Holidaying to a budget

You may want to seriously watch your pennies whilst on holiday, or you may like to keep those finances in check on the proviso that the budget is there but you have a little room for maneuver, or even if you're just keen to educate yourself on how, where and when you can save to avoid being ripped off, here are some ideas and things to watch out for:

• No frills airlines are not always cheaper once you've added extras like hold luggage, in-flight meals, seat selection, oh and an oxygen mask on RyanAir! For example, BA do some very competitive holiday packages and you'll be flying with BA.

• Always compare package deals if you're thinking about booking each segment separately.

• Apartments may be cheaper than hotels.

• Check out what you should be paying for things like car hire and excursions ahead of time. Use price comparison websites.

• See which currencies are performing poorly against the £ and that's where you'll get a bargain holiday.

• Go to your local GP for your jabs. Travel clinics are more expensive.

• Avoid travelling in peak UK periods, unless you're visiting family for Easter or Christmas.

• When booking, use a debit card rather than a credit card to avoid the handling fee.

• A la carte menus will always be more expensive.

• Check out the best way to carry your money whilst in-country.

• Annual travel insurance policies are amazing value for money, rather than purchasing single trip, even if you don't plan to travel again within the year.

• Apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if travelling within the EU. Added bonus and peace of mind to compliment your travel insurance policy.