We all want as much time as possible to chill out, travel or spend time with those we love, but it often feels like annual leave just isn’t long enough.

However, with some advanced planning and a sturdy knowledge of when bank holidays fall, you can really maximise time off to do as you please.

If your job doesn’t require you to work weekends or bank holidays then the trick is to schedule your longer breaks and holidays around Easter, Christmas and the bank holidays in May and August.

So, here’s how you can make the most out of holiday days for every season of 2023.

Spring

Making the most of the spring bank holidays is key.

With Easter Sunday falling April 9, all you need to do to get a 10-day break is take off April 3, 4, 5, and 6. With the weekend before and bank holidays on Friday April 7 and Monday April 10, there’s an excellent opportunity to have extended time off.

Similarly, the Coronation of King Charles will benefit people looking for a springtime getaway. The early May 1 bank holiday, plus the next one on May 8 (for the Coronation), means that if you book just four days of annual leave, from May 2 – 5, you get another 10-day break including weekends.

However, if you’re in the market for a longer trip in 2023 outside of school holiday times, May might be the perfect time. Add an extra four days of annual leave, from May 9 – 12, and altogether you could have 16 days off work, using just eight days of your annual leave allowance.Is there a better way to toast the new chapter of the monarchy?

Then the spring bank holiday rolls around on May 29. You could maximise the long weekend with a day or two of annual leave tagged on either side. Just be mindful that school half term falls May 29 – June 2 (if you want to avoid lots of children and sky rocketing travel prices).

Cyprus, Malta and Morocco are all hot in April and May.

Summer

To maximise time off during summer, simply take four days off after the bank holiday on August 28. That gives you a whole week for exploring with only four days of annual leave used up.

This could be used for a big summer trip, time off with the kids during school holidays, or just as an opportunity to enjoy some late summer sun.

And you may not need to travel far for balmy weather this year. Book Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Pembrokeshire or Whitby, Yorkshire, for some of the best beaches in the UK.

Winter

Dark nights and cold, long days could be made easier next year with some extra time off to look forward to – whether it’s to chill out, see family or do a bit of last minute shopping.Christmas Day falls on a Monday in 2023, so with the Boxing Day bank holiday on a Tuesday, there’s a perfectly timed three days of potential annual leave on December 27, 28 and 29 – allowing you to see through Christmas and New Year and really switch off from work.

If you want to get away, you’ll have to go further afield for warm weather. Think Mexico, Barbados or Cape Verde for winter sun.