| With all this winter's snow, ice and rain, you're sure to | | | | that's the personal touch. So if you can tear yourself |
| be in desperate need of some sunshine, but the credit | | | | away from the computer, a local travel agent will be |
| crunch can mean the pennies won't stretch far enough | | | | able to offer expert knowledge and advice to help you |
| for a break abroad. | | | | get a great deal on a holiday. |
| Fear not! There are ways to get a great deal for less. | | | | Travel agents are eager to get the sale too, especially |
| 1. Compare Hotels | | | | in the current climate, so it's worth visiting one or two, |
| is an independent hotel finder that searches some of | | | | to find out what's available. What's more, they have |
| the best-known bargain hotel sites out there, such as | | | | everything at their fingertips so can answer all sorts of |
| Rates to Go, Hotel Club and Alpha Rooms. What's | | | | questions without you having to slave away on the |
| more, the service beat out rival hotel comparison sites | | | | internet for hours on end. |
| in road tests by the Sunday Times and Mail on | | | | Also, many holidays found online are also available |
| Sunday. | | | | through high-street travel agents. Why not try your |
| Simply follow the link to find great hotel deals. | | | | face-to-face bargaining skills to see if you can barter |
| 2. Compare Package Holidays | | | | the price down. Go into the shop forearmed with the |
| If you'd prefer a combined flight/hotel package, there | | | | internet price and see if they can better it. Play them |
| are thousands of holidays now available to buy online. | | | | off against each other to barter the price down - who |
| It might take some searching to compare quotes, but | | | | knows what deals you'll be able to walk out with, |
| there are often great deals to snap up. | | | | thanks to the credit crunch. |
| Most holiday websites enable you to easily narrow | | | | Alternatively, if you can't get a discount, ask the travel |
| your search by showing only holidays within your | | | | agent to throw a few extras into the mix, like a day |
| budget. If you've got £400 to spend per person, | | | | excursion or activity for the kids. |
| see what you can find within that price range and | | | | Handy hint: Don't let the travel agent talk you into |
| compare what the price includes. That way, you | | | | buying holiday cover in store, you'll find much better |
| should be able to whittle down the best deal for your | | | | travel insurance deals online. |
| money. | | | | 4. Annual Travel Insurance at the Right Price |
| Handy hint: If you're booking online, using a credit card | | | | To save further time, money and last-minute stress, an |
| can provide added insurance. Depending on the type | | | | annual travel insurance policy will mean you're covered |
| of card, purchases costing between £100 and | | | | all year round, so you can jet off wherever and |
| £30,000 are covered by Section 75 of the | | | | whenever you like! But if you only want single trip |
| Consumer Credit Act 1974. The act allows you to | | | | cover, this is also possible. |
| claim against the credit card company if the service | | | | 5. Find Cheap Holiday Money |
| you receive doesn't come up to scratch or if a supplier | | | | Before booking your holiday, make sure you've got the |
| goes bankrupt. | | | | best deal on your holiday money. This is especially |
| 3. Go Old School - Visit a Travel Agent | | | | important during these times when the exchange rate |
| There are some things technology can't replicate and | | | | is so low. |