Your 2026 Leave Strategy
The smart traveller’s guide to stretching your 2026 annual leave.
If you’ve ever looked at your annual leave balance and wished it could magically stretch further, here’s some good news: in 2026, it can. With a bit of planning (and a few smart travel hacks), South Africans can turn a small batch of leave days into long weekends, full-week escapes, and even extended December holidays that feel far more generous than what’s actually on your payslip.
Whether you’re a family trying to align school breaks with Easter holidays, a couple planning a romantic escape, or simply someone who wants to maximise downtime without exhausting leave days, this guide helps you make the most of the calendar. We’ll show you which public holiday clusters offer the best value, the smartest periods to travel locally or internationally, and when to secure Easter holiday packages or December holiday packages for the biggest savings.
Before we get into the strategy, here are the key highlights.
4 Key Takeouts (Read This First)
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Use 16 leave days to unlock more than 40 days off thanks to clever timing around public holiday clusters.
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April–May, September and mid-December offer the biggest wins and are perfect for local or international escapes.
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Short long weekends in January, June and August are perfect for budget-friendly breaks, from Cape Town to the Kruger.
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Booking early means access to top Easter holiday packages and December holiday packages, and we’ll always match you to the best option for your budget and needs – chat with us at Thompsons.
The Big Leave Wins of 2026
April–May: The King of Holiday Clusters
This combination of Easter holidays, Freedom Day and Workers’ Day is the best stretch of the year. Book three leave days between late-April and early May, and you unlock nine days off.
Perfect destinations for this window include:
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Mauritius for warm weather and great family resorts
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Victoria Falls at peak flow after the rains
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Cape Town if you're looking for a mix of food, culture and cool autumn days
If price is a concern, we’ll match you to the best holiday package to suit your budget and needs – just chat with us at Thompsons. And don’t forget to ask us about Mobicred – it’s a great way to travel now and pay later.
Best Time for Short Breaks in 2026
Strategic long weekends are your friend in 2026. These require little to no leave and are perfect for local breaks.
January: New Year Recharge
Start the year with a four-day mini-escape by adding one leave day. Families love this period for:
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Durban’s beaches
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The Garden Route for coastal drives and sunshine
March–April: Easter Breaks and Autumn Bush Trips
Easter holidays land early, making it ideal for quick getaways like:
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Kruger National Park for wildlife
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The Drakensberg for cooler mornings and easy hikes
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Mozambique for a warm ocean break
June: Cosy Winter Weekends
Youth Day gives you an easy long weekend – perfect for:
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Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for wine and fireplaces
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Knysna for a quiet winter coastal escape
August: Women's Day Wellness Window
A three-day break ideal for:
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Midlands spa weekends
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Hermanus for early whale watching
September: Spring Recharge
Heritage Day’s timing is ideal for warm-weather escapes like:
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Sun City for family fun
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Umhlanga for early beach weather
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Mauritius for a regional spring sunshine break
When to Plan International Trips in 2026
Some periods are naturally better for long-haul trips.
Easter Holidays
This is family-travel gold. Excellent for:
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Mauritius (always a favourite for school-holiday travel)
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Dubai for kids-friendly attractions
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Zanzibar for warm ocean weather
Book early to secure good rates on Easter holiday packages.
April–May
Take three leave days and enjoy a nine-day international trip. Consider:
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Lisbon, Barcelona or Rome for spring sunshine
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Botswana’s Chobe for wildlife
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Namibia for desert landscapes and stargazing
December
The ultimate long-haul window thanks to festive holidays. Best for:
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Zanzibar for a mix of culture and beaches
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Southern Africa multi-country itineraries
Secure the best value and availability by booking your December holiday packages early. Our top tip: subscribe to our newsletter so you’re first in line for our incredible deals.
When Families Should Plan Ahead
Families benefit most from early planning because:
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Easter and December fill up quickly
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Family suites and interleading rooms sell out first
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Popular destinations like Sun City, Cape Town, Kruger, and Mauritius require early booking for the best value
If your year revolves around school breaks, prioritise April-May and December.
When Couples Can Travel for Less
Couples who can travel outside peak periods have major advantages. The winter long weekends (June and August) offer great rates in romantic locations like The Cape Winelands, Hermanus, and The Midlands. September is a sweet spot too – warm, sunny, and just before peak season.
Quick Travel Hacks for 2026
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Grab early-bird deals on Easter and December packages.
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Use long weekends as anchors for short breaks.
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Travel midweek for better flight pricing.
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Consider regional destinations for excellent value.
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Chat with Thompsons – we’ll compare packages and match you to the best option for your budget and needs.
FAQs
How to get the most out of leave days?
Pair public holidays with weekends, plan early, and use package savings to stretch your budget. Thompsons can help align options to your needs.
When is the best time to book Easter holiday packages?
Easter falls early in 2026, so booking a few months in advance guarantees better prices and choice. This is one of the most popular travel windows for families, especially for destinations like Mauritius, Victoria Falls, and Mozambique’s coastline.
What days to take off to maximise annual leave in 2026?
The biggest wins come from taking leave between the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day holidays, and from mid-December to year-end.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Break?
Let’s turn your leave days into real holidays. Chat with the travel experts at Thompsons and let us guide you through the best travel windows, destinations, and packages – all tailored to your budget and needs. Your 2026 getaway is already waiting.
