Families have been advised today (August 21st) that forward planning can help them get the best deal for their summer holiday.
With the cost of fuel on the rise and living expenses squeezing household budgets, the price of the average family holiday has increased by up to £400 in some cases.
However, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has explained that crucial pennies and last-minute stress can be saved by booking early.
Spokesman Ian Bradley said: "Plan well in advance if you can, don't leave it as late as possible...If you are thinking of going on holiday next year start thinking about it now.
"The last-minute market at the moment is pretty quiet and the trend that I have seen from AITO members is that future bookings are looking very healthy.
"In the school holidays, airlines put up their seats, the hotels put up their rates and a lot of that is passed onto tour operators and they have no choice but to increase their prices as well."
Booking a holiday package earlier and saving money should also mean that travellers have no excuse not to scour the internet and secure a comprehensive
online travel insurance policy.