Trying to maximise annual leave 2026 to swing more travel time? Aren’t we all! 

Fortunately, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve crunched the numbers, so you can submit that leave request and start blocking your calendar. 

So, let’s switch spreadsheets for passport stamps and make the most of your annual leave days next year.

How to maximise your holidays in 2026

Having a squiz at the 2026 calendar, there are some prime periods to get more days off while using less of your precious leave. The simple way to maximise your leave is to bookend national public holidays with weekends to extend your time off. 

Keep in mind, though, that this is only a guide as annual leave days can differ per State. So, be sure to check your local area before locking in any plans! 

Best time to book annual leave in January

If you plan your annual leave around the January 26 public holiday in 2026, you can score a pretty sweet 9-day break by requesting only 4 days of annual leave. 

These are the days you’ll want to take off: 

• Tuesday, January 27
• Wednesday, January 28
• Thursday, January 29
• Friday, January 30 

January travel suggestions 

Hit the slopes in Hokkaido, Japan

Looking for something adventurous? Skiing in Hokkaido is the perfect way to start the new year on a high! And with 9 days to play with, you’ll have a solid week, after flying in and out, to shred some powder and recharge in the onsens. 

Just don’t forget to take some Japanese Yen (JPY) with you! 

Bum out in Phuket, Thailand

Dreaming of something more tropical? January is an exceptional time to visit, with the dry season in full swing, so you can enjoy sunny beach days in Phuket and pleasant humidity in Bangkok. 

Thailand still relies heavily on cash, so be sure to grab some Thai Baht (THB) and a Currency Pass travel card before you go. 

Best time to book annual leave in March and April 

The end of March through to mid-April is a prime time for Aussies to take a well-earned break, thanks to the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day public holiday. 

There are a few ways to hack your annual leave over this period, depending on how much time you can take off. 

• Option 1: Get a 10-day break and only use 4 annual leave days (Saturday, March 28 – Monday, April 6)
• Option 2: Get a 16-day holiday by using 8 annual leave days (Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, April 12)
• Option 3: Treat yourself to a 30-day adventure by using 18 annual leave days (Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, April 26). 

Remember, though, book flights and accommodation as early as possible to beat Easter long weekend price hikes! 

March/April travel suggestions 

Fall in love with Japan’s cherry blossoms 

One of the best places to visit in late March to mid-April is Japan to experience its spectacular cherry blossom season, also known as Sakura. The timing changes year to year, and the blossoms vary by location in Japan, so do your research before going! 

Cash is still widely used in Japan, so stock up on Japanese Yen (JPY) before taking off. 

Live on island time in Fiji 

April in Fiji marks the sweet spot between the rainy season and the peak holiday season, offering beautiful weather and budget-friendly resort deals before tourists flock in. 

Just don’t forget to pick up Fijian Dollars (FJD) before jetting off! 

Best time to book annual leave in June 

Fancy a mid-year reset? June is a great time to sneak it in! 

Most States (excluding QLD and WA) are treated to the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday, June 8. Travellers could take a 9-day break using only 4 annual leave days, or a 16-day trip using 9 annual leave days. 

These are the days you’ll want to take to 9 days off: 

• Tuesday, June 9
• Wednesday, June 10
• Thursday, June 11
• Friday, June 12 

June travel suggestions 

Indulge in the Euro summer

If you’re leaning towards a longer break in June, Euro summer is the way to go! From the Amalfi Coast to the Greek islands, soak up sunny days, long evenings, and a bunch of festivals and events. 

Just make sure to pack some Euros (EUR) for all those market finds and beach cocktails! 

Chase powder in New Zealand 

If you’re into extreme sports, our pals across the pond have the goods! Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt Hutt are perfect for skiing and snowboarding in June. Plus, with a short flight time, you’ll have more time to pack more into your days off! 

It’s a good idea to pack some New Zealand Dollars (NZD), plus a Currency Pass, so you’re ready for anything. 

Best time to book annual leave in October

Need to holiday for more than a week, but less than two? October is a perfect time. 

October 5 marks the Labour Day holiday for most States (except NT and TAS), and it conveniently lands on a Monday. That way, you could get 9 days away by only using 4 annual leave days – that’s nothing to sneeze at! 

These are the days you’ll want to request off: 

• Tuesday, October 6
• Wednesday, October 7
• Thursday, October 8
• Friday, October 9

October travel suggestions 

Frolic in South Korea

With stunning autumn foliage starting to show and cooler temps rolling in, October is a pleasant time to explore Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. And with fewer crowds, you can skip the queues and accidental photobombing! 

Just take some South Korean Won (KRW) to have on hand. 

Safari in South Africa

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? October is a great time for a safari thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and increased animal activity. 

If you’re looking for something a bit tamer, Cape Town is perfect for scenic drives, good food, and wine. Cash is still widely used in South Africa, so be sure to take some South African Rand (ZAR) with you. 

Best time to book annual leave in December

And suddenly, it’s Christmas again! And what better way to celebrate the silly season than with an end-of-year holiday? 

Luckily, the Christmas period has a nice chunk of public holidays. Meaning you won’t need to use as much leave. Especially if you’re running low by the end of the year! 

By using 3 annual leave days, you could score a decent 10-day break! Or, if you’re ready to send it, take 7 annual leave days and get 16 days off to enjoy – not bad at all! 

For a 10-day trip, ask for these days off: 

• Tuesday, December 29
• Wednesday, December 30
• Thursday, December 31

And, for 16 days off, request these days in addition to the ones listed above: 

• Monday, December 21
• Tuesday, December 22
• Wednesday, December 23
• Thursday, December 24

December travel suggestions 

Experience Christmas magic in New York 

If you’ve got room in the budget, a white Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime treat! We’re talking real-life Home Alone vibes – the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating in Central Park, sparkly department stores, and plenty of hot cocoa. 

Just don’t forget to take United States Dollar (USD) with you for all those Christmas markets. 

Live it up in London

Still dreaming of a white Christmas? London is a winter wonderland! Dazzling Christmas lights, cosy pubs, winter markets, and ice rinks will get into the festive spirit! 

It's wise to keep some Great British Pounds (GBP) in your pocket along with your Currency Pass. 

There you have it, folks, the best months to maximise your annual leave in 2026!  

Before you go, pop in-store to any Travel Money Oz store, or shop online, to grab all the foreign currency you’ll need for your well-deserved holidays. 

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.}