Easy ways to maximise your leave in 2025; best days to book off and best destinations to visit

Booking a few strategic days off can turn 20 days of paid leave into 50 days of holidays. Here is the full list, as well as the most affordable getaways if you’re watching your wallet.

Australians can turn 20 days of paid leave into as many as 50 days of holidays with just a little bit of planning, according to the experts at flight aggregator Skyscanner.

For example, since Australia Day falls on a Sunday this year, you can book a flight on January 25 and ask for January 28-31 off to carve out a nine-day escape.

April is another key time, with two public holidays as well as school holidays.

Skyscanner recommends flying on April 18 and requesting April 22-24 off so you can have a 10-day trip, or flying on the 12th and booking April 24-17 off for a 16-day break.

Summer presents another great opportunity, especially if you get in early.

If you request December 22-24 and 29-30 off, and add Christmas and New Year, you could stitch together a 12-day break if you leave on the 20th and return on the 1st.

AUSSIES LOOK TO US AND NZ

Meanwhile, Hawaii and New Zealand could be the getaways budget-wary Aussies need this year, according to new Skyscanner data identifying the best bang for buck.

The list featured several domestic locations, which can be reached with airfares under $500.

Cruising companies and hotels are also upping the ante, offering deals for early-bird bookings.

The data also looked at travel sentiment, finding almost three in five Aussies (56 per cent) wanted a holiday something to look forward to in the new year.

But 63 per cent of people said high living costs are a major stress when planning travel.

“However just by starting the year planning for a getaway and taking advantage of smart hacks, travellers will find incredible ways to book their dream trip overseas and not break the bank,” Skyscanner travel expert Jarrod Kris said.

Head off the beaten track to find affordable destinations. Picture: Anna Sherchand

The Pacific Islands, including Tonga, can be affordable. Picture: Anna Sherchand.

CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS FOR 2025

Five domestic locations topped the cheap airfares list, with a median return economy seat costing just $157 for Ballina in New South Wales, $194.50 for Launceston, Tasmania, $409 for Hamilton Island, Queensland, $456.60 for Broome, Western Australia and $464.50 for Uluru in the Northern Territory.

For Aussies looking at an overseas getaway, Skyscanner’s cheapest 2025 destinations were Queenstown in New Zealand where a median return economy seat would cost $595.50, followed by George Town in Malaysia ($720.60); Chongqing, China ($933.00); Honolulu, United States ($1,050.00) and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina ($1,070.00).

Mr Kris said booking on the least busy days should be factored into a traveller’s planning - avoid Fridays and Saturdays, instead try for a Tuesday.

And opt for the last flight out to cut costs when possible.

Currency conversions should be taken into account for overseas destinations.

AFFORDABLE CRUISES APPEAL

Meanwhile, Carnival Cruises revealed its most popular routes for 2025, adding that 65 per cent of Aussies were keen to pencil in getaways between one and six months in advance to save money.

The average age of Carnival guests had also dropped to the early 40s with cruise holidays becoming increasingly popular among young Aussies as they were more affordable.

Cruises still available to book for this summer and autumn were a four-day Tangalooma to Moreton Island cruise which leaves from Sydney (2-6 March, 2025 from $599 per person); a four-day Airlie Beach cruise leaving from Brisbane (2-6 February, 2025 from $659 per person) and a three-day cruise from Sydney (27 February – 2 March, 2025 from $569 per person).

Anna Sherchand says Aussies are considering cheaper destinations. Picture: Anna Sherchand

FLY SOLO AND SAVE

Australian travel blogger Anna Sherchand, who advocates solo travel, said Aussies were considering cheaper destinations, but there was still a hunger to see the world.

“Solo travel is a freedom to explore your own way,” she said.

“Going with a group of people you’d have to adjust your itinerary depending on what other people want to do whereas solo travel gives you complete control, you can go at your own pace immerse yourself in experiences that align with your passions.”

Ms Sherchand said the top eight most sought-after destinations on a budget in 2025 were Los Angeles in the US, Nepal, Tokyo, Thailand, Tasmania, Port Vila in Vanuatu and Singapore.

The travel blogger estimated how much it would cost per person for a week stay at each destination, factoring in flights, accommodation, transport, food and leisure costs.

A week in Los Angeles would range between $3k and $4.5k, while a week in Nepal would cost between $1.5k and $2k; Tokyo ($2.5k and $3.5k); Thailand ($1.4k and $2k); Tasmania ($1.8k and $2.5k); Port Vila ($1.5k and $2k) and Singapore ($2k and $3k).

Anna Sherchand says Tokyo will be a highly sought-after destination in 2025. Picture: Anna Sherchand

MAKE SURE YOU BOOK EARLY

Accommodation Australia chief executive James Goodwin recommended people opting for a holiday getaway book early.

“Australians love a bargain and finding one on your holiday accommodation is no exception,” he said.

“Do your research and for the best results try to travel in the off-season in sought after regions and don’t be afraid to consider accommodation just out of the CBDs as they still might be easily accessible with public transport.

“The normal advice is to book early for the best deal and that is true but if you stay flexible with your dates or locations you could score last minute deals as hotels look to maximise occupancy.

“Online travel agents have a lot of information about the market and are good for comparing different providers and prices as well as being particularly useful if you don’t know the area you’re travelling to.”

Mr Goodwin said hotels and motels appreciate a direct booking “as it creates a direct relationship with the guest”.

“If you are going to book with an online travel agent make sure you compare not only the price but also the terms and conditions,” he said.

“Sign up for accommodation providers loyalty programs and you may find upgrades or be the first to know of any special rates.”

Originally published as Easy ways to maximise your leave in 2025; best days to book off and best destinations to visit