As the UK welcomed the arrival of 2026, many are starting the New Year with enthusiasm. If the post-Christmas period has left you feeling down, you might already be planning your next vacations. To make the most of your time off, consider scheduling annual leave around the upcoming 2026 bank holidays. Here is a comprehensive list of the holiday dates for your reference.

The AA has issued a warning that the first working Monday of the year, known as “manic Monday,” is expected to be one of the busiest days for breakdowns. The roadside assistance company anticipates over 22 million car journeys and advises drivers to check their vehicles, especially if they have been inactive during the Christmas season.

Comparing data from last year, the AA reported a 27% increase in breakdown requests on the first working Monday compared to a Monday in February. Shaun Jones, an AA expert, highlighted the stress of returning to work after the festive period, emphasizing the importance of preparing your vehicle in advance to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

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