LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – In 2026, despite a smaller number of public holidays, there will be numerous opportunities to enjoy longer breaks through clever holiday planning. The bridge days around Easter and May are particularly ideal for gaining a lot of free time with just a few days of vacation. Employees should plan early to secure the coveted days.
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In 2026, a year with comparatively few public holidays, employees can still benefit from longer breaks through clever vacation planning. The strategic use of bridging days in particular makes it possible to create a significant amount of free time with just a few days of vacation. This is particularly attractive for those who plan longer trips or simply more relaxation in their everyday lives.
A highlight in 2026 is the period around Easter. Good Friday falls on April 3rd, followed by Easter Monday on April 6th. If you use eight days of vacation cleverly, you can enjoy a total of 16 consecutive days off, from the end of March to mid-April. This period is ideal for an extended spring vacation in warmer climates.
May also offers attractive opportunities. Labor Day on May 1 falls on a Friday, allowing for a long weekend. Things get even more interesting when you combine Ascension Day on May 14th and Whit Monday on May 25th. With just nine days of vacation you can achieve 17 days off in a row. If you plan further, you can even get over three weeks of free time by taking additional vacation days in May.
The beginning and end of the year also offer opportunities for optimal vacation planning. New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, which allows for a four-day weekend with one day of vacation. In Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt, the Epiphany holiday is added on January 6th, which falls on a Tuesday. With two days of vacation you can have six days off at the beginning of the year.
At the end of the year there is another attractive bridging day constellation. Christmas Day falls on a Friday. Anyone who takes time off from December 19th to January 3rd only needs eight days of vacation for a total of 16 days off. This option is ideal for anyone who wants to spend the holidays relaxing with family and friends.
When planning, it is important to submit your vacation request early, as bridging days are popular with colleagues. A timely dialogue with superiors can avoid unpleasant discussions and increase the chances of approval. Employees should also know the legal situation, as bridge days are not automatically days off and regular vacation days must be requested.
Regional differences must also be taken into account, as not all federal states have the same public holidays. For example, Corpus Christi on June 4th is only a public holiday in certain federal states. Through clever planning and early arrangements, you can get the most out of the available vacation days in 2026, despite the rather unfavorable holiday situation.
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