels, or Airbnb for a unique stay.
• Travel off-peak: Visit popular destinations like Paris, Barcelona, or Dublin in winter or spring for lower costs and fewer crowds.

4. Use Budget-Friendly Car Hire Options

Hiring a car doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for these money-saving tips:

• Pre-book early to secure the best deals.
• Check for discounts: Many providers offer seasonal offers or loyalty programs.
• Split costs: If traveling with friends or family, divide the hire and fuel costs.
• One-way rentals: Maximize your time by starting in one city and finishing in another.

5. Build Your Travel Calendar Early

Map out your entire year’s travel plans in advance.

• Mark key bank holidays.
• Block off weekends for shorter trips.
• Use any leftover leave for unexpected deals or last-minute plans.

By staying organized, you’ll ensure every bit of annual leave goes toward making amazing memories.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you’re exploring Europe’s hidden gems or planning a UK road trip, car hire gives you the freedom to do more with your time off. Start planning now to make 2025 your most adventurous year yet!