How to maximise your annual leave in 2025 and the best places to visit

In light of this, travel experts at Planet Cruise are revealing the best destinations to visit during these times of year, depending on whether you want to escape the crowds, soak up some sun, or experience a country’s seasonal beauty.

Easter (Experience Sunshine or Countries in Bloom) - Maximising 16 Days Off

"Spring is a beautiful time to visit many parts of the world. By booking just eight days off across 14–17 April and 22–25 April, you can enjoy 16 consecutive days off to unwind and explore somewhere.

“Depending on what you’re looking for, Europe has plenty to offer - Norway is beginning to bloom, while the Canary Islands offer a pleasant average temperature of 23°C.”

“Further afield, Japan is experiencing its captivating cherry blossom season, or head to the Caribbean where you can experience cooler temperatures than in the peak of the summer (around 27°C) and fewer crowds, with 16 days providing more than enough time to enjoy and explore."

May (Avoid Stifling Heat and Busy Crowds) - Maximising 18 Days Off

"May is a prime month for maximising your annual leave with its two bank holidays. By taking four days off from 6–9 May or 27–30 May, you’ll end up with nine days off in total, combining weekends and the Early May and Spring Bank Holidays. If you book off all eight days, then you can enjoy 18 days of annual leave in May!

“It’s the perfect time to visit destinations like Spain, Turkey, or the Greek Islands, where the weather is comfortably warm—high 20s—but the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. This is also an ideal time to enjoy the Mediterranean without the intense heat of July and August.”

August (Enjoy More Relaxed, Warm Destinations) - Maximising 9 Days Off

"August is a great time for a family holiday or taking a summer break. If you prefer to avoid the packed crowds in Italy, Spain, and France, consider destinations such Scandinavia or

Croatia and Montenegro, which offer stunning coastlines and a more peaceful atmosphere.

“The USA is perfect for visiting in the summer - Niagara Falls and New York on the East Coast of the U.S. offers plenty of sunshine this time of year, and Orlando, with its world-renowned theme parks, is a great choice in the U.S. for families looking for a memorable trip!"

“Taking just four days off from 26 to 29 August will give you nine days away to explore these fantastic summer destinations."

December (Winter Sun & Christmas Getaways) - Maximising 13 Days Off

"Christmas is the perfect time to either embrace the season with festive destinations or escape for some winter sun. With three bank holidays around the Christmas period, you can book six days off from 22–24 December and 29–31 December, which gives you 13 days off to enjoy the holidays.”

“If you're after a change of scenery, consider escaping to South East Asia—places like Singapore, Thailand, and Bali are fantastic for winter sun. For a more traditional holiday, visit Christmas markets in Oslo, Cologne, or Rotterdam for a magical experience, or head to Malta or Morocco for a closer to home, sunny Christmas getaway."

To find out more about travel deals throughout the year, please visit: www.planetcruise.com/en