| The first thing to remember is if you know where | | | | It is always cheaper to book your car parking in |
| you want to go and when - book early! Leaving it | | | | advance, this can save you a considerable amount, |
| until the last minute could mean that your preferred | | | | book it as soon as you've booked your holidays. |
| accommodation has gone, or your chosen flight is full, | | | | When you have found a holiday - check out the |
| you may also benefit from tour operators early | | | | other travel agents in your area or look on the |
| booking discounts. | | | | internet. Tour operators that have not filled flights or |
| However, if flexibility is your middle name, then you | | | | their quota of accommodation still have them to pay |
| are most definitely in the best position to bag | | | | for so you might just be able to persuade them to |
| yourself a bargain. | | | | discount their prices. Tell them what you have |
| I knew I wanted all inclusive when I was looking for | | | | already been quoted but break it down to a per |
| cheap holidays in Spain as the exchange rate was | | | | person price, if your cheapest quote is £300 per |
| quite poor meaning it would be expensive to live | | | | person, tell them its £290, they will probably drop |
| whilst I was there. I was however totally flexible with | | | | to £280. You will need to make a note of exactly |
| when I went and where I stayed. If the exchange | | | | what you have priced in order to compare the |
| rate is good it is quite often cheaper to go self | | | | holidays properly, for instance luggage allowance, |
| catering. | | | | board basis, flight meals included etc. |
| The next thing to think about is whether you want a | | | | You may get quoted a much lower price only to |
| package deal or DIY holiday, a package deal is where | | | | discover the room type or board basis is different, or |
| the tour operator provides the flights, transfers and | | | | it doesn't include flight meals. This helped me greatly |
| accommodation otherwise you would do all this | | | | when I was booking my cheap holidays in Spain. |
| yourself. A huge bonus with package holidays is they | | | | The travel agent may try to persuade you that you |
| are usually ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) | | | | need extra luggage allowance or flight meals but you |
| protected which means you should get your money | | | | can save around £25 per passenger by refusing |
| back if the holiday company go bust. | | | | these. |
| Tour operators are less likely to discount during peak | | | | Excursions are usually cheaper if booked in resort, |
| periods and school holidays so its good advice to | | | | check with other holidaymakers for recommendations |
| avoid these times. | | | | of reliable companies to use. |
| Don't stick to your local airports, shop around, it can | | | | Never loose your cool when asking for discount, this |
| often work out cheaper to travel a little further and | | | | will most certainly get you nowhere. Always remain |
| even include an overnight stay to fly from say | | | | cheerful, friendly and above all polite; after all, you |
| Gatwick or Manchester. | | | | want them to do you a favour. |