Month's Paid Holiday

FTA69

Due to the fact I've continually avoided taking holidays over the past couple of years in work, I've been told by work I have 24 days holiday I need to take between now and the 31st March; this is excluding Christmas. It basically means I can take the whole of January off to go travelling.

Has anyone any good ideas about where to go? The chances of this coming up again are pretty slim to say the least. So far I'm thinking of splitting the month between Bangladesh and Nepal, has anyone any experience of these places?

kneemos

Have you visited your mother lately?

snubbleste

Sierra Leone is lovely in January

You lucky bastard.

That is all.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I'd spend the month looking into other employment opportunities if you only have 24 days to take having taken no holidays for years. I recall having over 60 days built up many years back but I had 29 per year to pull from.

Tzardine

Elisabeth Uptight Equalizer wrote: »

I'd spend the month looking into other employment opportunities if you only have 24 days to take having taken no holidays for years. I recall having over 60 days built up many years back but I had 29 per year to pull from.

Agreed. Statutory holiday entitlement for somebody in full time employment is 20 days per year. But then we don't know your situation.

In saying that I hear there are great deals on flights to certain African countries at the moment.

The Backwards Man

I'd love a go on one of those freighters that take passengers, go to China or Argentina or somewhere, love the high seas but the idea of a cruise ship appals me.

ThunbergsAreGo

Went to Sri Lanka a while ago and loved it! Lovely island and a good lot to do, only draw back is not too may other solo travellers

FTA69

kneemos wrote: »

Have you visited your mother lately?

Seeing her Christmas and she was over to London last month. No fear of her.

Srameen,

I'm entitled to 32 holidays a year but I've accumulated a good few and I've generally avoided ever taking personal days here and there. It's my dream job at the moment and I couldn't be happier. I work pretty much exclusively with Bengalis so it'd be a great opportunity to go there and see the place first hand. Also in fairness, I've managed to get away for a week here and there and in the past 2 years have been to the USA, Cuba, Morocco and Palestine. I just never took my full allotment and they carried over.

bear1

Are you single? Any kids?
If no to both then I'd say go for it. Probably wouldn't go to the countries you listed but what I would do is go to the States and buy an old muscle car. Then drive it from Chicago to L.A - route 66 baby

Floppybits

Tzardine wrote: »

Agreed. Statutory holiday entitlement for somebody in full time employment is 20 days per year. But then we don't know your situation.

In saying that I hear there are great deals on flights to certain African countries at the moment.

Yeah but in some companies you cant carry over holidays so if you don't use them you loose them. I know in my company they will only allow you carry over a certain amount of holidays and they either have to be used up within the first week or 2 of the new year or used for a certain reason like your wedding or something similar.

I can never understand how people don't use up their holiday entitlement?

_Kaiser_

I was the same at one point OP - rarely took holidays (was single at the time and working shifts so most of my social life was in work), and built-up basically a month.

Manager came down one day and told me to go home and not come back for 2 weeks

Bout 3 years ago I'd built up a load of days again (albeit for different reasons this time) and what I did there was just take Fridays and Monday off for 2 months.. long weekend every weekend FTW

The_Captain

Elisabeth Uptight Equalizer wrote: »

I'd spend the month looking into other employment opportunities if you only have 24 days to take having taken no holidays for years. I recall having over 60 days built up many years back but I had 29 per year to pull from.

In my job, you get 21 days holiday and you can carry over a maximum of three days into the next year.

petes

Few years back I was working for a company and accrued 11 weeks holidays.

I couldn't really take them and holidays were still accruing. Ended up just getting paid for them in two cheques.

Take all my holidays now.

kylith

I built up my holidays and had to take them before December so I was off the week before last and will be off the week after next too. I'm trying to figure out where, within a 4 hour flight and subject to certain conditions, will be the hottest place I can go lie by a pool for a few days.

Agent Smith

kylith wrote: »

I built up my holidays and had to take them before December so I was off the week before last and will be off the week after next too. I'm trying to figure out where, within a 4 hour flight and subject to certain conditions, will be the hottest place I can go lie by a pool for a few days.

Bray.

harry Bailey esq

Tzardine wrote: »

I hear there are great deals on flights to certain African countries at the moment.

That's true,the flights home cost a fortune

--LOS--

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I'd love a go on one of those freighters that take passengers, go to China or Argentina or somewhere, love the high seas but the idea of a cruise ship appals me.

time for a career change? become a pirate

The Backwards Man

--LOS-- wrote: »

time for a career change? become a pirate

Allergic to parrots.

Ruu

Bettystown.

osarusan

Friend of mine was in Nepal and loved it - he was into hiking and climbing, but not that seriously.

Don't know if you could entertain yourself for two weeks unless you were into that also.

wandatowell

Im working shift work at the moment, 4 days on 4 days off.

I plan my nights out/activities for these 4 days days off then that leaves me with all of my annual leave to take. I generally take a month off and get fat. 1st week I go on a holiday then have 3 weeks to chill out.

Lapin

FTA69 wrote: »

Due to the fact I've continually avoided taking holidays over the past couple of years in work, I've been told by work I have 24 days holiday I need to take between now and the 31st March; this is excluding Christmas. It basically means I can take the whole of January off to go travelling.

I'd take 20 of the days in January/February (4 working weeks) and head off inter-railing around Europe.

Then I'd take the remaining 4 days at the end of March (making sure to return to work on the Friday) and head off again somewhere hot so I'd still have something to look forward to when I came back from the long break.

Lucky basterd.

ROCKMAN

Embrace your culture ,
Get yourself to your nearest early opening house ,
Find a nice comfortable high stool at the bar not too near the front door and not to far from the toilet door ,
A stool which provides the best vantage point of the T.V.
Somewhere near the till if at all possible,

24 days should be enough time, After which you'll be an expert on all things , And never again be stuck for words or an option in any social setting.

Fudge You

FTA69 wrote: »

Due to the fact I've continually avoided taking holidays over the past couple of years in work

What?
You have avoided taking holidays???
Weirdo.

Chancer3001

I've travelled most of the world.
What kind if experience are you looking for?

Other worldy feeling?

Friendly locals?

Nice weather?

Entertaining daily activities?

World famous sites??

Irish Steve

I don't have a clue what you enjoy, or what you hate, based on a lot of experience, and visiting a number of different places, if I had a month "spare", and the cash to do it, I'd be going back to Namibia, and spending that month enjoying relaxing and watching big game, either in the parks, or just out in the open.

There are a number of different options, we hired a camping 4 x 4 and spent some time using it, and some time in either hotels or game park resorts, and it was one of the best holidays we've had in close on 40 years. Some of the camping sites were remote in the extreme, literally one or 2 parking spots at the side of the road, many miles from anything remotely like civilisation, and at them it was a case of put up the tents (mounted on the roof), light the barbeque, cook and eat a meal, and then enjoy the isolation, and the views of the skies. Spending time at water holes in the game parks, just watching the wildlife, was also so different from anything we'd done before, and while we had an itinerary, it was flexible enough that if we wanted to spend a number of hours at a place, it didn't mess up the plans for the rest of the holiday.

That said, it may be pretty warm there in the early part of the year, as that's summer for that part of the world, we were there in October.

It wasn't massively expensive, and in 3 weeks of travelling all over the country (it's as big as Dublin to Rome distance wise) we never felt at risk, even in the largest towns.

Might not appeal, but as you asked..................

Stheno

Will they allow you take the leave in one big chunk like that?

Lingua Franca

kylith wrote: »

I built up my holidays and had to take them before December so I was off the week before last and will be off the week after next too. I'm trying to figure out where, within a 4 hour flight and subject to certain conditions, will be the hottest place I can go lie by a pool for a few days.

Canary islands will be hottest. Malta is another option. I despised the Canaries, myself. I'm trying to take a short, hot holiday between March - May next year and Malta's looking like the most viable and appealing option.

anncoates

Lucky bastard is great at the moment.

coolemon

naughtb4 wrote: »

Went to Sri Lanka a while ago and loved it! Lovely island and a good lot to do, only draw back is not too may other solo travellers

Did you visit the killing fields while you were there?

Wompa1

Lingua Franca wrote: »

Canary islands will be hottest. Malta is another option. I despised the Canaries, myself. I'm trying to take a short, hot holiday between March - May next year and Malta's looking like the most viable and appealing option.

Yip. The Canaries are awful!

How about California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas as a road trip...maybe even New Orleans. Drove across most of those states. It's pretty fun. There's a lot of national parks and monuments in each that don't get a lot of attention but are really cool.

If I had a month myself, I'd love to go from Chicago to Nova Scotia and maybe on to New Foundland but it might be dicey at the time of the year

Taajsgpm

FTA69 wrote: »

Due to the fact I've continually avoided taking holidays over the past couple of years in work, I've been told by work I have 24 days holiday I need to take between now and the 31st March; this is excluding Christmas. It basically means I can take the whole of January off to go travelling.

Has anyone any good ideas about where to go? The chances of this coming up again are pretty slim to say the least. So far I'm thinking of splitting the month between Bangladesh and Nepal, has anyone any experience of these places?

Both would be expireneces of a lifetime get out there andenjoy

Capt'n Midnight

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I'd love a go on one of those freighters that take passengers, go to China or Argentina or somewhere, love the high seas but the idea of a cruise ship appals me.

wojesully expensive


anyway if you have lots of cash and you are off in Jan then head to the southern hemisphere

smurfjed

I think that Bangladesh is a hole, Nepal if you aren't going climbing isn't much better. I would suggest flying to Kuala Lumpur, then using Air Asia to jump around Asia, Cambodia and Vietnam are amazing, you could then jump into Thailand and possibly all the way down to Bali. I work on a roster system so i get a calendar month off every year, I tried Australia for a month, very expensive, further north in Asia is much cheaper, Europe, ouch! The USA is good value for money.

But not knowing if you are single and what your budget is going to be, its hard to give you good suggestions.

Heisenberg88

Vegas and put your life savings on red on the roulette wheel.

Could also go to Cork and milk cows for the month.

Fratton Fred

Head over to New Zealand and Australia in February/march for the world cup.

jank

32 days a year? Government job of some sort I'm not mad, I'm jealous!

Nepal will be freezing at that time of year, well up in the mountains it will be and lets be honest, that is the main reason for going there. I wanted to do a trek in July of this year in Nepal but was rainy season any many people told me not to bother unless you are a fan of leaches. So instead I did a tour of Tibet. Unbelievable but Tibet in winter is a no no. Not only would you probably die (no not joking) but they don't give out permits to westerners at that time of year anyway.

Nepal is best in the shoulder seasons, right before and after monsoon.

January the weather is in the Southern Hemisphere. Someone mentioned Namibia. An amazing place to visit. I did a tour there a few years back and still pine for those isolated still mornings at sunrise where the whole world seemed to stand still. Probably the best holiday I ever had. You could easily combine it with South Africa and/or Botswana. Cape Town is a great city to visit. Africa blew me away and is a must for anyone interested in travel.

Alternatives would be South America? Rio Carnival? Argentina? Of course there is always Australia or NZ but you strike me as someone that wants something alternative.
With that said however, NZ is a great spot for travel. Sure it may cost a little to get there but the country is relatively small (compared to Australia or Brazil for example) but so travel friendly and good value if you are bringing in GBP or Euros. You could easily do both islands in a month. Or if you want to take your time do one (South Island >>>> North Island) at a really relaxed pace and fit in a few treks or walks. NZ have some of the best walks in the world and the scenery is stunning. Check out the Milford track or Kepler. The DOC look after their parks really well over there something that puts Ireland to shame to be honest.

Plenty of options, all that you need is a credit card and your passport (and maybe a few shots depending where you end up). Let us know what you decide.

BrokenHero

Thailand looks magical. Always wanted to go. Camile is no doubt the closest I'll get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUW-gmCcHwc

FTA69

jank wrote: »

32 days a year? Government job of some sort I'm not mad, I'm jealous!

Ha, I work for a trade union so they practice what they preach when it comes to work-life balance! The hours are often unsocial and we do every weekend, 6-7 day weeks are common but the pay is good and the holidays are brilliant. I can't complain for a second!

I'm booking the tickets to Bangladesh and Nepal tomorrow anyway, I've managed to get London to Dhaka, Dhaka to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to London for £600. I'll be gone for the month.

As I said in an earlier post, I work in the East End with migrant workers who are overwhelmingly Bengali and I'm the only white member of staff in the gaff I'm in. I think it would be fascinating to visit the country itself; it has immense natural beauty and is also well off the beaten track as that general area goes. You also don't get half of the hassle and scam artistry that you do in India. One of the lads I work with is a former diplomat and has been on the blower all day to Bangladesh organising free accommodation and tours etc in Dhaka and Sylhet. Couldn't ask for more really.

Secondly, one campaign we had here in the East End was raising awareness of the conditions of garment workers in Bangladesh, around 700 of them were killed a few years ago in a factory collapse. I'll be visiting that area and meeting with a few of the workers' groups they have there.

I'll have 9 days in Nepal which will allow me to see the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu as well as take a 3 day trek up one of the ranges and visit a few villages and temples etc. It'll be cold but apparently the views are fantastic at this time, the trails are still solid and I'll buy a sleeping bag when I get there for the hostels.

January the weather is in the Southern Hemisphere. Someone mentioned Namibia. An amazing place to visit. I did a tour there a few years back and still pine for those isolated still mornings at sunrise where the whole world seemed to stand still. Probably the best holiday I ever had. You could easily combine it with South Africa and/or Botswana. Cape Town is a great city to visit. Africa blew me away and is a must for anyone interested in travel.

Fantastic idea. Ethiopia was one gaff I was going to head to next year but Namibia sounds pretty unreal as well. Was it a pricey endeavour?

Alternatives would be South America? Rio Carnival? Argentina?

I was in Cuba earlier on in the year for boxing which was fantastic; if I return to Latin America though it will be for a few months at some stage though. I speak a bit of the old Spanish too which was handy.

Plenty of options, all that you need is a credit card and your passport (and maybe a few shots depending where you end up). Let us know what you decide.

Some great ideas there mate, thanks very much.

MadYaker

Post in the Travel Forum. But yeah SE Asia is supposed to be amazing, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia etc.

jank

FTA69 wrote: »

jank wrote: »

Ha, I work for a trade union so they practice what they preach when it comes to work-life balance! The hours are often unsocial and we do every weekend, 6-7 day weeks are common but the pay is good and the holidays are brilliant. I can't complain for a second!

I'm booking the tickets to Bangladesh and Nepal tomorrow anyway, I've managed to get London to Dhaka, Dhaka to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to London for £600. I'll be gone for the month.

As I said in an earlier post, I work in the East End with migrant workers who are overwhelmingly Bengali and I'm the only white member of staff in the gaff I'm in. I think it would be fascinating to visit the country itself; it has immense natural beauty and is also well off the beaten track as that general area goes. You also don't get half of the hassle and scam artistry that you do in India. One of the lads I work with is a former diplomat and has been on the blower all day to Bangladesh organising free accommodation and tours etc in Dhaka and Sylhet. Couldn't ask for more really.

Secondly, one campaign we had here in the East End was raising awareness of the conditions of garment workers in Bangladesh, around 700 of them were killed a few years ago in a factory collapse. I'll be visiting that area and meeting with a few of the workers' groups they have there.

I'll have 9 days in Nepal which will allow me to see the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu as well as take a 3 day trek up one of the ranges and visit a few villages and temples etc. It'll be cold but apparently the views are fantastic at this time, the trails are still solid and I'll buy a sleeping bag when I get there for the hostels.



Fantastic idea. Ethiopia was one gaff I was going to head to next year but Namibia sounds pretty unreal as well. Was it a pricey endeavour?



I was in Cuba earlier on in the year for boxing which was fantastic; if I return to Latin America though it will be for a few months at some stage though. I speak a bit of the old Spanish too which was handy.




Some great ideas there mate, thanks very much.

Not really. South Africa is great value if you stay away from western style safaris that are expensive. You can make it as cheap or as expensive as you want. Rent a 4x4 and away you go, paying for camping fees along the way.

TheBeardedLady

Ye lucky duck.

SameDiff

Deleted User wrote: »

You lucky bastard.

That is all.

I wish I'd been as lucky as him, to have taken no holidays in two years

FTA69

SameDiff wrote: »

I wish I'd been as lucky as him, to have taken no holidays in two years

In fairness I did take holidays, usually only half of what I was allowed though. In the past two years I've been to the USA, Palestine, Cuba, the Basque Country and Morocco as well as a good few weekends in Ireland. I was often caught to work bank holidays etc and it just built up. I've been very lucky the amount of gaffs I've been able to visit in such a short space of time.

SameDiff

FTA69 wrote: »

Palestine, Cuba...Morocco

They'd certainly be in my top ten, along with Afghanistan, the Gaza Strip and Finglas.

FTA69

SameDiff wrote: »

They'd certainly be in my top ten, along with Afghanistan, the Gaza Strip and Finglas.

"I took the road less travelled..."

Also you'll find that Gaza is in Palestine. They have lovely Medjoul dates that grow there.

SameDiff

FTA69 wrote: »

"I took the road less travelled..."

Also you'll find that Gaza is in Palestine. They have lovely Medjoul dates that grow there.

Sounds great!

*holds breath to try and pass out*

Meathlass

FTA69 wrote: »

"I took the road less travelled..."

Also you'll find that Gaza is in Palestine. They have lovely Medjoul dates that grow there.

Sounds like a fantastic trip.

You should post a trip report in the travel forum when you get back.

MadYaker

FTA69 wrote: »

"I took the road less travelled..."

Also you'll find that Gaza is in Palestine. They have lovely Medjoul dates that grow there.

Some people are very small minded about travel. I talk to people about having spent time in Uganda and Kenya and they look at me like I've got 2 heads. "Will you not be killed??? You'll get ebola" etc etc. Then they go and spend twice as much on 2 weeks in some awful spanish resort as I spent on 2 months in Africa.

FTA69

Palestine is hands down the best place I've ever gone. Although I was sick sh*t of f*cking hummus by the end of it. I found a KFC in Ramallah and barrelled through man, woman and child in order to get a crispy strips meal.