Enjoy a holiday for less with a little planning.

Start searching early to get an idea of what the costs will be. This will help you set a budget so you can be realistic about what you’ll be able to afford. With some travel companies you can set up a regular and affordable payment plan to help you spread the cost. Plus you might get your hands on a better deal if you look early.

You can often get exclusive discount offers or notice of last-minute cancellation offers by signing up for emails from holiday companies and booking sites.

If a travel or airline website knows you have been researching a specific destination and time, its algorithm might keep raising the prices it offers you. Clear your cookies and delete your search history regularly to avoid this.

Make sure you plan to cover the entire cost of the holiday. This isn’t just the flights and accommodation but also things like travel insurance, parking or taxis to and from the airport, holiday clothes, sun cream, spending money, excursions, food and drink, car hire and maybe the odd inflatable.

Traditional ‘package’ holidays for 7, 10 or 14 nights usually work out cheaper than booking flights and hotels independently yourself. Plus you’ll have the added cost of taxis to and from the hotel. Just planning a long weekend? Chances are it might be cheaper to book separately.

Heading to a European destination? Check out trains and coach travel, which might be cheaper if you don’t mind a longer journey. Sites like Omio are useful for comparing travel costs to European destinations.

The most popular destinations often come with a premium, but the price can reduce significantly the further away you are from the city centre. Try a quieter area for your accommodation and have a few day trips, you could enjoy the best of both worlds.

Saving for something specific helps you keep on track. Work out how much you’ll need to save every month to have enough to cover the holiday (including spending money) and make a start. Some cards or accounts offer a round up feature which could help you put a bit aside each month.

One of the most costly mistakes is turning up for a flight with more luggage than you’re allowed. Pack smartly and consider if you really need a big suitcase each or if you can get away with hand luggage only for a shorter holiday.

Taking cash with you might help with budgeting as you can keep aside a set amount for each day, plus not everywhere you go will accept cards. Work out how much spending money you want to take and order your currency ahead of time.

Remember: looking forward to a holiday is a big part of the fun. From creating a savings pot to finding early deals, it’s never too soon to start planning and get that holiday excitement.

While we really hope you find this page helpful, please know it’s for information only and not financial advice. Any facts or figures we’ve used were checked at the time of publication and came from a range of sources.