A simple method using the August Bank Holiday could let you enjoy up to nine consecutive days off work by booking just four days of annual leave. It's easier than you thinkKatie-Ann Gupwell08:28, 05 Jul 2026With summer well under way, many people are beginning to turn their thoughts to getting away, with plenty on the hunt for deals and savvy methods to save money on last-minute breaks. But you may not realise there's a clever technique you can use to actually stretch your holiday further — and it's simpler than you might expect.‌By following one straightforward rule, you can transform just four days of annual leave into a whopping nine-day holiday in August, potentially making your travel plans far more rewarding. Whether you're dreaming of exploring somewhere new or simply craving a well-deserved rest while the good weather lasts, this is a tip well worth taking note of.‌And it's not the only useful advice of its kind doing the rounds. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your annual leave in 2026.‌You may not be aware that the August Bank Holiday is arguably the most underused date in the British calendar. Yet, with a bit of forward planning, it can serve as the perfect anchor for a considerably longer getaway, according to Chris Jeffery, director at Cofton Holidays.While many simply enjoy the extra Monday off, those in the know can use the date to engineer an extended break with minimal fuss. It's surprisingly straightforward once you know how.What you need to doBy booking just four days of annual leave around the August Bank Holiday (Tuesday, September 1 to Friday, September 4), you can enjoy up to nine consecutive days away from work, assuming you don't usually work weekends. The same trick applies at Christmas too, provided you don't work Bank Holidays.‌By taking just four days off between December 27 and December 30, you could enjoy a festive break stretching all the way from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, without eating into a large portion of your annual leave.Looking ahead to next year, the May Bank Holidays can equally be used to make the most of time away from the office.With a bit of careful planning around the spring bank holidays, a handful of annual leave days can be stretched into several mini-breaks, making every day off count.‌But that's not the only advice Chris has up his sleeve, as there are also clever ways to cut costs. He added: "The greatest savings usually come from choosing when to travel."When is the cheapest time to travel?According to Chris, there are certain times of year in the UK that are ideal for a budget-friendly staycation. He said: "For people not restricted by school holiday dates, late June and early July offer some of the best value breaks of the year."Staycation prices are frequently lower than during the peak summer period, roads tend to be far quieter, and tourist hotspots and beaches are noticeably less packed. In some instances, accommodation can come in at roughly half the price of a comparable August stay.Article continues belowChris explained: "Early July we've got availability, lower prices and arguably better weather than the height of summer."So, if you're looking to make the most of your annual leave, it's well worth treating bank holidays as an extra day off and using them as the anchor for a lengthier getaway. It really is that straightforward.If you still have some holiday allowance remaining, it could be worth considering booking a few days off. There's plenty of time yet to make the most of your time away.