[2026 Annual Leave Strategy] A Must-Read for Office Workers! See All HK Public Holidays, Find Your Long Weekends, and Travel Inspiration in One Place!

It's time for all office workers to plan their big travel adventures for 2026! Want to use the minimum number of Annual Leave (AL) days to create your own long holiday? We've prepared a detailed 2026 AL strategy for you. Whether you're looking for a quick "flash trip" to recharge or an in-depth travel experience, this article might just bring you new travel inspiration! Once you've planned your AL, remember to bring the "travel essential" WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card to enjoy a money-saving and convenient journey!

Don't want the same old itinerary? Here are Top 3 2026 Travel Trends to check out!

When planning your trip, it's not just about where to go, but also how you travel! It's time to say goodbye to the "sleep on the bus, take photos when you get off" travel model and add a unique touch of novelty!

• Glow-cations🧘‍♀️: No more whirlwind tours. Choose a destination and truly relax your body, mind, and soul through activities like spas, yoga, and meditation, giving your inner self a full "recharge" before setting off again!
• Reverse Tourism🚗: Tired of crowds? Try avoiding peak travel seasons and popular Instagram spots. Opt for the off-season or explore overlooked second-tier cities. You'll discover quieter, more authentic scenery, and your travel costs could be even lower!
• Food-focused Travel 🍴: Let food be your guide and dive deep into the local culinary culture! For example, go to Japan to learn how to make wagashi (Japanese sweets) or join a cooking class in Italy to experience the local culture through your taste buds!

No Leave Needed 😍 Turn Long Weekends into Mini-Breaks!

Want to relax with a short trip without using your AL? In 2026, there are 5 golden opportunities to easily create 3 to 4-day short holidays by taking advantage of public holidays. Perfect for Hong Kongers who love a spontaneous getaway!

Want ideas for a flash trip? Recommended weekend getaway destinations:

• Macau, Zhuhai: No need to go abroad! Whether by car, ferry, or the Golden Bus, it's only about an hour's journey to enjoy star-rated hotels, Michelin-starred cuisine, and exciting entertainment 🏩, experiencing a different city vibe.
• Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Okinawa: With short flight times (approx. 2-3 hours), these are perfect for a flash trip! You can eat authentic Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, visit Kumamon in Kumamoto 🐻, or enjoy the sun on the azure beaches of Okinawa and experience the unique leisurely charm of southern Japan.
• Shanghai, Hangzhou: If you want to feel the charm of a metropolis, check in at The Bund in Shanghai; for a poetic and picturesque experience, take a stroll by the West Lake in Hangzhou 🚶‍♂️. One weekend can take you on a journey between modernity and classicism.

Want to have more fun? ✈️ Exchange 2 AL days for a 5-day Mini-break!

If a 3 or 4-day short break isn't enough, just take 1-2 AL days on specific dates to extend your holiday to 5 days! It’s perfect for a short-haul trip, allowing for a more in-depth experience without being too tiring—a high-value choice!

5-Day Holiday Inspiration ✈️ These places are the most fun!

• Hokkaido: July is the lavender season. Immerse yourself in the purple flower seas of Furano 🪻, then enjoy fresh melon and milk ice cream, and bask in the cool weather—truly relaxing!
• Singapore: Check in at the Merlion Park, experience the thrills of Universal Studios, and savor local delicacies like Hainanese chicken rice and bak kut teh 🍗. If you're on a budget, a flash trip to Singapore is also a great option.
• Nagoya, Shirakawa-go: Explore the Chubu region of Japan 🎎, visit the fairy-tale-like Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village, and then return to Nagoya for Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice, eaten three ways) to experience a different side of Japanese culture.

Take 3 Days Off for a 10-Day Holiday in 2026 🌍 A trip to Europe, America, Australia, or New Zealand is no longer just a dream!

Want to travel further for a truly in-depth tour? Just mark down the two golden periods in 2026, take 2-3 days of leave, and you can have a 9 to 10-day long holiday. A trip to Europe, America, Australia, or New Zealand is no longer a dream!

9-10 Day Long-Haul Travel Destination Recommendations 🌍

• Switzerland: Experience a white New Year in Europe, ski in the Alps, and then feel the romantic atmosphere of a fairy-tale town by Lake Lucerne ❄️.
• Canada: Visit family and travel in Vancouver or Toronto, or head to Yellowknife to chase the Northern Lights, witness nature's magical light show, and have an extraordinary Lunar New Year!
• United Kingdom: See Big Ben in London, visit the British Museum, hunt for treasures in different markets, and in the evening, watch an opera in the SOHO district to experience the fashion and cultural vibe of England 🍻!
• New Zealand: Embark on a self-drive tour of the South Island, admire the magnificent fjords and glaciers, and experience the thrill of extreme sports—definitely the top choice for nature lovers 🏞️!

The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Tool 💳 WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card! "Exchange + Spend" in One Card!

Once the itinerary is planned, the next step is exchanging money! You can exchange currencies for all the travel destinations mentioned above right in the App. Easily compare exchange rates from major banks, and 💱 in just 3 simple steps, exchange up to 10 foreign currencies with $0 handling fees¹!

✨ WeLab Bank offers a "Best Rate Guarantee³," ensuring you enjoy the lowest exchange rate in the city³, helping you save more!

👉 For details, please refer to "Best Rate Guarantee³" https://www.welab.bank/en/feature/fx-best-rate-guarantee/

After exchanging money at WeLab Bank, remember to bring the "travel essential—WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card"

• 💱 When you spend, the amount is directly debited from the foreign currency you've already exchanged, tracking your spending instantly
• ✨ $0 foreign currency transaction fee²
• 🚘 Use it for shopping, dining, and transport anywhere Mastercard is accepted globally, so you don't need to carry large amounts of cash.
• 💱 Earn cash rebates on your spending⁴, making your travel purchases even more worthwhile!

👉 Learn more about the "WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card"

With smart use of your AL, both short and long-haul trips are no longer a problem! 📱 Download the WeLab Bank App now, open an account in as fast as 5 minutes⁵, and remember to use the "travel essential" WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card to prepare for your next journey, save more, and have the time of your life!

^Remarks:

^{(1) The fee refers to the exemption of foreign exchange transaction fees.}

^{(2) Overseas spending may be settled either in the local currency of the country/region where the transaction takes place or in Hong Kong Dollar: (A) For transaction settled in the local currency, (i) foreign currency transaction fee waiver will apply if the transaction is settled in any of the 10 eligible foreign currencies (including Japanese Yen, US Dollar, Renminbi, Australian Dollar, Sterling Pound, Euro, Singapore Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc and New Zealand Dollar), and (ii) if a foreign currency exchange is required to complete the transaction, the exchange will be carried out at our prevailing exchange rate, and no foreign exchange transaction fee will be charged. (B) For transaction settled in Hong Kong Dollar, the transaction will not be treated as a foreign currency transaction and will be subject to the exchange rate, fees, and charges determined by the merchant bank, rather than by us.}

^{(3) During the Promotion Period, if an Eligible Customer successfully converts HKD100,000 or above to an Eligible Foreign Currency in a single transaction through the “Foreign Exchange” function via the WeLab Bank App and find a Third-Party FX Quote under which the Eligible Customer could have used less HKD to buy the same amount of Eligible Foreign Currency within 5 minutes of completing the Eligible FX Transaction, WeLab Bank will rebate the difference between the sell-HKD amount of the Eligible FX Transaction and the sell-HKD amount of the Third-Party FX Quote. Each Eligible Customer can only enjoy the rebate for one Eligible FX Transaction every 12 calendar months (based on the transaction date of the Eligible FX Transaction). The maximum Rebate Amount is HKD 100. Offer is subject to terms and conditions. Click here for details.}

^{(4) From 1 January 2026 until 28 February 2026, enjoy 0.4% cash rebate on the Net Spending Amount of each Eligible Spending Transaction made with WeLab Global Wallet Debit Card. The Cash Rebate will be credited in the transaction settlement currency on or before 31 March 2026, capped at HKD100 or its equivalent. Terms and conditions apply. Please click here for promotion details.}

^{(5) Account opening time may vary depending on network conditions, mobile device, and required documents.}

^{Disclaimer: The content is for information only. Foreign Exchange involves Exchange Rate Risk. The value of foreign currency will be subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuation. As a result, customer may incur gains or loss of principal in the event that the customer converts Hong Kong Dollar or foreign currency to another currency, and/or in the event that the customer converts a foreign to Hong Kong Dollar. The information above is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to subscribe to or to enter into any transaction.}