Five steps to a bargain summer holiday

The holiday season is fast approaching and more than 25 million of us are planning a trip abroad in 2009.

Before you stock up on suntan lotion, dig out the bikini or trunks, and pack your bags, find out how you can bag a bargain summer holiday.

Money may be tight this year and the cost of trips abroad more expensive, but the lure of foreign destinations remains strong.

According to research by Tesco Travel Money, despite cutting back on the cost of holidays almost a third of Brits are planning to take two or more overseas breaks.

But it said a third of British holiday makers will be looking to spend less on their summer getaway compared with last year.

Many people will have to tighten their purse strings this year but that doesn't mean they have to miss out on a holiday altogether.

Across the UK, the research reveals that the biggest holiday hunting region is the Midlands. Bargain hunters from that region are looking to spend an average of £348 per person on a summer break.

This is £56 less per person per week than the UK average and a whopping £147 less than holiday big-spenders in London.

So to give bargain hunting travellers a helping hand, here are five top tips on how to get a bargain holiday.

1. Time it right

If you are looking to get the cheapest deal then you should either book very early, or as late as possible. According to travel agent Trainfinders, the best time to book a holiday is 11 months before you're due to travel, when there are plenty of cheap rooms and seats still available.

But if you can be more flexible with dates, resorts and hotels, there aregreat deals if you leave it until later – usually from eight weeks before you go – and see what is around at the time to suit your budget.

2. Package v's DIY

When you are booking a holiday the first thing to decide is whether a package holiday is best for you. There are plenty of package holiday deals around, but these are usually to popular, tourist areas, so if you are looking for somewhere a little bit different then it may be best to construct your holiday yourself.

A package holiday will include tour operator flights, connections and accommodation and they are also ATOL protected. This means, if the company fails you will be either get a refund, or if you're already away you will be able to complete the trip.

It is always worth looking to see if it is cheaper to book the hotel and flights yourself, especially if you're going on a short-stay city break or multi-destination trip. However, it is generally cheaper to book a package deal.