What is the best way to spend your vacation days in 2026?
A good work-life balance is essential. Everyone needs time to relax. It is not without reason that we have clear rules in the Netherlands regarding your vacation days and the hours you are allowed to work. With smart planning, it is possible to get even more out of your days off. How do you do that? We are happy to give you some handy tips!
Plan smart to enjoy even more
Even if you enjoy your work immensely, you need days off to unwind and clear your head. For this reason, it is wise to think in advance about which days you really want to be off. You usually enjoy your days off most when you have longer periods of time off. During a long weekend, there is more room for relaxation than when you take a day off in the middle of your work week. It is therefore certainly wise to plan strategically.
Fortunately, you don't have to figure out entirely on your own which days are best to take off! We have picked out for you which holidays you can smartly use to enjoy extra-long weekends.
Easter
Easter falls on Sunday, April 5 and Monday, April 6 this year. Do you choose to take Friday, April 4 or Tuesday, April 7 off? Then it will only cost you to exchange one day off for a four-day weekend.
King's day
King's Day falls on Monday, April 27. Do you need a longer weekend? Then you can take Friday, April 24 or Tuesday, April 28 off. The latter option can be particularly beneficial, as you will then have only three working days that week.
Ascension
Thursday, May 14th is Ascension Day. An official day off is nice, of course, but that one day often flies by just like that. In the mood for a short trip or simply to unwind for a few days? Then it is a good idea to take Friday, May 15th as a vacation day.
Christmas
Boxing Day falls on a Saturday this year. Nevertheless, there are many people who would like to end the year quietly. If you take days off from December 21 to 24, you can enjoy a full Christmas week. And because we are often very busy with family visits around the holidays, this can be very pleasant. Do you decide to also take December 29 to 31 as vacation days? Then you only need to take 7 days off to have 16 consecutive days off.
Spread out your days off
Booking a nice long holiday might seem appealing. However, far from everyone needs a three-week summer vacation. By spreading your days off more, you have various moments of rest throughout the year. That way, you always have a mini-vacation to look forward to!
Plan well in advance and be flexible
There are times when almost everyone wants to take time off. The further in advance you indicate which days you would like off, the greater the chance that this is possible. At the same time, it is also wise not to book all your days off immediately. After all, it is always nice to have some days left for spontaneous trips and other events.
