As January draws to a close, many Brits are already looking forward to their next holiday. Research from Confused.com reveals how workers are creatively maximising their annual leave through clever planning, leave stacking, and even bending workplace rules to squeeze in more travel time.
British travellers take advantage of bank holidays
One of the most popular strategies among Brits is leveraging “bank holiday hacks” to make annual leave stretch further. This involves booking days off around bank holidays to extend holiday time while using fewer leave days. Tutorials on how to strategically plan leave around bank holidays have gained traction online, with TikTok and national news sites sharing tips.
According to the survey, nearly 3 in 5 (59%) Brits have considered using these hacks, and half (50%) are already planning to utilise them in 2025. This strategic approach allows employees to enjoy longer getaways without exhausting their annual leave allowance.
Planning ahead for the perfect getaway
The survey also highlights that many Brits are forward thinkers when it comes to holiday planning. Over half (56%) of respondents have already booked their annual leave for later in the year, with 10 days off being the average amount planned. Early booking not only ensures workers can secure their desired dates but also helps avoid scheduling conflicts with colleagues.
Top motivations for booking annual leave in advance include ensuring the time off is approved (53%), avoiding clashes with team members’ holidays (49%), and saving money by booking trips early (35%). In fact, 33% of respondents plan their holidays as far as 7–12 months in advance, taking advantage of lower travel costs and increased flexibility.
The rise of secret workcations
Despite the popularity of strategic leave planning, the study found that some workers are bending the rules to travel even more. Two-thirds (65%) of respondents are not allowed to work remotely from abroad. However, a third (33%) admit to secretly doing so without informing their employer.
Reasons for this rule-bending include uncertainty about their company’s remote work policies (43%), being denied annual leave (35%), and knowing they are not entitled to work from abroad (23%). While this approach allows employees to travel without using leave, it comes with significant risks, such as breaching employment contracts or facing disciplinary action.
For those who are permitted to work abroad (24%), the ability to combine work and travel is a game-changer. On average, these employees plan to spend 18 days working remotely from abroad in 2025, extending their time away while preserving their annual leave.
Expert advice on making the most of your leave
Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert at Confused.com, offered practical tips for Brits looking to optimise their holidays:
“Understand what leave you are entitled to. Ensure you know how many days you have annually, and plan early in the year. Plot your leave around work and personal commitments, and check for additional benefits your company might offer, such as wellness days or work-from-abroad schemes.
“Book as far in advance as possible. This helps you secure the dates you want and allows for more flexibility when choosing travel options. Booking early can also save you money – international flights booked 60 days in advance, for example, can save up to 10% on average. Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance early, as it covers unexpected cancellations as well as incidents during your trip.
“Strategically plan your travel time. Scheduling holidays around bank holidays can extend your time off, while avoiding peak seasons like Christmas or school holidays can significantly reduce costs. Off-peak travel often means better deals on flights, accommodation, and activities.”
With workers keen to make the most of their time off, strategies like leave stacking and advanced planning are becoming more popular than ever. Whether it’s through legitimate hacks or bending the rules, Brits are determined to enjoy their holidays to the fullest.