
After more than a year of weekend camping trips, I am beyond excited to pack my bags, board a plane and take a long holiday. The longer the better if you ask me… which is why I’ve already been studying the calendar to see how I can make the most of my annual leave.
That’s right, I’ve done all the hard work for you, so you can sit back and relax.
Here’s how to stretch 21 days of annual leave into 52 days of holidays in 2022. That’s almost 2 whole months for you to explore, discover and unwind.
Before we get started, it should be noted that this thorough scientific analysis is based on Brisbane public holidays and on people working a full time Monday to Friday job. Part timers and shift workers - you'll have to work out how to best hack your own leave.
Summer Holiday:
Public holidays: Mon 3 Jan and Wed 26 Jan 2022
Days to take annual leave: Mon 24 Jan, Tues 25 Jan, Thurs 27 Jan & Fri 28 Jan 2022
Add two days of annual leave either side of Australia Day to get a five day long weekend. There’s a lot you can squeeze into 5 days, especially when the summer sun is shining brightly!
Where to go: Escape the Brisbane / Meanjin heat and humidity by heading to Tasmania / lutruwita. You might even get to see one of Cradle Mountain’s friendly locals - the wombats.
Easter Adventure
Public holidays: Fri 15 Apr, Mon 18 Apr, Mon 25 Apr, Mon 2 May 2022
Days to take annual leave: Tues 19 Apr, Wed 20 Apr, Thurs 21 Apr, Fri 22 Apr, Tues 26 Apr, Wed 27 Apr, Thurs 28 Apr, Fri 29 Apri 2022
I love when the stars align to create an unmissable opportunity for an extended break. With the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day and Labor Day (QLD) all within a few weeks of each other, you can turn eight days of annual leave into an epic 19 day adventure.
Where to go: It's time to head to New Zealand /Aotearo, baby! Nineteen days is the perfect amount of time to head across the ditch, hire a campervan and explore the land of the long white cloud.
The People’s Day Week
Public holiday: Wed 10 Aug 2022 (Brisbane)
Days to take annual leave: Mon 8 Aug, Tues 9 Aug, Thurs 11 Aug, Fri 12 Aug 2022
There are public holiday show days throughout the year in different regions of Queensland, the most famous being the Ekka People’s Day public holiday in Brisbane. In 2022, this day falls on Wed 10 August, meaning you could turn 2 days of annual leave into a five day long weekend or four days of leave into a nine day holiday.
Where to go: It’s the perfect time of year to head north – think Tropical North Queensland, Darwin or the Red Centre. You’ll never never know if you never never go.
Spring Fling
Public holiday: Mon 3 Oct 2022
Days to take annual leave: Tues 4 Oct, Wed 5 Oct, Thurs 6 Oct, Fri 7 Oct 2022
In Queensland, the Queen’s Birthday in QLD falls on 3 October, and marks the end of the school holidays. Turn four days of annual leave into a nine day spring fling.
Where to go: Go west! Spring is a great time to head to Western Australia. It’s wildflower season, whale migration season and, lets be honest, it’s always wine season in the Margaret River.
Festive Escape
Public holiday: Mon 26 Dec, Tues 27 Dec 2022 and Mon 2 Jan 2023
Days to take annual leave: Wed 28 Dec, Thurs 29 Dec, Fri 30 Dec 2022
This is your chance to turn three days of annual leave into a ten-day getaway. You may decide to visit family or loved ones… or you might get as far away from them as you can. Either way – you will have a fabulous time!
Where to go: Looking for a getaway where you need to dust off the passport? Why not try a white Christmas in Japan?
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
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