As the UK welcomed the arrival of 2026, many are now seeking ways to combat post-holiday blues by planning upcoming time off. Maximizing annual leave around the 2026 bank holidays is a popular strategy. Here is a list of the bank holidays scheduled for 2026 to assist in planning.
The AA has cautioned drivers about potential breakdowns on the first working Monday of the year, which has been dubbed “manic Monday.” Over 22 million car journeys are expected, prompting a reminder for motorists to inspect their vehicles, especially if they were idle during the festive season.
According to the AA, last year’s first working Monday witnessed a 27% increase in breakdown requests compared to a regular Monday in February. Shaun Jones, an AA expert, emphasized the stress of returning to work after the holiday period, highlighting the importance of vehicle maintenance to avoid unwelcome car troubles during the morning rush.
Planning and preparing by checking the car over the weekend can alleviate some of the stress associated with the return to work routine. Remember to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns.