The Ultimate Guide: How to Write a Perfect Holiday Request Letter (With Samples!)

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with another helpful guide. Today we’re tackling a question I get all the time: how to write a letter of holiday request that actually gets approved. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or just need some mental health days, nailing your request is key!

Why Your Holiday Request Letter Matters

Let’s be real – nobody wants their vacation dreams crushed because of a badly written email. A polished request shows you’re professional, respects your manager’s time, and makes it WAY harder for them to say no. Pro tip: Always submit requests early (like, yesterday early) during busy seasons!

The 5 Must-Have Sections of a Killer Request

1. Clear Subject Line: “Vacation Request: [Your Name], [Dates]” saves everyone time.

2. Polite Opening: “I hope you’re doing well!” beats jumping straight to demands.

3. Specific Dates: “Monday, June 10th to Friday, June 14th” – ambiguity = instant rejection.

4. Work Coverage Plan: Show you’ve thought ahead: “I’ll complete Project X before leaving and train Sarah on my tasks.”

5. Gratitude: “Thank you for considering this request” goes a long way.

Sample Letters for Every Situation

Formal Version:

“Dear [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to formally request approved vacation from [Date] to [Date]. All my current projects will be wrapped up by [Date], and I’ve coordinated with [Colleague’s Name] to handle urgent matters. Please let me know if you need additional information. Thank you for your time!

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

Casual Version (for chill workplaces):

“Hey [Manager’s Name],

Would it be possible for me to take off August 5th-9th? My kids are out of school and we’ve got a family trip planned. I’ll make sure the quarterly report is done before I go! Thanks so much – let me know if you’d like to chat about coverage.

Cheers,

[Your Name]”

Common Mistakes That Get Requests Denied

• Writing last-minute (request at least 2+ weeks out)

• Forgetting to check the company calendar for blackout dates

• Being vague about who’s covering your work

• Apologizing excessively (it’s your earned time off!)

• CC’ing the whole company instead of just your manager

Remember, folks – your vacation days are part of your compensation! While you should be professional, you don’t need to beg. One client told me they got 3 extra days approved just by adding “This aligns with my peak productivity refresh cycle” – genius!

Alright, that’s everything you need to craft the perfect holiday request! The key is making it easy for your boss to say yes while showing you’re on top of your responsibilities. Got a funny approval/rejection story? Share it with me – I live for this stuff! Until next time, may all your vacation requests be granted. 😎

FAQpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you confidently request that well-deserved break! If you need personalized advice about holiday request letters, hit me up anytime. Happy travels!