Travelling long haul is not cheap, and unfortunately prices are only set to continue to rise as new air regulations come into force and inflation takes a toll.

Rather than cut back on your desire to travel, find out how you can go further, for far less.

We asked Debbie Goffin from Premier Holidays to share the industry’s secrets:

• Free nights are generally buy one get one free in Asia, so an even duration will offer optimum value for money.

• Generally, being flexible is always the best way to get a good deal but if you have fairly fixed dates still ask whether it’s cheaper a day or two either side as prices can change dramatically from one date to the next.

• You may get the best rates if you book in advance; this especially applies to car hire or rv rentals in America and hotels throughout Asia. It is also much cheaper to upgrade in the UK rather than pay locally for a bigger car or larger room.

• Take advantage of internal flights especially in America and Australia that international carriers offer through their partner alliances. Flying internally will work out much cheaper than trying to add these flights on yourself or doing it locally.

• Take advantage of free stopovers that airlines offer. You may want to holiday in Vegas but take advantage of the fact you can stop for free in NYC on the way or if you are going to the Far East or Australia fly with a Middle Eastern carrier and stop off in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for free in either direction.

• Travel outside of peak seasons, so for example travelling to Thailand in May and June September or October could save you more than 50% compared to travelling in April.

• Book as far in advance as possible for peak season travel – as hotels and airlines fill up they will close out cheaper classes and room types so you will end up paying more to travel on the same flights and stay in the same room than if you had booked earlier when the lowest classes were available. Best airfares go to people booking in advance and not last minute. This also applies to hotels which offer early booking discounts. It won’t be cheaper leaving it until the last minute in peak season.

• Consider club rooms. Many hotels offer this at a very reasonable upgrade price when you take into the account the extras that are thrown in; these vary but can include breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, wi fi etc. It’s also worth remembering imported alcoholic drinks can be very expensive in hotels and resort bars.

• Make the most of bonus buys many hotels offer, the best example of these is free nights, and time your stay to give you the most benefit. For example many hotels in Asia offer these on a pay one get one free basis so staying an even number of nights ensures you get the most value.

And lastly, don’t forget to get travel insurance as soon as you book your flights. Travelling long haul can be pricey, and should something happen that means you can no longer go on your trip – you will be able to recoup the losses and possibly go another time.