Unlock up to 39 days of holiday time using just 14 annual leave days in 2025! Flight Centre’s Travel Experts explain how below…
Most South Africans are officially back at their desks, adjusting to the post-holiday grind. If the daily routine has you feeling a little blue, you’re not alone – but here’s something to brighten your outlook: with some clever planning, 2025 could be your best year for long weekends and unforgettable getaways yet.
It’s never too early to score big on flight and accommodation discounts, especially if you intend to travel during peak periods. Whether you’re dreaming about kicking back on the beaches of Mauritius, going wine tasting in Stellenbosch, or exploring Bali’s jungle resorts, 2025 can be your year of travel… and as affordable as it is unforgettable!
Tip: Be sure to use Flight Centre’s 2025 Holiday Calendar Guide for further assistance regarding maximising your leave and season-savvy destination recommendations!
Here’s how to maximise your downtime
Below is the complete list of remaining 2025 public holidays, including tips on how to extend them into longer trips while using minimal leave, courtesy of Flight Centre’s Travel Experts.
March:
- Friday, 21 March: Human Rights Day
- Tip: Take 2 days of leave (Thursday, 20 March and Monday, 24 March) for a 5-day escape (20–24 March).
April:
- Friday – Monday, 18–21 April: Easter Weekend
- Tip: Add 4 days of leave (22–25 April) for an extended 10-day holiday (18–27 April).
- Sunday, 27 April (observed as Monday): Freedom Day
- Opportunity: Freedom Day naturally extends the Easter holiday for those who planned ahead.
May:
- Thursday, 1 May: Workers’ Day
- Tip: Take 2 days of leave (Friday, 2 May, and Monday, 5 May) for a 5-day long weekend (1–5 May).
June:
- Monday, 16 June: Youth Day
- Tip: Take 2 days of leave (Friday, 13 June, and Tuesday, 17 June) for a 5-day winter getaway (13–17 June).
September:
- Wednesday, 24 September: Heritage Day
- Tip: Take 2 days of leave (Thursday, 25 September, and Friday, 26 September) for another 5-day breather (24–28 September).
December:
- Tuesday, 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
- Tip: Take 1 days’ leave on Monday, 15 December, for a 4-day pre-Christmas trip (14–17 December).
- 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day
- 26 December (Friday): Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day)
- Tip: Take 1 day’s leave on Christmas Eve on Wednesday, 24 December, for a 5-day Christmas holiday (24–28 December).
Smart Tips to Maximise Your Leave in 2025
- Use leave strategically
- Plan holidays around public holidays for maximum impact.
- Submit your leave requests early to secure approval before everyone else catches on.
- Think time-to-destination ratio
For quick breaks, choose destinations that are close to home and minimise travel time. Flight Centre’s Travel Experts recommend at least 5 days for local holidays and an average of 9 days for international trips.
- Take advantage of stopovers
Use long-haul flights to add a bonus destination for free or at a low cost. Examples:
- Stop in Dubai en-route to Bali for shopping and adventure.
- Combine London and Paris with the Eurostar for a multi-city experience.
- Book early for the best deals
Flight costs typically rise during peak travel periods. Lock in better rates with early bird deals – flights, hotels, and activities can often be bundled into packages for bigger savings.
Why a trusted agent can simplify your holiday planning
Working with a travel agent brings clarity, convenience, and value to your plans, especially for public holiday trips. Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa, explains:
“Maximising long weekends isn’t just about the destination – it’s about making the journey seamless. With Flight Centre’s expert support, travellers can access early bird deals, tailor-made and all-inclusive packages, and even value-add options like stopovers or curated multi-city itineraries. The goal is to turn limited time into exceptional experiences in line with travellers’ budgets and preferences.”
Ultimately, by planning smarter around public holidays and long weekends, you can turn a few leave days into a bank of life-changing adventures. Less leave. More downtime. Endless memories!