Annual leave is one of the most valuable perks of working life. It’s your opportunity to recharge, explore new destinations, or simply enjoy quality time at home. But with a little planning, you can stretch those days further and make your time off truly memorable.
Whether you’re dreaming of a big overseas trip, a weekend away, or a relaxing staycation, these 10 expert tips will help you maximise your annual leave so you come back to work feeling refreshed, energised, and inspired.
1. Plan Your Leave Around Public Holidays
If you want to stretch your leave days further, plan around Australia’s public holidays and long weekends. For example, adding just four days of annual leave to the Easter break can give you nine consecutive days off. The same applies to Christmas, New Year’s, and even state-specific holidays.
Pro tip: Mark these dates on your calendar early in the year and get your leave request in before your colleagues do.
Photo by 劍霙 鄭 /PEXELS IMAGE
2. Book Early for the Best Deals
Flights, hotels, and tours almost always get more expensive the closer you book to your travel date. Booking early not only saves you money but also gives you more choice for accommodation and activities.
If you’re booking overseas, keep an eye out for airline sales and package deals—sometimes you can save hundreds just by locking in your trip months in advance.
3. Balance Adventure with Downtime
It’s tempting to pack every minute with activities, but your annual leave should also be about rest. A good balance between sightseeing and downtime ensures you don’t come back from your holiday more exhausted than before.
Schedule a couple of lazy mornings, a spa day, or even just an afternoon in a quiet café.
4. Try the Mini-Break Approach
Instead of using all your leave in one long block, consider spreading it out over the year. Long weekends away every few months can help break up the work routine and keep you feeling refreshed year-round.
In NSW, destinations like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, and Jervis Bay are perfect for quick getaways.
5. Switch Off from Work Completely
Your time off should be just that—time off. Hand over your tasks before you leave, set an out-of-office reply, and resist the urge to check your work emails.
Staying connected might seem harmless, but it prevents you from fully recharging.
6. Explore Local Hidden Gems
You don’t need a passport to have an amazing holiday. Australia is full of hidden gems—from coastal towns to rural escapes.
Even a “staycation” in your own city can be a refreshing change if you plan it right. Book a night in a boutique hotel, try new restaurants, or explore walking trails you’ve never been on.
Photo by Belle Co / Pexels
7. Use Your Leave for Personal Projects
Annual leave doesn’t have to mean travel. It’s also a great opportunity to work on personal goals—whether that’s learning a new skill, starting a side business, or pursuing a creative passion.
7.1 Boost Your Business or Personal Brand
If you run a business or side hustle, your annual leave is the perfect time to give it a professional refresh. This could include:
- Photography & Videography: I offer professional photography and media coverage to capture your events, create marketing content, or simply elevate your brand’s image.
- Web Design & Development: I can design or update your website to make it more modern, user-friendly, and optimised for mobile and search engines.
- Google My Business Optimisation: I can help you set up, claim, and optimise your Google My Business listing so more customers find you online.
- Media Work & Content Creation: From promotional videos to social media campaigns, I can create engaging content that showcases your brand and services.
By using your leave to work on your business rather than in it, you can return to work with your brand in a stronger position than before.
8. Give Yourself a Recovery Day
If you’re travelling far, plan to return home a day before you go back to work. This recovery time allows you to unpack, reset your sleep schedule, and start the week without feeling like you need another holiday.
9. Choose New Experiences Each Year
It’s easy to fall into the habit of going to the same place every holiday, but changing things up keeps your time off exciting.
Whether it’s trying a different country, a new Australian state, or a totally different style of holiday—like a cruise, camping trip, or food tour—new experiences help you grow and make your break feel more rewarding.
IMAGE: KALAB TEMPLEMAN / KALABTEMPLEMAN.COM
10. Capture and Share Your Memories
The best part of annual leave is the memories you create. Take plenty of photos and videos so you can relive the experience for years to come.
If you want your trip documented professionally—whether it’s a family getaway, corporate retreat, or adventure trip—I offer photography and videography services to capture your holiday highlights in stunning detail. And if you run a business, I can also help you turn those moments into engaging website content or social media campaigns.
Final Thoughts
Your annual leave is more than just a break from work—it’s an investment in your well-being, happiness, and productivity. By planning smartly, mixing relaxation with adventure, and making the most of every moment, you can turn those days off into something truly special.
If you’re planning a trip, a staycation, or using your leave to focus on your business, I can help with photography, videography, web design, Google My Business optimisation, and media work to make it a success.
📩 Contact me today via kalabtempleman.com and let’s make your next holiday or project one to remember.
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