Getting the most for your money - our guide to booking travel...
How do you get the best value for money when booking your holiday, flight or accommodation?  Well, many people still believe (to their cost) that booking at the last minute will secure the best price.  Whilst there are times this can be true, there is far more to it than that.  We have put together some top tips to ensure that you don't pay over the odds:

• Book early - Many of the best flight fares are available early.  The airlines manage their inventory very carefully and will put up their fares as the flight fills up.  It is possible that they may reduce as they near the departure date but this is unlikely and a VERY risky strategy!

• Be flexible on dates - Did you know that the price you pay can depend on when you go?  For example, many long haul flights will require you to stay a Saturday night to get the best fare.  Often changing your flight by one day either way can make a very big difference to the price.

• Be flexible on departure airport - You'll be surprised at the vast difference in air fares dependant upon where you fly from.

• Check the rules - Although some long haul flights do require a Saturday night stay, many do not.  For example, with many British Airways fares and with several other airlines, simply by staying a minimum of 3 nights will get you the best fare.  If you are unsure about getting the best fare for your holiday, our consultants will be happy to help.  You can call them on 020 8518 1010.

• Check the season - For many destinations the "season" can play a big part - for example, when travelling to Australia if you travel in our summertime you will get the cheapest fares (see www.ticketstoaustralia.co.uk for example).  On the other hand, in the two weeks before Christmas the price rises to its highest, however, if you don't have to be there for Christmas Day, why not fly then?  The price usually drops considerably then - giving you more money to spend when you get there!

• Ask the experts - Although it can often be cheaper to book online, sometimes it doesn't give the full picture.  You may be unaware that by travelling a week earlier or later could save your family hundreds if not thousands of pounds.  If in doubt about your chosen destination, call one of our team on 020 8518 1010 for help and advice.

• Where you stay matters - As you might expect, large chain hotels that have a lot of business travellers will be expensive and possibly full during the week.  Conversely, if you stay there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, you are likely to get much better rates and possibly added value such as complimentary breakfast or use of the spa and gym facilities.  For smaller city centre tourist hotels the opposite can be true.  During the week they may offer better rates or added value (e.g. additional free nights) whereas at the weekend they are likely to be full and more expensive.

• Be prepared to walk a little - Ask yourself, do you need to stay in the city centre? - Whilst some cities are large and sprawling, others are more compact and distances much shorter than a transport map may suggest.  Just staying a 5 minute bus or tube ride from the centre can save you a considerable amount - perhaps even covering your meals or spending money while you are there.  You may also get more space and perhaps even added value such as inclusive breakfast.

• Book a package to save money - Although independent travellers these days are far more aware of the process than in previous years, it can still work out far more rewarding financially to book your flight and accommodation together.  Whilst you may find you get an excellent flight price online, there are many times when getting the cheap hotel to go with it can prove a headache.  The tour operator will usually have access to better rates and is able to sell these to you as a package rather than as just a "room only" hotel.  It's always worth comparing the flight + accommodation package price with what you find yourself. 

• Book a package to protect your money – By booking your holiday independently, without a travel agent, means you could lose your money.  In the event of insolvency, there is no legal requirement for airlines and hotels to protect your money.  However, book your holiday through an ATOL travel agent (like ourselves) and your money and peace of mind are secure. Reliable travel agents would have paid out vast amounts of 'insurance' to their regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Authority, in order to be permitted to sell package holidays.  So as well as saving yourself money by booking a package (rather than by booking the flights and accommodation from separate sources), you have the added benefit and reassurance that your holiday is protected wherever you see the ATOL logo. 

• Don't pay single supplements. – If you can, find someone to share your hotel room and share the cost;