Now that we're into September, and bidding our summer farewell, then no doubt many are already thinking about booking a holiday for next year. If you're one of those people who enjoy time off work, and let's be honest who doesn't, here's how you can get a huge 32 days off work next year, by booking just 15 days as annual leave!
So here goes... as Easter is on 12th April next year, with two Bank Holidays either side of it, booking Monday to Thursday before Easter, and Tuesday - Friday after Easter will give you a massive 16 consecutive days off! And you'll only use eight days annual leave. Just imagine!
However, the best time to maximize your annual leave is around Christmas, if you can book it. With Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on a Friday and Saturday, it means that one of the Bank Holidays is carried forward to the following week.
Therefore, similarly to Easter, you could book annual leave either side of it. And, because 1st January is also a Bank Holiday, you'll only need SEVEN days to get a huge 16 days off work. Just book 21st-24th December and 29th December - 1st January 2021 off. Merry Christmas!
Of course there are a few conditions for this to work, you must work Monday to Friday and get the usual Bank Holidays off, including two at Easter, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
If you can't book time off around Christmas then booking the four days after any of the Bank Holidays will be giving you nine days off, for just booking four.
Now take a look at some unusual Airbnb places:
Unusual Airbnb places
1 of 24Log cabin with hot tub, near Bath
The log cabin is a warm, cosy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Unwind in the hot tub under the stars, or sit and relax on the private deck.
2 of 24Log cabin with hot tub
The cabin has an open plan lounge with two sofas (one is a sofa bed) as well as a kitchen area with hob, cooker and fridge.
3 of 24Cosy vintage American caravan, Somerset/Devon/Dorset border
Dip your toes into the rural 1950s with a stay in a comfy, fully refurbished, air-float caravan.
4 of 24Cosy vintage American caravan
Set in its own private garden with bbq area, outdoor fire pit and dining table, you can collect eggs fresh from the chickens, and don't forget to pet the pigs!
5 of 24Beautiful Gothic church conversion, near Wells
This gorgeous Gothic church, has been tastefully converted into a six bedroom house, with stunning original features, and sleeps 17 (a few more with a squash)!
6 of 24Beautiful Gothic church conversion
The converted church is in a peaceful village, 2 miles from the historic Cathedral City of Wells, 30 mins from Bath and Bristol.
7 of 24Unique holiday experience in a railway carriage, Saint Austell
The SIPHON offers a special glamping holiday where your carbon footprint will be minimal - as they source as much as they can from local suppliers and ask guests to recycle/compost.
8 of 24Unique holiday experience in a railway carriage
The SIPHON is off grid - solar power provides electricity for lighting and charging mobile phones - and there is a 'green' waterless toilet. A really exciting and different holiday experience with outside space for barbecuing and play.
9 of 24Boatel, Machynlleth
Be under no illusion this is like camping under a wooden roof! Not glamping or a hotel. Boatel guests share the boat roofed shed with other guests and residents and no one has exclusivity on this structure.
10 of 24Boatel
The boat is old and dusty with the occasional spider, an unusual and quirky experience!The views are stunning. Sorry no dogs but there are two friendly dogs that live there, cats and ex-caged chickens.
11 of 24Lovely old house and art deco cinema, Axbridge
A fabulous, stylish place to stay for a group or a family holiday! Not ideal for the crazier hen parties (though open to discuss details of your particular needs).
12 of 24Lovely old house and art deco cinema
This is a fabulous place to stay in a restored old Georgian coaching inn (with older parts) on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Stylish and quirky, with contemporary art and fittings as well as vintage and antique furnishings, the house accommodates at least 11 people.
13 of 24Spiral straw bale studio, near Canterbury
This house as a beautiful and unique hand-built straw bale studio overlooking open countryside.
14 of 24Spiral straw bale studio
It has great transport links to Canterbury's historic centre and nearby beaches and a garden location, with a secluded patio for al fresco dining.
15 of 24Garden refuge in style, Naunton, Cheltenham
This cabin has the feel of a true hideaway, with the light of the pond outside reflecting on the ceiling, you could be anywhere.
16 of 24Garden refuge in style
This is an unusual space in a beautiful Cotswold garden. It is very calming and romantic. In addition you could rent the Quintessential Cotswold Cottage located in the same romantic garden.
17 of 24Romany caravan at Bush Meadows, near Bude
This is a unique stay in a traditional Romany caravan furnished with some mod cons to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
18 of 24Romany caravan at Bush Meadows
The caravan has an electric stove, lights, television, DVD player and tea making facilities.
19 of 24Stargazer in country garden, Holcombe Rogus
A rustic stargazer where you can fall asleep watching the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong! A rural spot, far from street lighting, the sky lights up on clear nights.
20 of 24Stargazer in country garden
Simple, basic, but unusual accommodation. This is a wooden A-frame structure with enough room for two to sleep in with a mainly glass roof.
21 of 24Here be dragons..., Westhall
Echoing the medieval mapping practice of placing dragons and mythological beasts in uncharted seas, the phrase, "here be dragons" has become shorthand for that which is fascinating and unexplored.
22 of 24Here be dragons...
Here's an opportunity to conduct your own exploration of a previously uncharted house (meaning its not been available to stay in) . A choice of two beautiful bedrooms each with en suite bathroom (bath and digital shower-over) in this award-winning oak frame building (built 2011) known locally as the Dragon House.
23 of 24Dairsie Castle, Fife
Dairsie Castle is a unique self-catered property which sleeps 14. Located close to St. Andrews (15 minutes drive) and Edinburgh (1 hour drive), it is an ideal setting for a holiday to explore the heart of Scotland.
24 of 24Dairsie Castle
First sited in the 12th Century, Dairsie has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges, and safe haven for escapee monarchs (James VI and I in 1583).
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