The end of the year is upon us and while many people use this time to reflect on the year gone by, we firmly believe in looking towards next year’s adventures. Now is the perfect time to start looking at how you can make your your 2019 annual leave work hard for you. If you’re a savvy about it, you can turn just eight days into 30 days leave, leaving you with days left over for some long weekends dotted throughout the year. Sounds good, right? Let us teach you how to maximise your annual leave with our 2019 long weekend calendar!
Check out our guide below to making the most out of your annual leave. Get in quick though, these won’t stay a secret for long!
KAYAK’s 2019 Long Weekend Calendar for Australia
January 2019 –Australia Day long weekend
Public Holiday: 28th January
Take Leave: Take 1-day annual leave and get a total of 4-days holiday (25th – 28th January)
Recommended Travel Destination: Hobart, Tasmania
Escape the summer heat and take a trip down south to Hobart, Tasmania. Our Tassie top picks are Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur and Coles Bay. Or, if you would rather stay in Hobart, head to the MONA to see the largest privately owned art collection and the Salamanca Markets on the Saturday for Tasmania’s biggest selection of locally made products.
Make sure to stay in Hobart for Australia day itself though and head down to the local beach in Kingston. Over 12,000 people attend to partake in activities and sports such as treasure hunts, sandcastle competitions, swimming races and inflatable thong races.
Find cheap flights to Hobart* Cheap accommodation in Hobart*
April 2019 – Easter and Anzac Day
Public Holiday: 19th, 22nd and 25th April
Take Leave: Take 3-days annual leave and get a total of 10-days holiday (19th – 28th April)
Recommended Travel Destination: Amsterdam, Holland
Beat the crowds that descend on Europe during July and August by visiting a few months earlier when it will be quieter and less expensive but just as beautiful. Amsterdam comes alive during the European spring months so you can treat yourself to the best the city has to offer. For those who have never been to Amsterdam, strolling down the famous canals, visiting the Van Gogh museum, or renting a bike for a historical tour of the city are all bucket list activities to tick off.
If, however, you’d like to live like a local then next year you’re in luck. Next year, Kings Day falls on the 27th April . This citywide annual carnival sees over a million party-goers spill onto the streets and canals to paint the town orange. Head out and experience a dutch festival at one of the many boat, street or house parties on offer.
Find cheap flights to Amsterdam* Cheap accommodation in Amsterdam*
June 2019 – Queen’s Birthday
Public Holiday: 10th June
Take Leave: Take 1-day annual leave and get a total of 4-days holiday (7th – 10th June)
Recommended Travel Destination: Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka is a little South Island town, known as the quieter, less touristy but far more beautiful version of Queenstown. As if the scenery wasn’t already breathtaking, during the winter months the snowfall turns this place into a magical wonderland and home to some of New Zealand’s best ski terrains.
If you’re heading out with the family, check out Cardrona. It’s widely known as the best ski field for families, due to its wide slopes and on-site accomodation. Those who have children can leave them in the capable hands of the ski schools and fully explore the mountain or make use of the four parks and two half-pipes. For those heading out with experienced friends, take the free bus to Treble Cone. The long, uncrowded groomed slopes are perfect for those looking to shred the powder all day long. The crown jewel of the area is the incredible off piste terrain which can be accessed from the Matatopu Chutes and the Saddle Basin area.
Find cheap flights to Queenstown* Cheap accommodation in Queenstown*
December 2019 – January 2020 – Christmas and New Year
Public Holiday: 25th, 26th December and 1st January June
Take Leave: Take 4-days annual leave and get a total of 12-days holiday (21st December -1st January)
Recommended Travel Destination: Bali
While you could argue that there’s never a bad time to take a trip to Bali, what better excuse do you need to party than at Christmas time? With heaps of venues throwing bigger and better parties each year, you’ll be able to pop from one to the next for the entirety of your festive holiday.
If you’re looking to end the year with less cocktails and more chakra alignment, Bali is the place to be for a Christmas yoga retreat. Bring in the new year with a revitalised mind and body, set some personal goals for the year ahead and practise grounding skills you can bring home with you. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready take 2019 on.
Find cheap flights to Bali* Cheap accommodation in Bali*
Also Read: The Rise of the Aussie Staycation: 56% of hotel searches are for destinations on home turf
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.au on 06 November, 2018. The prices are quoted in AUD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available
