A relaxing holiday doesn’t have to cost the earth. By following these handy hints you can enjoy a trip that doesn’t put strain on you or your bank account.

Book online and book early.

A lack of overheads means it is cheaper for travel agents and airlines to sell deals over the internet. Many companies pass on these savings to the consumer by offering discounts on online bookings, and the earlier you book, the cheaper everything will be.

Don’t be fussy

Hotels are usually cheaper out of season. The same goes for air tickets, which are also lower priced in mid-week. So, you can make a saving if you’re not choosy about when you go – or where. Being happy to accept a cheaper package somewhere you didn’t immediately have in mind will mean you have more spending money to spare when you arrive.

Haggle

This doesn’t just refer to arguing over prices with stallholders in whatever country you visit (though that’s always a good idea). It also applies to dealing with your tour operator, and it is common practice these days. Travel agents are more likely to accept a lower price than risk not filling all the places on a charter plane or package tour.

Choose low-cost airlines

This is an obvious point, perhaps - but what may be less evident is exactly how much you can save by booking with no-frills carriers like easyJet (http://www.easyjet.com), bmibaby (http://www.bmibaby.com) and Ryanair (http://www.ryanair.com). Some one-way tickets are available for less than a £10 – a massive saving when compared with equivalent flights of standard airlines such as British Airways (http://www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (http://www.virgin-atlantic.com).

Shop around for best exchange rate

Buying currency at the last minute at the airport or a bureau de change will provide poor value. There are better bets than high street travel agents, too. Not all charge commission these days, but neither do they always offer the best exchange rate. The Post Office (http://www.postoffice.co.uk) or your bank is probably a better-value option.

Stock up on supplies

Airport shops are notoriously pricey, so save cash by buying your bottles of water, snacks and sun lotions before you get there. The same goes for goods on the plane, where a small can of fizzy drink can cost you pounds instead of pence.

Buy travel passes

Many towns and cities offer discount passes for regular travellers on public transport. Local travel guides will give more details.

Take care when buying travel insurance

Travel agents will often offer ‘free’ holiday insurance that is actually built into the cost of an overpriced holiday. Accept this and you could not only be paying up to five times over the odds, but you could also be buying inadequate cover. Shop around for cheaper and better deals from retailers, banks and the Post Office.

For more details, see UK Net Guide’s feature on travel insurance.