Savvy holidaymakers in England and Wales can more than double their time off next year by booking strategically around the bank holidays. With the average holiday allowance being just 25 days, it is possible to enjoy 57 days away from work in 2026 - an extra 22 days for free - just by making the most of some clever holiday planning.

Thanks to the travel experts at loveholidays, there are plenty of great value breaks to book to fill all those extra days. From city breaks in the Balkans to sunshine hols on the Costa's, booking now could help holidaymakers spend less.

To help holidaymakers maximise their travel potential, Love Holidays has not only pinpointed the best times to travel, it has also found the most affordable places to visit to make the budget stretch further. The online travel agent analysed its 2026 package holiday data to find the best bank holiday value trips to Europe and beyond.

Turning an average annual allowance into something more takes a little planning, but it's not hard to do. Here's how to play it:

Kicking off a year of adventures, Estonia is a great value destination and one of the top five cheapest spots year-round, according to Love Holidays. A Baltic gem where medieval charm comes alive, visitors can explore the fairy-tale towns, historic castles, pristine forests, tranquil lakes and over 2,000 idyllic islands just waiting to be explored.

At round £139 per person for a four-night stay in January, a short break brings in the new year. Staying a the heart of the city, wrap up warm to wander round Tallinn's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, where medieval cobblestone streets lead to historic landmarks surrounded by traditional Estonian restaurants, cafés and boutique shops.

Tallinn is often considered to be a more affordable alternative to some of the most popular Scandinavian cities such as Copenhagen and Oslo. Tui also offers short breaks to the capital city with prices starting from £260.

As the chill of winter warms its way into spring, consider Albania for a total annual leave game-changer during the Easter period. By strategically turning eight days of leave into an epic 16-day Adriatic adventure, you can explore the stunning Albanian Riviera before the high-season rush, all for an average of £998 per person.

In March and April, Albania enjoys mild, sunny weather, perfect for relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Ionian Coast. It also makes it an ideal time to explore ancient ruins, vibrant cities and scenic landscapes without the summer crowds.

Next up is Latvia where bargain lovers can transform just four days of booked leave into a full nine-day package holiday during the early bank holiday in May. With trips averaging just £340 per person, this is a whole lot of holiday for the money.

Pleasant temperatures are perfect for strolls through the capital city of Riga or lazy days on the beaches of Jūrmala. The shoulder season is also festival season in Latvia, which means plenty of opportunities to enjoy local culture, music and food.

For travellers who would like to embark on a more detailed adventure through Eastern Europe, Regent Holidays offers Balkan Tours that run all year round.

Combine the late May bank holiday with four days off, and you'll be treated to nine days of glorious Mediterranean sunshine. Getaways to Spain over that period average just £508 per person.

The Costa Brava dazzles with its golden beaches and charming medieval villages, packed full of sunshine and sangria. It's also easier on the wallet than hotspots like Ibiza or Marbella, offering the perfect holiday destination without the premium price tag.

With Spain being so popular, there are plenty of other package holidays out there. On The Beach also has a wide range of family-friendly Spanish holidays, including PortAventura World - a huge entertainment complex in Salou.

For a dose of history and adventure, Egypt is a good choice in late August. By taking four days of annual leave, time can be stretched into a nine-day escape averaging around £540 per person. Travellers can soak up the mystery of the pyramids, wander through the Valley of the Kings or take a cruise along the Nile at sunset.

Red Sea resorts offer five-star luxury at much less than comparable hotels in the Mediterranean, paired with sandy beaches, coral reefs and cocktails.

Wrap up the year with a festive break in France. By simply taking four days off, skiers can unlock ten days of Alpine magic and festive atmosphere, averaging £774 per person. It's the perfect end to the year, offering authentic Christmas markets and snow-covered mountain villages.

France offers some of Europe's best skiing, with extensive, well-connected resorts like Les Trois Vallées and Chamonix, reliable snow conditions and easy access via short flights from the UK.

For dedicated skiers, We Ski offers a range of deals on ski breaks throughout France and beyond, including Val Thorens and Les Deux Alpes

Sunseekers who have already been away with Love Holidays have shared their experiences on Trustpilot, giving the travel agent a 4.3 out of five-star rating from more than 232,000 travellers. One said: "Best company ever for weekend breaks. Was absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish & will 100% be using again very soon."

Another added: "Great service great prices. One of the best online holiday companies. always use them."

With so many reviews it's no surprise that some customers were less impressed. One noted: "Great and easy to book with.. but this is about the 10th holiday I've booked with you so some sort of loyalty bonus would be a nice touch."

Another delighted holidaymaker left a five-star review that said: "This is the second or third time we have booked with Love Holidays. We have been very pleased with the whole experience and booking through Love is so simple and the choice of holidays is amazing."

Travel expert shares genius trick to get 57 days off in 2026 and holiday for less - The Mirror