How to take a 17-day vacation with only 7 leave days

Last updated on 19th December, 2024 at 12:07 pm

You read that right. By using only seven leave days, you can take a whopping 17 days off in April 2025, thanks to the public holidays. We outline all the important dates to diarise and explore what you should keep in mind before you log those days.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you will learn:

• How to use the April 2025 public holidays to boost time off.
• How to prepare for your leave.
• What to consider before putting in leave.
• Ideas on how to spend your leave.

A not-so mini holiday, anyone?

It’s no secret that the first few months of the year can be brutal: it’s all hands on deck, and the pressure is on to set the tone for the year ahead. So come quarter two, no one would blame you for wanting to take a small breather – and 2025 just so happens to hold a few welcome surprises. With just seven leave days around strategic public holidays observed in South Africa, you can enjoy a 17-day holiday. Here’s how to do it.

Plotting out the days

In 2025, South Africa will observe the following public holidays in April:

• Friday, 18 April 2025: Good Friday.
• Monday, 21 April: Family Day/Easter Sunday observed on Monday, 21 April.
• Sunday, 27 April 2025: Freedom Day observed on the Monday, 28 April.
• Additionally, Thursday, 1 May 2025: Workers’ Day will help boost your time off.

How to get 17 days off

While you can play around with the days that are most convenient to you, let’s take a look at an example of how you can structure your time off. If you were to put in leave from Monday 21 April to Friday 25 April (four days in total), then from 29 April to 30 April (two days in total) and then on 2 May (one day in total), including the weekends you automatically have, you will have 17 days off. This is a great way of recharging before the winter arrives.

What to consider before putting in leave

While 17 days are very tempting, there are few things to consider before putting in that much leave in one go.

• There will be work needed in April: With preparations and handovers, the first few weeks of April may very well be busy as you get ready to go on leave. Additionally, be mindful of how an extended leave would impact those around you.
• It may increase the pressure in May: Taking an extended break from work means when you return the pressure to catch up may be quite intense. Remember, don’t take leave if it will cause burnout when you return.
• It possibly shortens the December holidays: Unless you take a few unpaid leave days during April, the reality is that you may have less annual leave in December.

Don’t forget your discounts

If you’re a Sanlam Reality member, remember to use your travel benefits when booking a trip with LekkeSlaap, FlySafair, Emirates, Tempest Car Hire and more!