In the past couple of weeks would-be holidaymakers have been searching the internet for last minute holidays and cheap deals. But where do you find them, how can you be sure they’re genuine, good value and financially protected? The web team at HolidayHoliday.co.uk give us 7 top tips for last minute holidays this Summer

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM  - ^13th July 2010 – In the past couple of weeks would-be holidaymakers have been searching the internet for last minute holidays and cheap deals. But where do you find them, how can you be sure they’re genuine, good value and financially protected? The web team at HolidayHoliday.co.uk give us 7 top tips for last minute holidays this Summer.

1) Be prepared to go at short notice

The travel industry has been suffering for the last few months; the ash cloud, riots in Greece, BA strikes and the World Cup… So, in response to the falling numbers of holidaymakers, hotels in many popular destinations such as Greece, Majorca, Turkey, Spain and Egypt have started cutting prices.
If you are looking for last minute holidays and are prepared to jump on a plane at short notice it is possible to get a bargain right now, as holiday companies reduce their prices to clear last minute stock.

2) Monitor prices

Although prices do inevitably shoot up during the school holidays, you can still save money by being aware of when prices are likely to fluctuate. For example, the lowest prices for Summer holidays during the 6 week break are often found at the end of the school holidays as parents prepare their children (and themselves!) to go back to school. If you are organised for school beforehand, you could spend the last week on a beach instead, and pay less than you would have done a week earlier.

3) Holiday Abroad

‘Staycation’ versus abroad? Once you add up all of the costs of holidaying in the UK such as petrol, food, days out etc etc. last minute holidays abroad are often no more expensive plus you are more likely to be guaranteed sunshine. Booking low season destinations such as the Caribbean will also help you to get a great value holiday.

4) Go all-inclusive

Haven’t booked all inclusive before? Why not give it a try? All-inclusive holidays have seen a surge in popularity as they allow holidaymakers to budget for their holiday upfront. If you’re on a budget, going all inclusive can help you to stick to it, so you don’t need to worry about spending more than you planned once you get there.

5) Avoid extra charges on flights

Avoid paying more than you need to on ‘hidden’ or ancillary services such as in flight meals, baggage charges, charges for printing out your boarding pass and travel insurance.
Weigh your luggage before you leave to make sure it’s not over the weight limit and wear your heaviest clothes to board the airplane, they can always be taken off once aboard.
Check in online and check out the seating plans of the aircraft you are flying on for the extra legroom seats. Pick the best seat possible during your online check in without necessarily having to pay extra.

6) Pre-order your holiday money

Instead of buying currency at the airport, which often gives you less for your money, pre-order online for collection at the airport or, if you have time, ask for it to be delivered to your home. Check delivery charges, fees and also bank fees before you buy. If using a high street currency provider it may be worthwhile withdrawing cash to pay for currency as some banks will charge extra fees if you use a debit card.
Even when booking last minute holidays try to budget ahead and take the right amount of currency with you on holiday as withdrawing money abroad is often very expensive, unless you use a pre-paid currency card.

7) Make sure you are protected

The collapse of various holiday companies, the ash cloud and other factors during the past couple of years has led holidaymakers to question how and who they should book their holiday with to avoid being stranded if something goes wrong.

To reduce the financial risk and emotional stress these issues can bring ensure you book with a reputable holiday company from a trusted holiday site. Making sure the agent you book with is ATOL bonded or booking a package holiday will help to give you financial peace of mind. Double check what you are covered for when you book.
Websites such as HolidayHoliday.co.uk only advertise last minute holidays and deals from ATOL bonded agents, to help you ensure that your holiday is protected. Paying part of the holiday by credit card can also help secure your purchase.

Notes to Editors:

About HolidayHoliday.co.uk:

HolidayHoliday.co.uk is a UK based Holiday website advertising millions of holiday offers from hundreds of ATOL bonded travel agents on a daily basis, sourcing holidays from well known operators such as Thomson, Thomas Cook and First Choice.

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