How We’re Using Unpaid Parental Leave in the UK to Travel (again) as a Family

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Planning a family trip using unpaid parental leave? Here’s how we’re doing it—again—after 5 months in Asia, with tips on applying and your rights in the UK.

If you’re a working parent in the UK, chances are you’ve heard of maternity and paternity leave—but what about unpaid parental leave?

It’s a legal right in the UK that many parents aren’t using—and we’re currently in the process of applying for it ourselves. Why? Because after the success of our five-month adventure in Asia, we’ve decided to do it again—this time taking a family trip using unpaid parental leave as part of our plan.

This post covers everything we’ve learned about how to take unpaid parental leave in the UK, especially if you’re considering using it for extended family travel.

What Is Unpaid Parental Leave in the UK?

Unpaid parental leave gives eligible working parents the right to take time off to care for their child. This could be for anything from settling them into childcare to, like us, taking a longer family trip without quitting your job.

Unlike maternity or paternity leave, this time off is unpaid, but your employment rights are protected while you’re away.

Who’s Eligible for Unpaid Parental Leave?

To qualify, you must:

Be an employee (not freelance or self-employed),
Have worked for your employer for at least one year,
Have parental responsibility for the child (biological, adoptive, or legal).

If you meet these criteria, you’re legally entitled to unpaid parental leave—regardless of what your company’s internal policies say.

How Much Leave Can You Take?

Here’s what UK law allows:

Up to 18 weeks unpaid leave per child (before they turn 18),
A maximum of 4 weeks per child per year (unless your employer agrees to more),
Usually taken in whole weeks, not single days (unless your child is disabled or your employer allows it).

We’re using several weeks next year to extend our family travel plans, without draining our annual leave or risking our jobs.

How to Apply for Unpaid Parental Leave

We’re currently at this stage—submitting our request.

Here’s how it works:

Give your employer at least 21 days’ written notice, stating the exact dates you plan to take off.
Your employer can postpone the leave for up to six months if your absence would disrupt the business.
They must respond in writing within 7 days if they’re postponing it.
They can’t refuse it outright if you’re eligible.

We recommend starting this conversation as early as possible—especially if you’re planning something like long-term travel or a family career break.

What Happens to Your Job While You’re Away?

Even though the leave is unpaid, your job and employment rights are protected. That means:

You’re entitled to return to the same job (or a suitable alternative),
You continue to accrue annual leave,
And you’re protected from unfair treatment or dismissal due to taking the leave.

Why We’re Taking Parental Leave for Travel—Again

In 2024, we spent five incredible months travelling around Asia as a family. It was eye-opening, grounding, and an experience we’ll never forget. After returning, we knew we wanted to do it again—and thanks to unpaid parental leave, we can.

This time, we’re planning a slightly shorter but equally exciting trip next year, combining unpaid parental leave with some saved annual leave and flexible working options. It’s our way of creating space for meaningful family time while keeping our jobs secure.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely Yes—if you can plan for the income gap.

Taking unpaid time off isn’t easy, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. But the chance to break routine and reconnect as a family has been worth every bit of planning.

Whether you’re dreaming of slow travel, navigating childcare changes, or just need time to breathe, unpaid parental leave is a powerful tool.

Final Thoughts + Tips

Unpaid parental leave in the UK is underused but full of potential—especially for parents looking to travel, reset, or spend more time with their kids while they’re still little.

If you’re considering it, here are a few tips:

Start conversations with your employer early,
Budget for the unpaid time off well in advance,
Mix it with other types of leave (e.g. annual leave, flexible hours),
Don’t be afraid to use the entitlement—you’ve earned it.

Thinking about taking unpaid parental leave for travel?
Drop a comment or message—I’d love to hear your plans, swap notes, or share more about our process.

Tag: leave

Unpaid Parental Leave