So here you are? once again chained to your desk, desperately avoiding your 2010 inbox by surfing travel websites in the hope it'll wash away the back-to-work blues.

I'm afraid sooner or later you'll have to face up to another year, but I have a solution. Public holidays. South Africa is blessed with a dozen of them, and if you play your cards right you could easily rack up a few mini-holidays until summer 2010 rolls around.

New Year's Day has been and gone before you can say 'hangover', but you'll be pleased to hear that it's just a little over two months before we hit 'public holiday season' in March and April. Apart from that pesky World Cup making Youth Day travels a little tricky, there are a good few public holiday travel opportunities to take advantage of later in the year too.

The key is to get organized and start your planning now. Steal a march on your colleagues and book a leave day or two around the holidays before everyone gets the same idea. So? before you get stuck into your inbox, open your calendar and start planning your next Great Escape.

Monday 22 March: Human Rights Day
Because March 21 falls on a Sunday, Monday 22nd becomes a public holiday. As it's only a three-day break you'll want to stay close to home, so perhaps a short break up the Garden Route, up into the Drakensberg or a bush break to the Pilanesberg? That said, it's still warm enough to enjoy most of the country's beaches, so why not pack the board and head for J-Bay, or catch a last-minute tan on the North and South Coasts? As this is also heading into the low season for many establishments, you'll likely be able to find good deals on accommodation. Remember to book early to get cheap flights.

Friday 2 ? Monday 5 April: Easter Weekend
Autumn is the secret season in the Western Cape, and in my book it's far and away the best time to visit. The temperatures are mild, the skies are blue from the occasional rainy day and the crowds have largely gone? but most of all the blimmin' wind has stopped blowing!

You'll usually find wonderful calm days in April: perfect for exploring the nature reserve at Cape Point or venturing up the West Coast. The winelands are also at their most beautiful, as the vines turn to a deep shade of red. The Hex River valley, on the N1, is the best place to marvel at the patchwork of autumn colours.

Easter is also the weekend for the legendary Two Oceans Marathon: a 56-kilometre circuit of the Cape Peninsula. Even if you're not running, it's a Cape Town institution to go along and support the thousands of joggers sweating their way along the route.

Tuesday 27 April: Freedom Day
Argh, a mid-week public holiday! Unless you take the Monday as annual leave it's best to keep this one for a day outing. Pack a picnic and explore a local park, pack the family in the car and find a country farmstall for lunch, or just stay at home and light the braai. It's starting to get chilly now, so make the most of any sunny days!

Saturday 1 May: Workers Day
Robbed again! 1 May falls on a Saturday, and as this is 'officially' a working day it doesn't carry over to the Monday. No really, I promise. It doesn't carry over, so don't drive your HR department mad by asking them again. It's just a normal Saturday, but give yourself a day off and tell the lawnmower it's not going anywhere today. Sit Flymo, sit.

Page 2: World Cup mayhem and three-day weekends

Have we missed a trick? Where would you suggest for a long-weekend escape? Post your ideas below...