But are you a tourist who likes to immerse yourself in local culture, sample the home-grown cuisine and have a bash at the local lingo? Or do you prefer to opt for full English breakfasts, seek out dependable English-speaking waiters and employ universal ‘holiday mime language’ when asking for the bill?

Despite the latter perhaps summing up the typical ‘Brit abroad’ stereotype, recent research from TravelSupermarket has discovered that, encouragingly, more than half of holidaymakers make an effort to speak the local lingo when abroad. We take a closer look…

Parlez vous anglais?

Contrary to the popular belief that ignorant Brits jet off to their holiday destination with the expectation that everyone will – and should – speak English, our research showed that 59% of Brits have a stab at speaking at least a few phrases in the native language when they are abroad.

And they proved themselves to be a well-mannered bunch, with ‘thank you’ revealed as the must-learn phrase of any holiday (76%), followed closely by ‘please’ (55%) and ‘excuse me’ (31%). Just 3% felt that knowing the word for beer was important (3%) or the beach (1%).

Furthermore, despite only 46% believing they knew some basic phrases in another language, nearly all could identify the meaning of five of the most common holiday phrases across three European languages, such as the Spanish phrase for ‘Where is the bus station’ (88%) and French question ‘Do you speak English?’(92%).

But more than a quarter (27%) said they felt frustrated by their lack of linguistic talent abroad, revealing this makes them feel awkward (23%) or embarrassed (18%). A total of 69% of holidaymakers have used their hands to mime a question or phrase to overcome a language barrier.

So what is it that is encouraging over half of us to lose the stereotype and get to grips with the local language when on holiday? I spoke to two well-seasoned travellers to get their view…

Debbie Moran, 31

Debbie loves travelling and has a job that takes her to all four corners of the globe. She finds speaking another language enriches her experience – even if she occasionally gets it wrong!

“I’m fortunate in that I get to use my language skills for both leisure travel and work. I’m employed by a company who sell internationally, making the ability to speak and write in another language a valuable commodity.

“I speak Spanish as my second language and have found that during my travels people are a lot more receptive when you make the attempt to speak their language, even though at times it may go wrong!

 “I once confused ‘being embarrassed’ with ‘being pregnant’ which took a fair amount of explaining! It can be daunting at first, however being able to communicate does make travel a lot more enjoyable and gives you a much better opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

“As a woman travelling alone, I do also feel safer having knowledge of the local language, making the trip easier to handle. I’m currently considering adding to my language skills, perhaps Mandarin – if only to have a better idea of what I’ll be eating!”

Nik Ewen, 34

Frequent traveller Nik Ewen realised how important communicating in another language was after a shift in family circumstances…

 “Five years ago my dad announced that he was moving to Spain to set up a new company and enjoy some sunshine. I knew this would mean frequent visits over there to see him.

 “He found himself in an ex-pat community which resulted in him initially just socialising with English speakers – with no necessity to learn the language.  I’m ashamed to say that I lazily went along with it, pleased to find that it was so easy to communicate in his new home.

 “It wasn’t until last year, however, when he introduced me to his Spanish girlfriend – whose English was better than ours – that it hit me how ignorant we were being. We were still both very much of the ‘point and hope’ school of communication, and she found it hilarious that we were both still so hopeless.

“She was able to frequently switch between two languages depending on where we were and who we were speaking to, and when visiting me and my girlfriend in the UK she would never have expected us to be able to speak her language – so why shouldn’t we afford her the same respect in her country?

“I am now learning to speak Spanish on a conversational level and think that, while on holiday, we should all at least make the effort to greet and thank people in their own language. It costs us nothing.”

As these two holidaymakers show, not only is it respectful to the locals to at least attempt to get to grips with their mother tongue, it can also enrich your holiday experience and break down barriers.

So if you feel inspired to get to grips with the lingo abroad, why not take a look at our article ‘Holiday mimes and translations.’

Here you’ll be able to take a look at some of the most popular phrases you might need on holiday along with their translations in Italian, French and Spanish. It also demonstrates the most commonly used ‘holiday mime language.’

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket said: “It’s exciting to see so many Brits ready to embrace the local language on their holidays, despite our stereotype of being a little on the reticent side to engage with the locals in their own tongue compared to other nationalities.

“With huge numbers of us travelling overseas, language is part of the holiday fun, learning a few key phrases and simple pleasantries makes a huge difference to how you are received in shops, hotels, restaurants and taxis.”

Bob went on to say: “I travel widely and always learn key phrases to try and make the right impression. Couple a smile with a please and thank you and many locals will warm to you straight away. Often this has led to holiday friendships and vibrant exchanges of what our own countries are good and bad for, really enriching the experience of my trip.”

What are the benefits of travelling light with hand baggage only?

1. Quicker – no need to join a check-in or bag-drop queue on departure and no need to wait for bags at the luggage carousel on arrival. Plus you get to the taxi queue or car hire rental desks before the rest of the passengers you have travelled with.

Be aware, though, that easyJet is reducing the size limit on hand luggage it will guarantee can travel in the cabin with you from July 2, 2013 to 50 x 40 x 20cm. This is due to limited overhead locker space on busier flights. Passengers will not be charged any extra for bringing hand luggage with the previous dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25cm, but it may be placed in the hold for the duration of the flight.

2. Safer – you keep your bag with you at all times, therefore it cannot get sent to a destination different to the one you are flying to. It is not going to get damaged being loaded or unloaded and it is not available for someone unscrupulous to break into and steal your personal items.

3. Cheaper – you avoid checked-in bag charges which can be up to £160.

4. Less stress – you are in control of your things, not reliant on the baggage system and you can avoid lots of queues.

Our top tips

1. Know your limits – ensure you know the hand luggage restrictions for the airline(s) you are travelling with, especially if you are connecting from one to another or if you are returning on a different carrier. These can vary and it will affect bag size, number of bags allowed and whether there is any weight limit. easyJet, for example, will accept any weight as long as you can lift it whereas Ryanair is strict on the one piece, maximum weight of 10kg rule.

Some also allow one piece of hand baggage plus one duty free bag – so you can buy items you may need such as toiletries, water, guide books, magazines etc to your heart’s content, and place them in one carrier bag from the airside shops. Some airports such as Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester also allow you to buy duty free and then collect on the way back – meaning that you never have to take the items on board, avoiding cabin bag weight limits altogether. If you do have hand baggage that is over the limit, be prepared to have the bag taken from you and an excess baggage fee charged.

2. Buy the right bag – once you know your hand luggage size limit, ensure your bag fits within this. If you can, choose a soft bag for carry-on luggage as it will be easier to cram into overhead bins and it is lighter – giving you more weight for your items.

We have teamed up with Flylite to bring you a special discount on luggage that is ideal for travelling with hand baggage only. Not only do you save on hold baggage charges of up to £60 each way on Ryanair if you stick to the 10kg limit, you can also save  25% on the price of these excellent luggage solutions.

Choose from a range including two sizes of foldaway cabin bags, two sizes of  trolley cabin bags or a rucksack for the cabin as well as a foldaway wheeled holdall option all made of lightweight materials to maximise the items you want to pack.

Prices start from as little as £15 for small foldaway bag excluding our exclusive 25% discount offer and you’ll get a free foldaway rucksack with any order you make.

For full details click here and quote the code TSM to obtain your discount online or over the phone.

3. Only pack what you need – the tip here is to be ruthless. The aim is to carry as little as possible and to buy items you can find locally wherever you can. Clothing is where you can make a major hit – see note below.

4. Packing techniques – there are three main schools of thought on packing techniques for small bags: rolling everything around a central item, folding everything into squares or bundling items around each other.

5. Which clothes? - Always wear any heavy items you need such as coats, jeans, hoodies, boots, shoes and belts. Otherwise stick to the concept of the capsule wardrobe. Essentially, a small number of pieces that co-ordinate to produce multiple outfits by all working together. The longer the trip, the more creative you need to be here, however be sure you are going to need everything you pack – if not, don’t pack it in the first place. In most places you can always buy something if you really need to get an item that you left behind quickly.

All clothes should be lightweight – many companies specialise in selling items that are light, wrinkle free and easy care. This allows for less stress when unpacking a crumpled shirt or blouse and also means they can be hand washed at your hotel and worn again. If you plan to wash items at your hotel you could use a laundry service or wash them yourself – in which case take a plug with you as most hotel bathroom plugs are poor.

6. Toiletries – you need to obey the 100ml rule at present and decant items into small bottles that fit within one plastic bag for security. You can always buy items airside or on arrival. Most hotels will give you soap, shampoo etc. Ladies (and increasingly men) should try to minimise the toiletries and make up they take. Do you really need all of that? If so,  use travel size bottles or packets only or buy locally. Toiletries can weigh far more than you think.

7. Pockets – use the pockets of your clothes to take heavier items on board which you can transfer to your bag once you are on board (eg phone charger, camera, books, and toiletries). Use pockets as well for travel documents such as your passport, tickets, travel insurance, driving licence and money.

8. Phones/iPods/Laptops/Notebooks – these often start to add weight especially if you have multiple items and multiple chargers. Be smart, can you download guide books/info/entertainment/games/music etc onto one item and just take the one with you? Notebooks are smaller than laptops and if you are travelling for only a few days then you may not even need the heavier and larger items.

9. Don’t pool your hand luggage – most airlines will not allow you to pool your hand luggage allowance across a party of people, so ensure that each bag is not over the limits where a weight limit applies.

Last updated: May 23, 2013.

Here we offer inspiration on 10 great summer holiday destinations for families both overseas and in the UK – whether you’re after a two-week getaway or a shorter break.

Top five European destinations

1. Spanish mainland

Spain ticks all of the boxes for Brits looking for an inexpensive sun-filled holiday with fun for all of the family. Costa Blanca, for example, offers great value for money for holidaymakers both out and about and when self-catering.

This year the sunny coastline took the top spot in the Post Office’s annual “Self-catering on a shoestring” report and came third in its “Holiday costs barometer 2013” showing that it offered the best value when compared to a number of other popular holiday destinations.

Similarly, Costa del Sol offers great value for money, coming second in the Post Office’s “Holiday costs barometer 2013”.

And, whatever your family’s idea of the perfect break is, you’ll find it in Spain. Popular family options include fun-filled Benidorm where waterparks and nature parks will keep little ones entertained; Altea or Calpe for those who want the attractions of Benidorm to be close by but are after a quieter place to stay; and Barcelona where those looking to combine culture with the beach will be in their element – although be aware that many locals go away over summer, so the city will be quieter and some restaurants may be closed.

2. Algarve

The Algarve also fared well in the Post Office’s report, coming top in its “Holiday costs barometer 2013” and second in “Self-catering on a shoestring”.

This sun-soaked area of Portugal offers a great retreat for families looking for beautiful beaches, watersports and tasty fresh food. And there’s a good choice of accommodation whether you are looking for a self-catering villa or a luxury hotel.

Albufeira is a popular option for families as there’s a huge range of attractions nearby to keep kids and adults entertained – from waterparks and a marine park for the kids to golf courses for parents.

Or indulge in some of the simpler pleasures of holiday life such as rockpooling, building sandcastles and enjoying long, lazy meals in the sun.

3. Balearic Islands

Even if you and the family have been to one of the Balearic Islands already, don’t just assume you’ve been there and done that as each island offers something completely different.

Majorca, for example, has all of the sun, sea and sand you could want on a summer holiday, while also offering great value for money when you’re there – again the island did well in both Post Office reports.

And you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to resorts as there are beach-based family favourites such as Alcudia, cosmopolitan hotspots such as Palma, and quieter hideaways such as Puerto Soller where all of your group will enjoy the old-fashioned tram ride to Soller.

Menorca on the other hand offers a slower pace of life than Majorca and families can easily slip into a relaxed, laid-back mood on its white sands.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do and kids will love learning about the island’s history in places such as Torre d’en Gaumes, flying down slides in one of the waterparks or just having fun on the miles of beaches.

And don’t write Ibiza off as a rowdy destination for clubbers as you and the family can retreat to quieter destinations such as Port Des Torrent or Santa Eulalia and enjoy the good food, sun and sophistication the While Isle is famous for away from the party-going crowds.

4. Greece

White sands, mouth-wateringly fresh food, friendly locals and sun, sun, sun will be waiting if you and the family jet off to Greece this summer.

And with so many islands plus the mainland resorts to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice between beaches on which to lay your towels and restaurants in which to sample local delicacies.

Greece’s largest island, Crete, is popular with families as attractions range from historical sites such as Knossos to waterparks and long stretches of sand.

But, unless you’re after a lively break, avoid party resorts such as Malia and instead opt for more family-friendly resorts such as Rethymnon.

Alternatively, Zante will enchant every member of your group with its famous golden beaches, watersports opportunities and, in July and August, the chance to spot endangered loggerhead turtles on Laganas Beach.

5. France

In June and July, all eyes will be on France as the Tour de France starts in Corsica and finishes in Paris. And this country, which is only a short flight from the UK, is a great option for families whether you fancy a short city break in Paris topped off with a trip to Disneyland, a coastal camping holiday or a fun-filled week in a sunny holiday park.

And, if you want to take the car and avoid strict airline luggage allowances, ferry holidays are a popular option – just make sure you know the rules of the road while you’re away.

Stay in seaside resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez for a spot of glamour or head to Brittany where you can take your pick between beach days, fun trips to a zoo or aquarium, or historic days out exploring chateaus.

Top five UK destinations

1. London

Whether the kids have been to the UK’s capital before or it will be their first time, a trip to London is sure to be a hit with all of the family.

Big-name attractions such as the London Eye, the newly-opened Shard and the Tower of London will fascinate little ones, while an evening watching a West End show or a day out at a fun attraction such as Madame Tussauds will be a real treat.

And a break in London needn’t cost a fortune. If you shop around in advance for train tickets (tickets tend to be released 12 weeks before the travel date so look now for summer), and your hotel or B&B rooms, significant savings can be made.

Plus, many attractions such as museums, art galleries and impressive parks are completely free to look around.

2. The Lake District

If you’d rather spend your UK break exploring the countryside, enjoying alfresco picnics and pottering around pretty towns and villages, the Lake District could be your ideal destination. Not only will you and the family be able to plan walks galore and get out on the water on a boat, but should the British weather let you down, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained too such as The World of Beatrix Potter.

Popular family hotspots include Kendal where it would be a shame not to try the local mint cake, Hawkshead which is home to Beatrix Potter’s former house and Windermere where you’ll find a good range of attractions and places to eat. Hotels and B&Bs can get very busy in the summer months, so book early to avoid disappointment.

3. Bristol

From July 1, Bristol will be invaded by more than 70 individually-created five-foot sculptures of Gromit, the dog from the famous Wallace & Gromit films. So, why not take a trip to England’s south west this summer and enjoy a day out with the kids spotting the sculptures which have been decorated by everyone from designer Paul Smith to children’s author and illustrator Sir Quentin Blake?

You could stay in the centre and plan a short break to take in attractions such as the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, ss Great Britain or Bristol Zoo Gardens. Or, use the city as a base to explore the rest of the south west including Somerset and Devon beach resorts or as a stop en-route to a longer break in Cornwall.

4. Edinburgh

During its annual Festival in July and August, Edinburgh will be buzzing with shows taking place throughout the city. If your kids love all things dramatic, they will thrive off the atmosphere in the city as performances take place everywhere from the cobbled Royal Mile to parks and indoor venues – but book your accommodation now as hotels get booked up well in advance.

There are plenty of other attractions in the city to keep all of the family entertained on a holiday such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Edinburgh Zoo, and the city is also an excellent base to explore central Scotland.

5. Blackpool

You don’t need to go abroad to have fun by the sea this summer as traditional British resorts such as Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth have plenty to offer families. The classic seaside resort of Blackpool, for example, has plenty on offer to keep all of the family amused from the thrill-packed Pleasure Beach to the iconic Blackpool Tower.

And, despite all of the stereotypes of “kiss me quick” hats and donkey rides on the beach (although these are still available), there are cultural attractions for all of the family to enjoy too including shows at the impressive Grand Theatre and ambles around the late 19th-century Winter Gardens. Find out more on what’s so great about the British seaside in our recent video.

If you’re still looking for a last-minute summer holiday deal, take a look at our El Sale Grande where you can compare all of the major holiday sales in one place.

It can be tempting to avoid embarrassment altogether and fall back on the worldwide recognition of our language and see how far you can get with a few carefully selected English words. But when all else fails, the final option is often to mime your request or question.  How many times have you managed to get your message across simply by waving your hands around in a not entirely dignified manner? See if any of the gestures below seem familiar.

Have you ever caught yourself signing an imaginary autograph to the words “Can I have the bill?” when “La cuenta por favor” just doesn’t spring to mind?

This well-known charades symbol can prove invaluable when you don’t want to go hungry, possibly followed by the ‘point-and-smile-politely’ ordering technique.

Acting out will usually get the message across, but it’s probably not the politest way to travel the world. See below our list of the most popular phrases you might need when on holiday.

You can’t be expected to learn a language overnight, but this may help you embrace the local culture a little when you’re abroad.

The protests are related to current government policies and the actions of the country’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the spark being a plan to redevelop a park in central Istanbul adjacent to Taksim Square.

At the same time, the major resorts along the south coast have been gearing up for the busy summer months with thousands of Brits already soaking up the sun and enjoying the superb weather of recent weeks.

So, whether you’ve got a holiday booked to Turkey this summer or are considering it as a destination, we answer some common questions about the country below.

Have travellers been affected?

To date, tourists have barely been affected by the unrest. The beach resorts are operating as normal and the major tour operators are reporting that holidays are continuing with no issues in resort. There have been some demonstrations in resort towns, however these have been low-key in comparison to Istanbul and have been held away from the beaches and resort centres.

Those venturing to Istanbul have been advised to stay away from Taksim Square which is around three miles away from the main tourist sights of the old city such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. However, as yet, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have not advised against travel to Istanbul or the capital. The current areas to avoid are those close to the Syrian border in the east of the country and these restrictions have been in place for a while (and are well away from the popular beach resorts).

In addition, the FCO advise tourists to avoid large gatherings in any areas of the country to ensure they don’t get caught up in any demonstrations or crowd control issues.

Is it still safe to book a holiday to Turkey?

Currently, it is very much business as usual. There has been little impact on Brits’ desire to book holidays to the popular Mediterranean coastline, famous for its stunning scenery, warm blue seas, friendly welcome and historical sights.

However, if you’re concerned about booking a holiday there, I would recommend booking an ATOL-backed package to protect yourself should the situation change and safety of tourists becomes a concern. If this was to happen, the FCO would change its advice to warn against all travel which triggers a well-rehearsed plan to remove holidaymakers from the country and to stop new holidays starting until things calm down. ATOL-backed breaks offer protection against situations such as this and you would get a full refund if your holiday was cancelled and some compensation if it was cut short.

If you plan to book a DIY break consisting of separate flights and accommodation this is where I’d be very cautious as you are reliant on the airline and hotel policies for cancellations which may well leave you out of pocket. So, be aware of this if you prefer the non-package option.

What if I already have a holiday booked to Turkey?

For now, continue planning your trip and look forward to it. It is highly likely that everything will go as planned. However, make sure you have a full travel insurance policy to cover you in case civil unrest escalates to strikes at airports or other tourist-related industries which may affect your holiday plans.

I want to cancel my holiday – what are my rights?

Currently, if you choose not to travel, you are liable for normal cancellation charges which could be as much as 100% of your holiday cost. Check this with your tour operator, travel agent or airline/accommodation supplier for accurate costs. You would not be able to claim any loss back from an insurer if you choose not to travel.

If the FCO did change its advice and warned against all travel to the country, then, of course, you would be able to cancel all ATOL-backed holidays affected while some airlines would look to offer free cancellations or transfer passengers to new dates or destinations.

Any other advice?

Check the FCO website regularly for current advice and warnings as the site is updated frequently, keep an eye on the news and, closer to your departure date, talk to your travel provider for their latest advice.

Additionally, leave organising your holiday money until closer to when you plan to travel to avoid any unnecessary exchange losses if you are unable to go.

Please note: All facts were correct at the time of writing.

Here are their top picks…

Taro - Soho

“One good value London restaurant is Taro in Soho. This is a Japanese restaurant, and to find a high quality yet inexpensive Japanese restaurant in central London is pretty difficult, so Taro is a godsend. There is a copious range of sushi, sashimi, ramen, rice dishes and bento boxes all reasonably priced and simply delicious.”

Recommended by Amy at yummei.blogspot.co.uk

Corner Room – Bethnal Green

“Corner Room in Bethnal Green serves modern European style food with an innovative twist. Chef Nuno Mendes trained at El Bulli and it shows. The restaurant is small, friendly and comfortable, and the prices are fantastic (especially at lunch). It’s nice not to eat centrally as well!”

Recommended by Callum at edgeandspoon.com

Dishoom – Shoreditch

“Dishoom is an Indian restaurant in Shoreditch. It has a super-cool location just off Brick Lane and an excellent, interesting and incredibly reasonably-priced menu unlike any other Indian restaurant in London.”

 Recommended by Gary at scofflondon.com

Silk Road – Camberwell

“Silk Road in Camberwell is a Chinese (Xinjiang cuisine) restaurant serving up home-style dishes in a casual environment.  A smile from the staff is rare, but you come here to eat, not be polite, and for eating out it’s the best. You can feed handsomely with a few beers for £15 a head.”

Recommended by Andrew at arbaggs.wordpress.com

The Smithfield Tavern – Smithfield

“The Smithfield Tavern in Smithfield is a vegetarian pub that also serves hearty, reasonably priced food. I love that it is a vegetarian pub right in the centre of London’s oldest meat market and the landlord is a really nice chap.”

Recommended by Mitsu at tohappyvegans.com

Brasserie Zédel - West End

“Brasserie Zedel is  a good, old-fashioned all-day Parisian brasserie with some amazingly cheap dishes and it’s right in the heart of the West End.”

 Recommended by Adam at edesiaishungry.blogspot.co.uk

Honest Burgers – Soho

“Honest Burgers is one of my favourite burger joints in London which consistently delivers amazing medium-rare patties and addictive rosemary salted chips. With meals for less than £10 in Soho, it’s no surprise that when it gets busy the waiting list can reach two hours!”

Recommended by Owen at foodoverlondon.com

Clockjack Oven -  Soho

“Clockjack Oven in Soho serves rotisserie-style chicken. It may be simple but the quality of the food is outstanding – succulent chicken sourced from France, good chips, well priced food and sauces to die for.”

Recommended by Gary at londonfoodaholic.co.uk

 Corrigan’s Mayfair –  Mayfair

“At Corrigan’s Mayfair, Richard Corrigan has hit on a winning formula of serving stunning, locally-sourced, seasonal dishes in a thoroughly absorbing ambience.”

Recommended by Gary at gentlemensluncheonclub.com

Have you discovered a restaurant in London that offers excellent value for money? Leave a comment below to share your recommendation.

Image Sources:

Image Taro – Soho © CC 2.0 Edwc
Image Silk Road – Camberwell © CC 2.0 Kake Pugh
Image Dishoom – Shoreditch © Sim Canetty-Clarke
Image The Smithfield Tavern – Smithfield © CC 2.0 Ewan-M

But if you’re looking for a great deal to tempt you into booking, how do you find it? And how do you prevent being stung by any unexpected costs that could turn your last-minute bargain into a blowout?

Follow our tips below to find a great deal this summer…

Be flexible

To enjoy the best choice of deals, be as flexible as you can when it comes to the date, day and time you are travelling. Travelling mid-week can be significantly cheaper than at the weekend, while you’ve got a better chance of bagging a bargain if you can avoid going away during peak travel periods such as the school summer holidays.

And, if you’re willing to travel when no-one else wants to – for example first thing in the morning or last thing at night – you’ll probably be rewarded with lower prices.

If you are within a reasonable distance from more than one airport, be flexible on your departure point too – but beware false economies such as travelling to an airport miles away and spending a lot getting there to save a pound or two on a flight.

If you can’t be flexible, book now

If you’re going away as a family and have to travel during the peak school holidays, you stand the best chance of finding a bargain the earlier you book. As the summer holidays edge nearer, many parents will panic and book a trip meaning that demand can outstrip supply and prices tend to increase. And, as you’re likely to have more specific needs than, say, a couple – for example, looking for interconnecting rooms or a hotel with a respected kids’ club – the sooner you start your research, the more likely you are to find a holiday that matches your needs.

Visit sales and sign up for alerts

Sifting through deals on numerous websites and trawling the internet looking for an offer can seem like an overwhelming task, so keep an eye out for sales and sign up to companies’ emails so you are among the first to hear about deals and can see them in one place.

TravelSupermarket has just launched El Sale Grande where you can compare all the major holiday deals in one place. So, save yourself some time and hard work by visiting the sale today. But hurry, it ends on June 30.

Compare different trip lengths

If you’re having no luck finding a brilliant seven-night deal, compare the price of different trip lengths as extending your holiday to 10 or even 14 days may not be significantly more expensive and so could work out better value for money.

Consider all board types…

Don’t assume that one board type will always be the cheapest option as both self-catering and all-inclusive holidays have their own cost-saving merits.

For example, all-inclusive breaks can be a great option for those who like to budget for the bulk of their trip before they even leave their house, while self-catering trips are perfect for travellers who like to make their own schedules and save money by buying in all of their own food and drink. So compare both options side-by-side to work out which is the cheapest option for you.

To help you decide, read our recent blog post ‘Holidays: All-inclusive versus self-catering’.

While you are making this decision, don’t forget to consider how much it will cost to self-cater in the destination you have in mind as certain destinations will be a lot more expensive than others. The Post Office recently compared the prices of self-catering in a number of popular holiday destinations in their ‘Self-catering on a shoestring’ report and revealed that Costa Blanca was the cheapest place on this board type with a basket of popular supermarket goodies coming to £48.70.

The same items were significantly more in other destinations, including Cyprus, where the basket cost £97.28.

…and compare the price of DIY trips against packages

And, when you’ve found a deal you’re happy with, make sure it’s the best one available by quickly comparing the price of both package holidays and booking your flights and accommodation separately – you may be surprised which is the most cost-effective.

Use a price-comparison site

So you can enjoy the peace of mind that the price you’ve found is the most competitive out there, use a price-comparison site, such as TravelSupermarket, to compare holidays from all of the major companies in one place. And, at the moment, take a look at our sale to choose from a huge selection of deals.

Think differently

If you can’t find deals in the destinations you know and love, why not consider somewhere new this year? Ask friends and family who know you well for recommendations or ask any connections you trust on social media – you never know, you may discover your new favourite place for a snip of the price of your trusty favourite.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a look at our travel expert Bob Atkinson’s list of the top 10 destinations for 2013.

But do your research

While trying somewhere new can both introduce you to parts of the world you may never have considered and save you money, if you’ve never heard of your destination or the hotel chain you’re booking with, it pays to do a little research to make sure the deal you’ve found isn’t too good to be true.

Take a look at online hotel review sites, do some research into the weather (certain places may be too hot for young children in summer), and check what’s available in the resort you’re visiting – you don’t want to end up staying in a party destination with small children – or in a quiet destination if you’re after a party.

How to prevent going over your budget

Finding a great deal can be satisfying so, to prevent any costly mistakes overshadowing your achievement, make sure you:

• Budget for all of the holiday extras you will need – such as car hire, travel money, airport parking and travel insurance – and add these costs to your trip price so you have a realistic idea on how much you will spend in total.
• Avoid being stung by any airline charges such as luggage or admin fees. Read more on this here.
• Check the cost of living in the destination you plan to travel to. You don’t want to end up spending more than you can afford while you are away.
• Take a look at our last-minute checklist and check out a host of other helpful last-minute holiday tips and advice on our late deals page.

Yet while you may be concentrating on which items to take and which to leave at home, mastering the correct packing technique of rolling, folding or layering, or even how on earth you’ll keep the kids happy with toys and distractions during the trip, it’s all too easy to ignore the basics of your luggage allowance. And the cost of that ignorance is a large hit to your holiday wallet as airlines increasingly penalise those who fail to play by the rules.

In order to avoid forking out on unwanted baggage fines this summer, follow our advice and prevent any unwanted costs.

Don’t get caught out by hefty luggage charges

1. Check and double-check your allowances

Your luggage allowances are made up of two items – your checked-in luggage and your hand baggage. Every airline’s limits vary and if you are lucky enough to be flying in a premium cabin, they will be different again. Never assume that an airline has the same luggage policy as the last time you travelled as they can change regularly.

Hold luggage

Your hold luggage usually consists of one item, with a typical weight limit of 20kg and with maximum set dimensions. Your airline’s website will detail these limits, or if you have booked through a travel agent they can check them for you. With many carriers, you have to add this checked-in bag for a fee and this is usually done when you make your booking. However, all airlines will let you add a checked-in bag after the booking has been made if it is not complimentary.

Do note that if you are travelling with Ryanair, they now charge more for adding a suitcase after the booking has been made than at the actual time of booking. In fact, this adds an extra 20% to the cost of a 15kg checked-in bag with the airline during high season, so, if possible, plan ahead and book your case on with you when you make your reservation.

Hand luggage

Your hand luggage usually consists of one item with a much lower weight limit and smaller dimensions than hold baggage. Some airlines will allow a separate handbag and laptop bag, such as British Airways, however many of the big holiday brands have a strict one-piece rule. Again, check with your airline before going to the airport.

If you get the allowance wrong and arrive with too many bags, you could be faced with paying to check in an extra bag. This can cost as much as £160 for a second bag in high season with Ryanair and up to £70 with holiday airline Thomas Cook. Sticking to your allowance is the only guaranteed way to avoid additional bag charges at the airport.

Finally, if you are planning to travel hand luggage only, don’t be tempted push the limits. It can cost you dear as I found out last summer with Ryanair. My €21 ticket from France to Manchester suddenly became €71 when I arrived at the gate with 2kg of extra weight in my hand luggage. A €50 fine was enforced, the bag was taken off me and placed in the hold and I was embarrassed in front of my fellow passengers.

If I had decided to check the bag in online it would have only cost me €20 – a costly mistake I won’t make again.

Read more tips on travelling with hand luggage only here.

2. Get organised

In order to make sure that you take everything you need away with you, and to rationalise what is essential, we have a handy checklist to help you to remember all the items you may need to pack. A great idea is to gather items together over a few days and lay them out so you can start to see everything you plan to take. I admit to being one of those people who thinks they will need everything and I tend to over-pack. However, being really ruthless and thinking clearly about what you will actually use, whether you can get clothes cleaned while you’re away and decanting things like toiletries can help to easily cut back on what you’ll pack.

3. Pack smartly

If you struggle with packing, following our advice will make things a whole lot easier for you.

For example, we have a handy video you can watch on how to pack for a trip as well as an excellent article on some of the techniques of packing here.

4. Re-check the weight of your bags

Before going to the airport, try to weigh your bag using bathroom scales or specially-designed bag scales. If you know you are going to be over the limit and can’t leave anything at home, get online to pre-book additional weight as leaving this to the airport can cost far more than doing it online before you travel. easyJet, for example, will charge you £21 for three extra kilos of checked luggage weight online. However, paying for the same extra weight at check-in will cost you £33.

If you want to avoid paying extra costs, take out any heavier items such as books or chargers and put them into coat pockets or your hand luggage if you have spare capacity there.

5. Don’t make mistakes at the airport

You’ve checked in and dropped any bags off that you have booked into the hold, and have stuck to your hand luggage allowance – so you can relax, can’t you? Not quite as there’s one more thing to be aware of – the duty free trap.

Several airlines insist that any duty free goods you buy in the airport MUST fit inside your hand luggage and not take you over your allowed luggage weight. This can be a real problem as certain airlines, such as Ryanair, are very strict at monitoring this at the gate. So, again, check what your airline allows and then stick to it.

Many UK airports offer the opportunity to buy duty free goods and collect them on your return to the UK for flights taken with the EU. So this may be a way of doing some shopping without the hassle of taking it on-board and then packing it again for the return trip.

Additionally, when you pack to return home, be cautious of holiday gifts and shopping which can add to your bag’s weight. Again, if you know you have gone over your allowance, book the additional weight online before flying back. It will save you money.

Have a great summer holiday!

And, if you’re planning to drive abroad this summer – whether you’re looking to reduce the hassle of airport transfers or just to have the freedom to explore your destination – a bit of forward planning will go a long way.

To help you save money on your motoring abroad, and to prevent any potential pitfalls, follow our 10-step plan below.

1. Pre-book your hire car to make big savings

If you’ve shopped around to find a killer holiday deal, don’t waste your hard work by paying over the odds for car hire. This is what you’ll do if you leave booking your hire car until the last minute before setting off or, even worse, when you reach your destination airport.

We took a look at prices to hire an ‘economy’ car from Malaga Airport from July 27 until August 10 and found huge differences. For example, on the day we looked, Hertz’s pay-at-location price was £453.88 for a car of this type whereas a quick search on TravelSupermarket found vehicles in the same class from as little as £276.96 – that’s a saving of £176.92 for a few minutes online.

And, during peak holiday periods, such as the school summer break, demand can outstrip supply for hire cars, so not only will you be faced with higher prices at the last minute, you may have little or no choice of the vehicle you drive.

2. Don’t forget excess insurance

How many times have you arrived at the rental desk to pick up your hire car only to be given the hard sell about everything you’ll need in case something goes wrong? To prevent this, and to save a packet in the process, purchase your car hire excess insurance online in advance.

Car hire excess insurance is important cover to purchase – it prevents you having to pay a high excess charge should your vehicle be damaged or stolen – but it can cost as much as £20 per day if you buy it from the rental desk. However, you can buy this cover from £2.99 a day online or £39.99 a year if you’re a regular traveller through TravelSupermarket’s partner, iCarhireinsurance.com.

3. Make sure you’re covered to drive your own car

If you’re planning to drive your own car abroad this summer, it’s just as important to make sure you have all of the cover you need.

So, before you pack your bags, take a look at your car insurance policy to check whether you’re covered to drive overseas and, if so, what level of cover you will have. It’s also a good idea to check how long you will be covered for while abroad as insurers will have limits. If you’re unsure about anything, give your insurer a quick call before you travel – it could be worth upping your cover for peace of mind while you’re away.

And, if you have breakdown cover, check whether you’ll be able to use this while you’re away. Many standard policies won’t include European cover so you might need to add this on before you set off.

4. Check your driving licence

Whether you’re setting off in your own car or hiring one when you arrive, don’t forget to check your driving licence is valid (the same goes for your passport) and you have all the parts of it together ready to pack safely – both the paper counterpart and the plastic card if you have a photocard version.

And, well before you travel, check whether you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the country you are visiting.

5. Do you have everything you need in your car?

Different countries have different rules and regulations on what drivers should have in their vehicles, so make sure you know what’s expected of you should you be pulled over by the police or your car breaks down.

In France, for example, it is illegal to drive without at least one unused breathalyser in your vehicle (although the fines for not carrying one have been postponed indefinitely), while in Austria and Croatia it is compulsory to have a first aid kit in your car.

Other items to be aware of include reflective jackets (check where these need to be stored too), a warning triangle, your insurance documents, headlamp converters and a GB sticker displayed clearly on the back of your vehicle (unless you’re driving in the EU and have number plates that include the GB euro symbol). Failure to carry any compulsory items could result in a fine, so it’s worth doing a little research.

If you’re hiring a car, your rental company should provide the necessary equipment but it’s worth doing a quick check before you set off so you know nothing is missing.

6. Don’t forget the extras

As well as making a list of compulsory items to pack in your car, don’t forget the items you rely on in your vehicle on a day-to-day basis, such as sat navs and baby seats.

If you’re thinking about hiring a car when you reach your destination, consider bringing your own sat nav or baby seat to avoid high daily rental rates and to make sure you have the quality of equipment you’re used to. But, don’t forget to turn the traffic camera alerts off your sat nav if you have them set up, as these are illegal in many popular holiday destinations.

7. Shop around for petrol

According to the Post Office’s recent Motoring on the Continent report, fuel will cost British motorists more this year in nearly all of the top destinations this summer. In France, for example, filling up with unleaded petrol will cost 7p more per litre than last year while diesel in Spain will also cost 7p more per litre.

So, don’t get swept away by your holiday good mood and forget to shop around for your fuel. Just like driving at home, certain petrol stations – such as those on motorways – will be more expensive, so plan your fuel stops in places such as supermarkets to prevent costly mistakes.

8. Don’t inadvertently break the law

While you may have the best intentions, if you don’t know the rules of the road in the country you’re driving in, you could inadvertently break the law, resulting in a fine or your licence being confiscated. So, look up the speed limit on motorways, in built-up areas and on dual carriageways where you are travelling. And remember that these are likely to be in km/h so work out a quick conversion before you set off.

Another common mistake is to assume that the drink driving limits are the same as in the UK. If you like to have a drink with your dinner, for example, make sure you know what the limits are – in the UK, the limit is 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of your blood whereas the limit in both France and Spain is a lower 50 milligrammes.

9. Do your homework on the roads

You may think that all you need to remember about driving abroad is to stick to the right, but when faced with a sign saying “Cédez le passage” in France at a roundabout, would you know what it meant? And how about “Zone a Traffico Limitato” in Italy?

Combined with the fact you probably don’t quite know where you’re going, unknown signs can lead to stress and costly mistakes, so read up on a few of the most common before you travel. (“Cédez le passage” means that the traffic on the roundabout has priority and “Zone a Traffico Limitato” means only residents can use the roads.)

Find out more about driving in France in our video.

10. Make motorway tolls a breeze

Motorway, bridge and tunnel tolls are another factor to think about when driving abroad as you don’t want to be the annoying tourist holding a queue of traffic up as you work out how to pay. So, have change or a card ready to use at any toll points on your route and find out whether there’s anything else you’ll need to smooth your journey.

In Switzerland, for example, drivers have to pay an annual motorway tax, so to drive in the country, you’ll need a vignette (a sticker) to display in your vehicle. If you are caught driving without one, you’ll get a fine.

Please note: All prices and deals were correct at the time of writing (May 28, 2013).

From city breaks in Paris to self-catering Greek adventures, as an adult I’ve been back to many of the places I remember fondly as a child. And research by TravelSupermarket shows that I’m not alone.

In fact, our research found that nearly half of British holidaymakers (48%) have returned to a holiday destination they visited with their family as a child, with 27% of these holidaymakers having been back to that destination at least once in the last two years.

What’s more, 52% of the Brits we asked told us they’d been on a similar type of break to those they experienced on childhood getaways.

But with so many places around the world to discover, why are Brits being drawn back to destinations they’ve visited before?

Hand-me-down holidays

A key reason behind the hand-me-down holiday trend seems to be the uncertain economic climate making us think carefully about every extra penny we spend. And a response from more than half (51%) of Brits who visited the same place as they did as a child was that it was “tried and tested and offered good value for money”.

Other reasons included: “We’ll know we’ll enjoy ourselves” (47%) and “We’d like our children to have the same experiences we did” (39%).

Talking about the fear of making the wrong holiday decision, TravelSupermarket’s travel expert, Bob Atkinson, said: “Our family holidays give us memories that last a lifetime, so it’s little wonder they’re so important to us. We can’t afford to get them wrong, especially as the current economic climate is putting pressure on families to get the best value from their holiday.”

Lucy Norman is one of the many Brits who have inherited their holiday destination and is now passing on her travel trends to her young family. Here’s her story…

“Lido Di Jesolo holds a special place in my heart”

As a child, Lucy Norman used to visit Lido Di Jesolo near Venice with her family. Then, when she was 18, she met the man who would eventually become her husband there. Since their holiday romance, the couple have returned to the resort regularly with their two sons Joseph (10) and William (6) and are planning a trip there this August to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Lucy and her husband John in Lido Di Jesolo

When they are in Lido Di Jesolo, Lucy and her family have a tried-and-tested routine – they stay in the same hotel (and ask for the same room), bag the same spot on the beach, eat lunch in the same beach cafe then head to their favourite bar for some evening entertainment.

William (10) and Joseph (6) on the beach in Lido Di Jesolo

Lucy says she returns to Lido Di Jesolo as, not only does the destination hold a special place in her heart, she knows there’s something there for all of the family and enjoyment is guaranteed. The family have considered trying somewhere new but always worry that they’ll spend money on a trip they won’t enjoy as much.

Tried and tested

As Lucy’s routine demonstrates, it’s not just holiday destinations that we’ve inherited from our parents. Our research also found that the activities we take part in while we’re away are passed down too.

Despite some generational differences – for example, those over 55 are more likely to remember nostalgic activities such as eating an ice-cream fondly (51%) while those aged between 18 and 34 had more varied holiday experiences such as visiting museums (13%) and camping (11%) – 70% of the top 10 activities were the same across all groups.

Top 10 holiday activities

1. Having an ice-cream
2. Building a sandcastle
3. Collecting shells on the beach
4. Buying souvenirs
5. Playing in the arcade
6. Sending a postcard
7. Playing games on the beach
8. Visiting local points of interest
9. Jumping waves in the sea
10. Fishing in rock pools.

Great family holiday destinations

Before I’ve even invested in a cot or pushchair, I’m already weighing up the options for my first holiday as a family, and memories of childhood travels are key in this decision.

But whether you’re about to head off on your first overseas break with the kids or want to try somewhere new as a family this year, Bob Atkinson offers this advice: “There are some great destinations for families and some fantastic deals to be had. If you want to stay relatively close to home, consider Spain, Greece or Turkey. But for those willing to travel further afield, places like Florida, Egypt and Sri Lanka can offer affordable prices and great family memories.”

For even more inspiration, take a look at our list of top 10 family holiday destinations in 2013.

Do you travel to destinations you know from when you were a child or do you try never to visit the same destination twice? And what are your top holiday activities? Leave a comment below and let us know.