How to reduce the cost of your holiday

With the credit crunch looming over us it's reassuring to know that there are ways that we can still enjoy a well earned break from it all once (or twice or numerous times) a year.

Here are a few handy hints on how to reduce the cost of your holiday from searching for the best travel insurance to being flexible with your dates and location that should allow you to save a little bit of money to put by for a rainy day or for more shopping or a few more drinks once you get there!

1)      Research - When visiting a new destination spend time reading up on what it has to offer in terms of tourist attractions and activities. It is sometimes possible to pre book tours and day trips in advance at a reduced cost so if this is something you're interested in doing it is worth exploring this option. If you do choose to book in advance the tour operator will often send you information about your trip in advance so it gives you that will bit longer to read and plan and get excited!

2)      Shop Around - If you have an idea about where you would like to spend your holiday take a little bit of extra time exploring your various options, for example, is it cheaper to book the holiday as a package or can you save a few pennies by booking your accommodation and flights separately? It is also important to research a number of different airlines and agents to ensure you are getting the best package available to you. When booking your holiday try to be as flexible as possible as even just a few days can make the difference of hundreds of pounds. If you can, try to book flights during the week as these are often cheaper than those on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

3)      Get Insured - Most airlines often include optional travel insurance within the cost of your flight; however, while this may seem the easiest option it is often a more expensive way to purchase your travel insurance. Take the time to explore different insurance policies and book in advance to ensure you get the best possible price. Comparison websites can be useful with this as they allow you to search using your specific requirements. Also try AA Travel who offers single trip travel insurance for as little as £13.95 with up to £10 million in medical cover.