2025 Vacation Ready? Here's How to use your VLs Wisely

2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate year of long weekends, and savvy travelers are already on their toes figuring out how to make the most of those Vacation Leaves (VLs). Whether you’re craving a beach trip, a foodie trip abroad, or simply some guilt-free “me time,” planning your vacation days wisely can turn good breaks into an epic holiday.
Don’t worry — we did the math for you! This vacation (leave) planning guide will help you make every leave day count, from holiday hacks to the best times to book that trip! Ready to level up your 2025 travel game? Let’s map it all out!
The Official 2025 Philippines Holidays List
Of course, you can’t start mapping out your game plan without seeing the list. Here’s a rundown of all regular and special non-working holidays in the Philippines this 2025:
Regular Holidays
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
- Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Wednesday)
- Maundy Thursday – April 17
- Good Friday – April 18
- Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
- Independence Day – June 12 (Thursday)
- National Heroes Day – August 25 (Last Monday of August)
- Bonifacio Day – November 30
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Rizal Day – December 30
Special Non-Working Days
- Chinese New Year – January 29 (Wednesday)
- Black Saturday – April 19
- Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Thursday)
- All Saints’ Day Eve – October 31 (Friday)
- All Saints Day – November 1 (Saturday)
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8 (Monday)
- Christmas Eve – December 24 (Wednesday)
- Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Wednesday)
The 2025 Long Weekends

At first glance, these dates might seem minimal (with most around the 2nd and 4th quarter of the year), but with a little thinking, you can stretch all those breaks into eventful long weekends. Here’s a list of all upcoming long weekends in 2025:
Long Weekends in 2025
- Dec. 28, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025: Saturday to Wednesday (New Year)
- Apr. 17 to 20, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Holy Weekend)
- May 1 to 4, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Labor Day Weekend) - File your VL on May 2
- June 12 to 15, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Independence Day Weekend) - File your VL on June 13
- Aug. 21 to 25, 2025: Thursday to Monday (Ninoy Aquino + National Heroes Day Weekend) - File your VL on Aug. 22
- Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2025: Friday to Sunday (All Saints’ Day Weekend)
- Dec. 24, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026: Wednesday to Thursday (Christmas + New Year Weekend) - File your VLs on Dec. 26 and 29
Making Every Leave Day Count
The best way to make the most of your paid vacation leaves is to schedule them around long weekends. That may already seem like a no-brainer, but here’s a little something to help you out: sandwiched days.
These are workdays between two holidays or between a holiday and the weekend. And honestly? These are the perfect chances to extend your break without using too many leave credits.
Why Plan Ahead?
- It saves you money. Avoid inflated prices for accommodations and fares by booking early.
- It secures your spots. Popular tourist spots fill up fast, so planning ahead makes sure you don’t miss out.
- Very mindful planning. Planning in advance prevents your travelmates from being overwhelmed with extra work. Win-win!
Your Strategy for the Perfect 2025 – Vacation-wise
So, you have all those dates on your planner and calendar. Now, it’s time to strategize! Start with the question: What’s your 2025 vibe?
- Adventure: Do you foresee some thrilling treks, extreme sports, or exploring new cities with your friends?
- Relaxation: Are you envisioning a spa day, cozy glamping or camping cabins, or a day at the beach while you soak up some vitamin sea?
- Family Time: Is bonding with your family part of your goals this year?
- Romantic Getaways: Been wanting to have a moment with just you and your partner in an idyllic place?
- Self-Discovery: Or maybe just some solo adventures, a needed R&R, or just staying comfortable at home?
Your vision will guide you in aligning your vacation days with your goals for the year. Combine your vibes with smart planning, such as taking advantage of long weekends and sandwiched days, and you’ll set the tone for a year filled with unforgettable memories.
Final Tips for a Smarter, Wiser Travel this 2025
Now that you have all that information, here are some more tips to end this guide properly:
- Make the most out of the tech tools available. To stay on track with your bookings and dates, why not use apps like Google Calendar, Wanderlog, etc.?
- Be flexible with your travel dates. Most of the time, traveling during off-peak season is better because of deals and fewer people. Why not plan your travel during off-peak days? The downside, however, could be weather concerns but this is where research and planning come in.
- Set and stick to your budget. Setting a spending limit helps you narrow down the best deals for your travel itinerary. Plus, it also helps you not overspend.
- Be prepared for anything. In the case that your leave hasn’t been approved or some unforeseen circumstances happen, it’s best to be prepared.
With all this in mind, 2025 is set to become your best travel year yet. Happy planning and plotting your VLs, everyone!
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