As the year draws to a close, many
of us realise we still have a good number of unused leave days—often around 12
days—quietly waiting to be utilised before they lapse. Year-end is the ideal
time to hit pause, step away from routine, and create meaningful memories with
your family. But the key lies in choosing the right destination that matches
your available leave, budget, and comfort.
Whether you are planning a short getaway or dreaming of a long,
refreshing vacation, aligning your destination with the number of leave days
ensures that your travel is both relaxing and well-planned.
1. Start With Your Leave Balance
Before you start scrolling through
destinations, look at:
How many leave days are left in
your yearly quota.
Your weekends—adding a Saturday
and Sunday can stretch your trip without using extra leave.
Public holidays that fall in
December or early January.
For example:
3 to 4 days available → Ideal for
short domestic trips.
7 to 10+ days → Best for long
vacations, international travel, or multi-city holidays.
2. Choosing a Destination Based on
Leave Days
A. Short Trips (2–4 Days)
Perfect for quick refreshers and
nearby locations.
Best Types of Destinations
Hill stations close to your city –
Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Coorg.
Heritage towns – Mahabalipuram,
Hampi, Trichy, Madurai.
Beach getaways – Puducherry,
Mahabalipuram, Kovalam.
Wildlife & nature escapes –
Bandipur, Mudumalai, Munnar.
Why it Works
Less travel time.
Cheaper stay and transport.
Easier to manage with children or
elderly parents.
No heavy planning needed.
Tips
Choose a place accessible by road
or a short flight.
Book accommodations early to avoid
year-end price hikes.
Pick activities that fit into a
relaxed itinerary.
B. Medium Trips (5–7 Days)
Best for a balanced holiday with
variety and rest.
Recommended Destinations
North India – Shimla, Manali,
Rajasthan, Varanasi.
Northeast – Meghalaya, Sikkim,
Gangtok.
Southern circuits – Kerala
backwaters + Munnar combo.
Nearby international trips – Sri
Lanka, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia.
Why it Works
Enough days for sightseeing
without feeling rushed.
Family-friendly itineraries.
Budget can be better managed with
planned travel.
Tips
Opt for round-trip flights well in
advance.
Build one “slow” day into the
schedule.
Explore family packages for better
cost value.
C. Long Vacations (8–12 Days)
Ideal for deeper travel
experiences.
Best Destinations
International holidays – Europe
(one or two countries), Thailand, Bali, Vietnam.
Indian long routes – Kashmir,
Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman.
Multi-city itineraries –
Jaipur–Jaisalmer–Udaipur; Kochi–Munnar–Thekkady–Alleppey.
Why it Works
Longer leaves justify long flights
and higher budgets.
Time to explore culture, food,
nature and spend quality bonding time.
Great for creating lasting family
memories.
Tips
Compare airfare across portals
before locking in.
Check weather conditions at the
destination in December.
Book activities and excursions
early to avoid holiday rush.
3. Factor in Budget, Family Needs
& Travel Comfort
Choosing a destination is not just
about the number of days. Consider:
Budget
Short trips → lower budget,
flexible.
Long vacations → plan 1–2 months
ahead for best deals.
Family Comfort
Travelling with kids or parents?
Choose places with:
Good medical facilities
Direct travel options
Safe, family-friendly stays
Accommodation
Homestays and serviced apartments
are great for families.
Resorts offer comfort and
activities within the property.
Tickets & Accessibility
Road trips for short leaves.
Domestic flights for mid-length
trips.
International flights for longer
leaves with good layover management.
4. Making Your 12 Days Work Both
Ways
If your office grants 12 days a
year, try splitting them wisely:
Option 1: Two Trips
Short trip (3 days) + Medium trip
(5 or 6 days)
Leaves you refreshed more than once a year.
Option 2: One Long Trip
Use 8–10 days at year-end when
weather, festivals and vacation mood peak.
Great for families, annual holidays, and international travel.
Option 3: Club Weekends
Take 3–4 days of leave, add
weekends → total 5–6 days.
Repeat twice in the year to
maximise travel.
Conclusion
Year-end leave is a wonderful
opportunity to explore, unwind, and spend precious time with your loved ones.
Whether it is a quick escape to a serene hill station or a long international
vacation, choosing a destination that aligns with your available days, family
needs, and budget ensures a fulfilling and stress-free travel experience.
With thoughtful planning, your
remaining leave days can turn into beautiful memories—and a refreshing start to
the coming year.
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