Question 1

Why should I check public holidays before travelling?

Accepted Answer

Public holidays mean banks, government offices, many shops and some tourist attractions will be closed. Transport can be crowded and prices higher. In some countries entire cities shut down for major holidays — checking in advance lets you plan around or embrace local celebrations.

Question 2

What is the difference between a public holiday and a bank holiday?

Accepted Answer

Public holidays are official days off for the general population. Bank holidays specifically refer to days when banks are required to close, but the term is commonly used interchangeably with public holidays in the UK and Ireland. In practice, both result in most businesses closing.

Question 3

Which country has the most public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Cambodia leads with around 28 public holidays per year. Other countries with many holidays include Sri Lanka (25+), India (varies by state, 17–25 nationally recognised), Philippines (20), and South Korea (17). The USA has only 11 federal public holidays.

Question 4

Are public holidays the same across an entire country?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Federal countries like the USA, Australia, India, Germany and Brazil have national holidays plus additional state or regional holidays. For example, in Australia, the state public holiday calendar can vary significantly between Queensland and Victoria.

Question 5

How far in advance are 2026 public holidays confirmed?

Accepted Answer

Most public holidays are set by law and do not change year to year, so the 2026 dates are largely confirmed. Exceptions include Islamic holidays (Eid, Ramadan) which shift each year based on the lunar calendar, and some countries which announce floating holidays closer to the date.

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