According to ABTA, the travel association, one in five people are already planning to take a winter holiday this year, with many more toying with the idea of jetting off to sunnier climes.

Whether you opt for winter sun or a ski break, here are some top tips to bag a bargain winter break:

• Get flexible – Often getting the best value comes down to how flexible your travel arrangements are; if you have a specific destination in mind, prepare to be flexible about when you go and where you stay and if you don’t mind where you go then more options will be available to you. 

• Some travel providers offer ‘price match’ services so make sure you find the best deal you can online and see if you can get it beaten or matched.

• When it comes to booking flights the cost of seats goes up as the plane fills up, so when you see a deal on the flight you want book it then and there.

• Book quickly – Anita Naik from VoucherCodes.co.uk says that immediately after summer many travel providers offer some of the biggest discounts of the year, but by Christmas the number of offers available decreases.

• Avoid travelling at peak periods where possible as flights and holidays will be cheaper, also generally flights are more expensive at weekends, it is often cheaper to travel midweek.

• Travel on Christmas day – if you’re not spending Christmas with friends or family, you can save big money if you fly on Christmas day as it’s such a quiet time for airlines. If you don’t want to spend the 25th December in the air have a look at Boxing Day flights which are also heavily reduced.

• When flying, consider other departure airports as it may be cheaper to go from slightly further away, but remember to factor in what it will cost you to get there.

• If you’re going skiing consider resorts that are less well known as they will often be cheaper. 

• If you’re planning a winter break in addition to a summer holiday, then an annual travel insurance policy is probably the most cost-effective way to make sure you’re insured. If you’re planning on doing any winter sports such as skiing you’ll need to make sure that these are covered by your policy.

• Pick a package, often this is the easiest way to make sure you get everything booked at the price you want. When planning a break, you may find cheap flights but be left with expensive accommodation options or vice versa, plus a package holiday will be financially protected.

• Going all-inclusive can also be a good option as it offers you more control over your budget.

• Join loyalty schemes and memberships as you’ll be the first to hear about exclusive offers, companies are more likely to offer upgrades and perks to loyal customers

• Get social – use social media to follow travel companies, lots of companies offer special deals on Facebook and Twitter.

• Set your budget and take it to your local travel agent, you’ll get the benefit of their expertise and they’ll be able to advise you on any deals or offers in resorts, they’ll also have up to date information on exactly what’s available and have access to many deals that aren’t available online.

• Use cashback and reward cards where possible. You’ll be spending a significant amount on the flights/trains etc. so you may as well get the most out of that spend.

• Leave it to the last minute – if you have the nerve to hold on until the last minute to book your holiday, you may be rewarded with a bargain deal. Of course, you should also be prepared to consider alternatives to your chosen destination.

Insurance: don’t even think about getting on that plane without travel cover – it is a false economy. Especially if you are going off on an activity holiday.

Currency: if possible, don’t leave buying your foreign notes to the last minute. This will almost certainly mean you get a worse rate. Try pre-paid cards to mix-up how much you take in cash, and also to help limit how much you rack up on your credit card on fees and charges.