Darren Williams of PromotionalCodes, said: “Booking a summer holiday should be a happy time, a chance to get away from daily working life and to rest and recuperate.

“But too often, people are being roped into bad holiday deals, leaving them with low funds in the bank and causing them a whole lot of unnecessary worry and anxiety.”

Below, he lists simple booking hacks to bag a bargain break:

1. Staycations – the UK has many of its own treasures so a summer break doesn’t have to mean catching a flight out of the country. From the glitz and glamour of London’s West End to the ancient wonders of Stonehenge and the Roman Baths – there are plenty of places in Britain to visit to make the most of your breaks.
2. Camping – hotel costs normally take the biggest bite out of your wallet. You can pick up a good quality tent for next to nothing in many high street stores and it’s a great idea for a romantic getaway too.
3. Off season – holiday companies fluctuate their prices according to demand and unfortunately summer is the priciest time. Booking at an off-peak time can be better for your bank account so it’s always worth looking at deals for early autumn instead.
4. The 53 day rule – early bird or last-minute deals is the age-old question for holiday makers. The best time to book flights at their cheapest is around 53 days before you travel. Be aware that this does differ between different companies but if you’re booking around this time frame you’ll be sure to get the best deals.
5. Watch for hidden charges – Holiday companies lure you in with cheap sounding deals but you may be surprised to be hit with extra charges for food, blankets, concierge service etc. To avoid being stung by these charges take your booking right up to the payment page so you know exactly what you’ll be forking out for.
6. Research your hotels – it’s always a tightrope to walk between price and quality. If you’re on a budget, be sure to read hotel reviews before booking so you can make sure you get cheap and cheerful and not cheap and nasty.
7. Promotional codes and cashback offers – many companies offer discount deals with secret codes so it’s worth checking before you book.
8. Check if your hotel price includes breakfast – if your hotel offers breakfast, fill yourself up and start the day off right – if you can, take fruit and bread from the breakfast buffet, it’ll keep you topped up for the afternoon.
9. Consider an indirect flight – while it can be nice to get door-to-door service with your travel arrangements, it can be cheaper to get your flights with a stop-off along the way. If you’re in no hurry to get to your destination, this can really save pennies.
10. Pack carefully – pack well to ensure you’re not stung with surprise charges when checking in your baggage. You can always wear extra layers or put things in your hand luggage to reduce baggage weight.