It is all thanks to the fluky way public holidays fall next year. Apart from Hari Raya Aidilfitri - a Wednesday - all the days off are close to weekends, so taking an extra day adds up to a four-day break.

The first long weekend is already under way if you have taken tomorrow off, but the next one is not far off.

Chinese New Year falls on Thursday and Friday in February, so by taking an additional three days of leave, you can enjoy a nine-day break.

Manager Lim Suat Aik, 45, is looking forward to her Chinese New Year break. She used to take about four days of leave to spend eight days with her family in Malaysia. This year, she will need to take only three days off to get nine days away.

'I get to see my family only about once in two years so this time, I can spend more time catching up with my parents and siblings, and just relaxing,' said Ms Lim.

Travel agencies said the holiday-friendly calendar, coupled with the healthy economy and good bonuses, has boosted bookings over next year's long weekends.

Dynasty Travel said bookings for the Chinese New Year period have gone up by 20 per cent compared with last year. Most of its tours to popular destinations such as Australia and Japan are fully booked.

SA Tours spokesman Ruth Lim said the agency is expecting a 20 to 30 per cent increase in profits next year due to the long weekends.

jamieee@sph.com.sg