Maximize Your Travel in 2026: A Smart Leave Planning Guide for Full-Time Workers

Just because you have a busy full-time job doesn’t mean you have to put your travel dreams on hold. With strategic leave planning, you can fit in both long vacations and quick weekend getaways throughout the year. The secret lies in using public holidays wisely and planning ahead.

Neha Sudan, a travel blogger known as Breathtaking Postcards, has shared her month-by-month leave-planning strategy for 2026, demonstrating how it’s possible to travel extensively even with a corporate job.

In January, take advantage of Republic Day on January 26, which falls on a Monday. By taking leave on January 24 and 25, you can enjoy a three-day long weekend.

February may not have long weekends, but it’s perfect for a cozy staycation with your partner.

March brings Holi on the 4th. If you take leave on March 2 and 3, you can enjoy a five-day holiday.

In April, Good Friday is on April 3, making it a great time to pair with the weekend for a three-day break.

May features Eid al-Adha on the 27th, a Wednesday. Taking leave on May 28 and 29 can give you a five-day break.

June and July lack significant holidays, so consider planning quick getaways during the weekends.

August is ideal with Eid-e-Milad on August 25 and Rakhi on August 28. By taking leave on August 26 and 27, you can create a six-day break.

September doesn’t have weekday holidays, making it a good month for family time.

In October, Gandhi Jayanti falls on a Friday, October 2. You can extend this to a three-day trip by taking off on October 19 for a four-day break.

November offers Govardhan Puja on the 9th and Guru Nanak Jayanti on the 24th. Taking leave from November 10 to 13 gives you a nine-day vacation.

Finally, December ends on a festive note with Christmas on a Friday. By taking leave from December 28 to 31, you can enjoy a 10-day holiday with just four days off work.