As the UK welcomed the arrival of 2026, many people are getting back to their routines after the festive Christmas season. If you’re feeling a bit down post-holiday, you might be planning your next vacations or time off.
To make the most of your time off in 2026, consider scheduling your annual leave around the upcoming bank holidays. Here is a list of all the bank holiday dates for 2026 to help you plan ahead.
The AA has issued a warning that the first Monday back to work in the new year, January 5, is anticipated to be a challenging day for drivers, labeled as “manic Monday” due to an expected increase in breakdowns.
In preparation for the post-holiday rush, the roadside assistance company is advising motorists to check their vehicles, especially if they have been inactive during the Christmas period. Last year, the AA reported a 27% rise in breakdown requests on the first working Monday compared to a similar day in February.
Shaun Jones, an AA expert, emphasized the importance of ensuring your car is in good working condition to avoid unnecessary stress and delays during the return to work after the festive season. Planning and preparing your vehicle over the weekend can alleviate some of the frustrations typically experienced during the back-to-work transition.