I usually work to an average of 4 weeks a year. I typically take a week at march break (not this year), 1-2 weeks in the summer and 2 weeks over Xmas and New Year. I don't work Fridays so when there is a long weekend I typically, but not always, take the Thursday or Tuesday off too which gives me a nice 5 days off and really makes the world of difference. Last year I took more off as I had to take 2 weeks for bed rest after surgery but I am not going to apologise for that as it was for health reasons not vacation time. My vacation and sickness is always unpaid but I am paid for all stats which are in addition to my 4-6 weeks off. This next 12 months will be tight for me as I tighten the belt in preparation for dropping to a 1 income family so I'm not sure if there will be much time off beyond the 5 day weekends during stats. It's not just the cot of a trip but the loss of income is a big deal. Xmas and New Year I am always off...this year for example I will work my last day on Thursday Dec 18th and go back to work on Monday Jan 5th. I will only in fact be taking 6 work days off but will have a total of 17 days off in a row so this is why I typically take this time off annually.