In this rather gloomy economic climate, most of us are tightening our purse strings and looking for ways to cut down on our costs. Holidays can be very expensive and many people are deciding to sacrifice their weeks in the sun. But if you’re careful (and clever) it doesn’t have to be like this.

It always pays to research before you choose where, when & how to go on holiday.  Here are a few interesting tips on how to have a fantastic, memorable holiday without putting yourself into the red:

Peak times/off-peak times:  This can be an awkward one for families who are constrained by school holidays, but if you’re not in that position, having a holiday outside of peak times can cut down your potential costs considerably. Or, instead of flying Saturday to Saturday, why not aim for midweek flights for lower costs? Simply nudging your holiday along a few days could make all the difference.

Don’t go all inclusive: Although it may seem like the obvious way to save money on a holiday, think before you book. If there’s a considerable difference in price between a bed & breakfast and an all inclusive, consider taking the B&B. Although touristy restaurants can indeed be expensive, a little bit of exploring can take you to local eateries where you’ll eat great local food  & may well save even more than you would on your all inclusive deal.

Package deals: Package holidays can be a godsend for booking a trip in a hurry. But, a bit of online research into discounts on hotels, flights and holiday activities can help you save considerable if you do it separately. Check cheapflights.co.uk or skyscanner.net to save money on flights. Then, it’s on to finding a hotel.

An interesting method to travel discounts is Wazzamba.com, a gaming site that rewards you with Miles for playing their online games, which can then be spent on discounts in their Travel Shop. Current deals range from cheap hotels on Hotelopia, to city breaks and fun holiday activities on Isango. New users automatically receive 1000 Miles, enough to buy a 10% discount straight away, so excellent for those last minute deals!

Saving money on a holiday can take a little time and effort, but a few hours on the net could translate to many days in the sun, for cheaper than you ever thought.

About the author:  Rachael works for Wazzamba, an innovative and fun gaming site that rewards players with amazing travel prizes & discounts every day! Join us at http://www.wazzamba.com/!