Anish Vij
It's not even Christmas and the idea of jetting off for some warmer weather is already crossing our minds.
After months of complaining over how up and down the weather's been, it's now just consistently freezing.
But if you're dreaming of getting an extra long break off work next year then there is a way you might be able to get 18 consecutive days off.
For those with 28 days of annual leave who work Monday to Friday in the UK - and are entitled to bank holidays - an even longer holiday could be on the cards.
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By making the most of your bank holidays and weekends, you could (technically) get 65 days off for a proper warm-weather getaway.
Well into the New Year, you're probably itching to get away for a nice break.
But instead of waiting for the summer when hotels and flight prices are steep, head abroad a bit earlier.
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By taking off four days from 6 to 9 May, then having two weekends and the Early May bank holiday on 5 May, you're onto a winner.
If you want 18 days off though, you'll need to take off another four days over 27–30 May, then making use of May’s spring bank holiday on 26 May.
So you first need to book four days off across 14 and 17 April, as well as another set of four from 22 to 25 April.
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Bear in mind that Good Friday is on 18 April and Easter Monday is 21 April, it'll give you a total of 16 consecutive days off for just eight day's holiday.
“Taking prolonged spells away from work using holiday hacks presents the opportunity for employees to recharge their batteries throughout the year without using up as much of their annual allowance,” Zoe Morris, of Nigel Frank, a Tenth Revolution Group company, said.
“Employers should do more to encourage a healthier balance.
“Simple acts such as sending out an e-mail reminder for employees to use their annual leave, or having managers openly discuss the benefits of using holidays, even if it’s just to spend some time at home relaxing, can go a long way towards achieving this, as it communicates to employees that your business values their wellbeing.”