With travel companies slashing the prices of breaks and flights, now could be a great time for anyone thinking of booking a holiday.
If you're fed up of the icy weather in the UK and are in the fortunate position of being able to afford it, you're probably considering booking a holiday. Indeed, there seems to be a good number of bargains on offer, with travel companies slashing the price of breaks and flights in a bid to shift them.
And with the weakened pound currently worth just 1.12 Euros (and 1.49 US dollars) trips within the Eurozone or to the US may seem pretty unattractive.
Top Cheap Destinations
In fact, longer haul destinations with healthier exchange rates and lower living costs may prove to be far better value, according to Post Office Travel Services. According to its recent survey, the cost of tourist staples (including food and drink) are significantly lower in five mid to long-haul destinations than in the Eurozone. Thailand comes out on top, followed by South Africa, Malaysia, Kenya and Gambia.
What's more, while the pound may be suffering against the Euro and dollar, compared to the Icelandic krona it's doing quite well; if you'd previously ruled Iceland out as a potential holiday destination due to its astronomical cost of living (£7 beer, anyone?) you may be pleasantly surprised to hear that prices have dropped by around a third.
But wherever you wish to go, if you can book soon you'll probably save money as travel operators are currently battling to get our business.
Flights
British Airways and Virgin have apparently begun a price war on flights, provided you're able to book by 27 January (note that you may be eligible for extra offers/discounts if you register with the respective websites).
Netflights is offering up to 42% off flights in its Australia sale - but you must book before 14 January and Ryanair has a number of flights available from £2.50 (or even free) if you wish to travel in February or March (although make sure you factor in its sneaky charges if paying by debit card).
Hotels and holidays
Hotels.com is offering up to 40% off many of its Mediterranean, USA and Far East hotel rooms, as well as its European city breaks. Thomson is offering up to £250 off per couple plus free child places in its January sale, for package holidays this summer. Thomas Cook is also offering a number of discounts off holidays in its January sale and Teletext has a number of seven night deals for anyone wishing to travel in January or February.
Disneyland Paris
If you fancy a break at Disneyland Paris before 2 April, book with Expedia and kids under-twelve will be offered free accommodation in a Disneyland Paris hotel, plus free entry to the Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios parks. Even better, book before 31 January and you'll get an extra 20% off, plus you can also earn Nectar points.
Extra Day and Night
What's more, if you can plan your Disneyland Paris break for between 4 January - 11 February 2009, or 11 March - 17 March 2009 you'll get an extra day and night thrown in for free (i.e. a three night's package for the price of two, four for the price of three, and five nights for the price of four).
Skiing and Snowboarding
If you fancy getting even colder, Hotels.com is offering up to 30% off its European Ski trips and up to 50% off a number of its USA and Canada deals. Iglu Ski, too has some great deals for January, including chalets from just £299 per person and £899 for a family of four.
Five Star Holidays
For those hankering for a more salubrious break, Lastminute reckons it is offering "5 star holidays at 3 star prices" to numerous destinations, with prices starting at £189 per person for a three night break (including breakfast) at the five star Deluxe Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta.
Cruises
And if you fancy a cruise, you'll find there are currently good savings to be made. P&O, for example, is offering 20% off many of its 2009 sailings, with up to £60 of spending money, per person if you book before the end of the month (its cruise to Spain and Portugal on the Ventura currently costs £487 (usual price £609).
UK Breaks
If you prefer to stay in the UK (or like me, have young children and wish to minimise travelling time!) there are a number of hotel deals on at the moment.
Hilton is currently offering up to 50% off weekend hotel breaks until August in its January sale. And DeVere hotels have rooms from just £10 for anyone who fancies a break before 28 February (and as I checked there were still rooms available for St Valentine's night). But you'll have to get your skates on as you need to have booked online by 15 January.
If you're looking to book a summer break, Travelodge has a number of rooms for just £19 per night for stays during May, June, July and August.
Safety
Of course, when it comes to booking holidays in the current financial climate there's always a worry at the back of our minds regarding how safe our money is - what would happen if the travel company were to go into administration?
The most obvious way to help protect yourself is to pay with a credit card, as both the credit card company and travel operator will be jointly liable should things go wrong (although as many companies have started charging consumers to use credit cards this method may seem slightly less attractive).
Additionally, ensure you have a good travel insurance policy in place (as well as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if travelling in European Economic Area (EEA)). Single trip policies start at just a few pounds, although if you intend to take more that one trip abroad in the year you may well find an annual policy works out cheaper.
USA
And finally, travellers to the USA should also note that they now need to complete an online form at least 72 hours before travelling - or risk being turned away by US immigration! You can find out more at the Foreign Office website.
Happy travelling!
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