Here’s how you can stack your annual leave with public holidays in 2021 to enjoy 10 long weekends – time to plan your next vacation or staycation!
So it’s the year of Rona, and we know that travelling may not be on the cards this year. In fact, it’s forecasted that travel will only fully resume in 2023. What about next year though?
Obviously, I’m far from psychic. But 2021 should bring some hope that we’ll finally be able to hop on a plane for a holiday, because more countries are opening their borders and some airlines are already flying out of Singapore.
To prepare for a long overdue holiday, I’ve already figured out how to stack our annual leave in 2021 to enjoy ten long weekends – a total of 50 days off for the perfect overseas recharge. Or staycation, depending on what happens. Who knows? 🤷🏻♀️
You’ll need to utilise 17 days of annual leave to pull this off, but I’m sure you’ll have plenty to roll over from 2020 anyways. And with my fingers crossed that we can fly again in 2021, I’ve paired each long weekend with the perfect getaway destination too! To make things easier, I’ve got a calendar for you to save and reference:
1. New Year’s Day: 4 Days in Taipei, Taiwan
2021 Public Holiday: New Year’s Day, 1 January (Friday)
How to stack: Take one day of leave on 4 January (Monday) to get four days off through the weekend.
Where to go: If ringing in the New Year with a new trip sounds great to you, then you wouldn’t want to miss Taipei. The capital city’s New Year’s Eve Countdown is one of the most popular in the region, with the iconic Taipei 101’s dazzling fireworks display that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Recommended itinerary: 4D3N Taipei Itinerary Guide: Things To Do in Taipei
2. Chinese New Year: 10 Days in Greece
2021 Public Holiday: Chinese New Year, 12 February (Friday) and 13 February (Saturday)
Off-in-lieu: 15 February (Monday)
How to stack: Take four days of leave on 16 February (Tuesday), 17 February (Wednesday), 18 February (Thursday), and 19 February (Friday) to enjoy 10 days off.
Where to go: Go live out your Mama Mia fantasies in Greece! From Athens to Santorini, this takes you across Greece’s greatest hits, if you will. With 10 days to spare, take the time to enjoy the city of the Greek gods, the iconic blue waters, and mesmerising white buildings of Santorini.
Recommended itinerary: Best of Greece’s Multi-City Itinerary from S$1,188
3. Good Friday: 5 Days in Bali, Indonesia
2021 Public Holiday: Good Friday, 2 April (Friday)
How to stack: Take two days of leave on 1 April (Thursday) and 5 April (Monday), to enjoy fives days off through the weekend.
Where to go: Why not head to Bali? With it’s sunny beaches and laid back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries if you’re beginning to feel a little worn down by the daily grind.
Recommended itineraries: 5 Best Luxury Resorts in Bali for a Gorgeous Getaway // 5 Best Floating Breakfasts in Bali You Must Indulge In
4. Labour Day: 4 Days in Tioman, Malaysia
2021 Public Holiday: Labour Day, 1 May (Saturday)
Off-in-lieu: 3 May (Monday)
How to stack: Take one day of leave on 4 May (Tuesday) to enjoy four days off.
Where to go: Tioman, anyone? We’ve already conquered the major Malaysian cities like Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, so I think it’s time to to hit the Malaysian beaches for a relaxing getaway instead.
Recommended Itinerary: 6 Best Beaches in Malaysia for a Holiday Near Singapore
5. Hari Raya Puasa: 4 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia
2021 Public Holiday: Hari Raya Puasa, 13 May (Thursday)
How to stack: Take one day of leave on 14 May (Friday) to enjoy four days off through the weekend.
Where to go: Siem Reap is one of the best destinations for a short getaway from Singapore. Take a short ride out of town to Angkor Wat and witness the world’s largest religious complex, or be awed by the amazing, high-flying acrobatics at Phare the Cambodian Circus in the heart of the city.
Recommended itinerary: Best Short Holiday Destinations From Singapore Under S$300
6. Vesak Day: 5 Days in Borneo
2021 Public Holiday: Vesak Day, 26 May (Wednesday)
How to stack: Take two days of leave on 27 May (Thursday) and 28 May (Friday) to enjoy five days off through the weekend.
Where to go: With one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Borneo’s rich biodiversity is home to many endemic species that you can observe up close, like the Proboscis Monkey! You can even challenge yourself with a hike at Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia’s highest mountain. If you didn’t know, Borneo is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Recommended itinerary: 5 Best Ecotourism Destinations You Should Visit
7. Hari Raya Haji: 5 Days in Sydney, Australia
2021 Public Holiday: Hari Raya Haji, 20 July (Tuesday)
How to stack: Take two days of leave on 16 July (Friday) and 19 July (Monday) to enjoy 5 days off through the weekend.
Where to go: With the iconic Bondi Beach transforming into a winter wonderland, experiencing winter in Sydney is truly something else. Don’t miss the cabaret shows at Bondi Winter Magic Festival and authentic delicacies at The Rocks Christmas in July Markets!
Recommended itinerary: Best Things to Do in Sydney: Itinerary Guide
8. National Day: 4 Days in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2021 Public Holiday: National Day, 9 August (Monday)
How to stack: Take one day of leave on 6 August (Friday) to enjoy four days off through the weekend.
Where to go: Ho Chi Minh is easily one of the most overlooked cities to visit, within Southeast Asia, at least. The former French colony rarely sleeps, and its exquisite architectures throughout the city are a sight to behold. Don’t miss the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, and Independence Palace while you’re there!
Recommended itinerary: Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City
9. Deepavali: 4 Days in Khao Yai, Thailand
2021 Public Holiday: Deepavali, 4 November (Thursday)
How to stack: Take one day of leave on 5 November (Friday) and enjoy four days off through the weekend.
Where to go: Khao Yai, home to the famous Khao Yai National Park, promises you some of the best waterfall views you’ll ever see. Not to mention, November to February is the best time of year to visit to enjoy the cool weather.
Recommended itinerary: What To Do In Khao Yai: A 3-Day Holiday Itinerary
10. Christmas: 5 Days in Krabi, Thailand
2021 Public Holiday: 25 December (Saturday)
Off-in-lieu: 27 December (Monday)
How to stack: Take two days of leave on 23 December (Thursday) and 24 December (Friday), to enjoy five days off through the weekend.
Where to go: Krabi is the perfect place for a laidback Christmas vacay. Take a break from stuffing turkeys, and stuff yourself with some Thai food instead! You get to enjoy snorkelling, shopping, and tours without worrying about them being closed for Christmas.
Recommended itinerary: Krabi 4D3N Itinerary Guide: Weekend Getaway
And that’s how you enjoy 50 days off with just 17 days of annual leave! Are you looking forward to travel to these destinations in 2021 too? Which is the first country that you’ll visit once travel resumes? Let us know in the comments below!
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