Wego, the leading travel search site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, today shares a review of public holidays for 2016, so that everyone can make the most of their travel opportunities throughout the year.
“Time travels faster than an A380 and before you know it, you’re faced with another new working year,” said Joachim Holte, Chief Marketing Officer, Wego. “Don’t be that person who slaps themselves in the forehead on a Friday, when realising that Monday is a public holiday, and you’ve failed to plan an escape.”
“At Wego, we see a lot of last minute travel planning, and also recognise the reality of post holiday blues, which is why we think it’s important to start planning some extended getaways now.”
With a little forward planning, you can now check the year’s public holidays in advance, and search for the best flights and hotels now which can equate in big savings for your travel budget.
“We definitely encourage spontaneous travel and escapes, it’s good for the soul, but knowing you’ve planned a four day trip, using only one or two days of your precious holiday leave, is extremely satisfying, and gives you something to look forward to,” Holte added. “You should also get in early before your workmates and apply for holiday leave with your boss so you don’t miss out!”
Depending on where you live, there’s enormous opportunities for extended weekend breaks with the addition of a couple of days of holiday leave.
“We all tend to procrastinate and it’s usually only when someone mentions that Monday is a public holiday that you find yourself wishing you’d had more forethought and planned a great escape,” said Holte. “When you add up the number of public holidays in your country, you get a real sense of the number of opportunities to slip in a number of extended breaks.”
“The Philippines leads this year with 20 national public holidays*, even more depending on which area you live in,” Holte continued. “Hong Kongers can look forward to 18 days this year, 15 in Malaysia and Thailand, 13 in Indonesia, 11 in Singapore and the UAE, 10 in Australia and 9 in Saudi Arabia.”
“India has 17 national holidays although there are a number of state based holidays as well, which makes it a country with one of the most number of opportunities for additional leave,” said Holte. “Similarly in the Philippines, where regional observances for cultural festivals add some more days to the national tally.”
“Before you’re facing another January, print Wego’s calendar and plan a year of unforgettable experiences. Don’t curse missed opportunities, celebrate a year of great memories instead this time next year,” Holte concluded.
*According to government gazettes