🇦🇺 HACK YOUR HOLIDAYS 2025: A STRATEGIC GUIDE TO MAXIMIZING YOUR ANNUAL LEAVE

Aussies get a decent amount of annual leave (at least compared to the US), but with some strategic planning you can transform your standard 20 days into an almost-European level of leave! With 2025's calendar offering some clever opportunities around public holidays, here's how to turn your annual leave into maximum time off. 

EPIC EASTER-ANZAC MEGA BREAK

Take Tuesday April 22 - Thursday May 1 as annual leave (8 days) = 17 days off (April 18 - May 4)

Here's the ultimate leave hack for 2025: by bridging the gap between Easter and ANZAC Day with just 8 days of annual leave, you can create an impressive 17-day break. Starting with Good Friday and ending the Sunday after ANZAC Day, this extended holiday period falls in the sweet spot for travel. Whether you're planning a longer international adventure or a super chill staycation, this autumn timing offers great weather and shoulder-season rates in many destinations.

EASTER PERIOD SWEET SPOT

Take Tuesday April 22 - Friday April 25 as annual leave (4 days) = 10 days off (April 18 - April 27)

Easter falls perfectly in 2025, creating a golden opportunity for an extended break. By taking 4 days of annual leave between Good Friday and Easter Monday, you can create a 10-day holiday. This timing is perfect for a proper autumn getaway – one last caravan trip before the winter, maybe?

ANZAC DAY STRATEGY

Take Monday April 28 - Thursday May 1 as annual leave (4 days) = 9 days off (April 25 - May 3)

With ANZAC Day landing on a Friday in 2025, you can create a 9-day break by using just 4 days of annual leave. Late April offers mild weather in many parts of the world, making it ideal for either a domestic road trip or an international adventure before peak season prices kick in.

KING'S BIRTHDAY BONUS

Take Tuesday June 10 - Friday June 13 as annual leave (4 days) = 9 days off (June 7 - June 15)

The June long weekend presents another chance to extend your break. Take 4 days of leave after the Monday public holiday, and you'll get 9 days off. This is an ideal time to escape the incoming Aussie winter for a warm-weather destination, or embrace the cold with a cozy winter retreat.

CHRISTMAS-NEW YEAR CORRIDOR

Take Monday December 29 - Wednesday December 31 as annual leave (3 days) = 10 days off (December 25 - January 3)

The Christmas to New Year period in 2025/26 offers another strategic opportunity. By using 3 days of annual leave between the Christmas and New Year public holidays, you can enjoy a 10-day break. This is perfect timing for embracing the Aussie summer, getting your culture on in Europe, or hitting the slopes in Japan. 

Whether you're dreaming of beach holidays or city explorations, strategic leave planning in 2025 can help you maximize your travel time. Remember to pair your carefully planned dates with secure travel gear - your adventures will be more enjoyable when you're well-equipped.