How to Afford a holiday in 2010

So how can you get the best value in 2010, whether you are looking for a romantic city break, or a family beach holiday? www.Simonseeks.com has come up with 20 money-saving tips to help you minimise your budget, but still have a great time

Use our money-saving guides

There are lots of websites which compare prices or claim to save you money. But which ones offer the best deals and are the easiest to use? Our money-saving guides to booking flights, car hire and hotels will help you pick the best, and make big savings.

Pick the bargain weeks

If you aren't tied to school holidays, then June is the best month to travel to the Med. Prices can be less than half those in August, the resorts are quieter, and the weather just as good. If you have school-age children, and can't avoid high summer, look at the brochure prices for the last week in August. These are usually a good 10 to 20 per cent lower than the rest of the month.

Book for half-term

Another way families with children can get around the summer peak prices is to book a week in the May half term. The weather will be hotting up in all the main Mediterranean destinations and prices are a good 25-30 per cent lower than high summer. A great destination at this time of year, where good weather is almost guaranteed, is Crete. Get inspired with one of our travel guides on Crete.

Go for Turkey...

The strong Euro means that holidays in Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal are about 15 per cent more expensive than they were in 2008. The good news is that, compared with this time last year, the pound has strengthened slightly against the Euro.

However, of all the Mediterranean destinations, Turkey, which is not part of the Eurozone, still looks like excellent value. The Lira has weakened against the pound in the last year, and the local cost of living is low. For inspiration see this guide to the Turkish Riviera by Dan Hipgrave.