By cleverly combining your annual leave with Australian state and public holidays, you can squeeze the maximum possible time for amazing travel experiences in 2026. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list adventure or a long-awaited extended family vacay, we’re here to help you fill your year (and your travel-loving heart) with as many memorable holiday moments as possible.
Disclaimer: there are some state variations to these dates, so we recommend checking here to see which apply to you.
New Year’s Day (Thursday 1st January): Book one annual leave day (2nd January) and get a four-day break from Thursday 1st January to Sunday 4th January.
Australia Day (Monday 26th January): Book four annual leave days (27 – 30 January) and get a nine-day break from Saturday 24th January to Sunday 1st February.
Our favourite places to visit in January:
Barbados – January in the Caribbean means peak tropical paradise, with warm, settled weather that’s perfect for you to enjoy the vibrant culture, pristine beaches and sparkling turquoise water that makes this destination so much fun.
Chamonix, France – by contrast, January in the heart of the French Alps is all about a different type of sparkle. There’s usually plenty of fresh snowfall by now, so whether you’re an expert or a complete beginner, it’s a magical destination to hit the slopes.
Labour Day (WA) (Monday 2nd March): Book four annual leave days (3rd – 6th March) for nine days off from Saturday 28th February to Sunday 8th March.
Eight Hours Day (TAS) or Labour Day (VIC) (Monday 9th March): Book four annual leave days (10th – 13th March) for nine days off from Saturday 7th March to Sunday 15th March.
Our favourite place to visit in March:
Cuba – the dry season extends from November to April, so if you visit Cuba during March you can expect balmy, sunny days while exploring its historic streets and beautiful beaches.
Netherlands – as spring arrives in Europe, the famous Dutch tulip fields and parks begin their transformation into a rainbow of colours. Even better, it’s a relatively quiet time of year for visiting many of the most popular tourist attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Easter (Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April): Book four annual leave days (Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April, or Tuesday 7th April – Friday 10th April) and get a 9-day break from Sunday 28th March – Monday 6th April or Friday 3rd – Sunday 12th April)
Our favourite places to visit in April:
Cyprus – although it’s not yet peak tourist season, Cyprus in April is a wonderful if you love exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking in the Troodos Mountains or visiting archaeological sites like Kourion, you can expect plenty of mild sunny days, with minimal rain to dampen your adventures.
Mallorca – like the Greek islands, during March the Balearic Islands are relatively free from crowds and basking in warm, spring sunshine. It’s a fabulous time of year to explore the pretty coastal villages, go hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains or just laze on one of the island’s stunning beaches (we love Playa de Muro or Es Trenc).
May Day (NT) or Labour Day (QLD) (Monday 4th May): Book four annual leave days (5th – 8th May) for nine days off from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th May.
Our favourite places to visit in May:
South Korea – the famous cherry and plum blossoms of spring have been replaced with lush green foliage, while vibrant azaleas and wisteria take centre stage. You may be surprised to discover that South Korea is an iconic destination for garden-lovers, and the lovely spring conditions of May make it an ideal time of year to get into flower-fancying.
Bora Bora – there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit somewhere as unique as Bora Bora, which is one of those rare destinations that really is even better than the postcards suggest. May marks the start of the dry season in French Polynesia, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and soaking up the spectacular scenery.
King’s Birthday (national except WA and QLD) (Monday 8th June): Book four annual leave days (9th – 12th June) for nine days off from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June.
Our favourite places to visit in June:
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan – the ‘Stans’ are high on many people’s wishlist for 2025 and beyond, and June is probably our favourite time of year to visit. Whether you’re trekking in the high mountains of the Altai or Tien Shara, or exploring the historic cities of Almaty and Bishek, the early summer means warm, sunny conditions and plenty of daylight.
King’s Birthday (WA only) (Monday 28th September): Book four annual leave days (29th September – 2nd October) for nine days off from Saturday 26th September to Sunday 4th October.
Our favourite place to visit in September:
Albania – the Albanian Riviera is another up-and-coming destination, especially for travellers who have already experienced the Greek islands and the Croatian coastline. Elsewhere in Europe, temperatures have begun to plummet as autumn arrives, but in beach towns like Ksamil and Dhërmi, the sea is still warm, the weather still sunny, and the largest crowds have already departed for another year.
Ireland – the arrival of autumn colours to complement Ireland’s ever-present, trademark green countryside makes September one of our favourite month’s for road-tripping around the Emerald Isle. It’s still warm enough to enjoy wild landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher, but you’ll enjoy those cosy, craic-filled evenings in tiny village pubs all the more.
Labour Day (ACT, NSW and SA) or King’s Birthday (QLD) (Monday 5th October): Book four annual days (6th – 9th October) for nine days off from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th October.
Our favourite place to visit in October:
Galapagos – if you’re visiting the islands of the Galapagos, chances are you’re hoping for memorable encounters with the unique local wildlife. If you love snorkelling and diving, the water is still warm enough to enjoy a close encounter with a sea lion or marine iguana. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are dancing blue-footed boobies and lumbering giant tortoises aplenty to entertain you.
Botswana – as the high waters of Botswana’s wet season recede, the Okavango Delta offers incredible game viewing conditions. The days are hot, and animals flock to the shrinking waterholes to find respite, making them easy to spot in more concentrated numbers. The prime conditions mean it’s a good idea to book your safari holiday well in advance.
Christmas and New Year (Friday 25th – Monday 28th December and Friday 1st January): Book three annual leave days (29th – 31st December) to get a 10-day break: Friday 25th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027.
Our favourite place to visit in December:
Belgium – it’s easy to get yourself into a festive mood when you’re surrounded by the magic of Christmas markets, winter scenery and an endless supply of waffles. Cities and villages alike are festooned in twinkling fairy lights, and although the days are short, the evenings are a winter wonderland of ice skating rinks, handcrafted Christmas decorations and hot chocolate.
Maldives – treat yourself to the ultimate Christmas present (and escape the perils of Nan’s roast turkey) by running away to the Maldives for Christmas. Island resorts cater to every imaginable level of indulgence, from rustic barefoot luxury to personal butler service, and there’s not a single snowball in sight – just endless white sand, turquoise water and sunshine.
If you’re still not sure where to invest your carefully hoarded time off, you could look for more inspiration among our latest deals. For personalised ideas and advice, have a chat with one of our wonderful Personal Travel Managers.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
