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14th May 2017
11:58am BST
The summer has finally arrived and after the long and dark months of winter, our thoughts have now turned to booking a lovely holiday to reward ourselves for our hard work.
If there's a better feeling than pulling walking into the concourse of Dublin Airport full of excitement for a few days away, then we haven't discovered it yet.
Of course, all that rest and relaxation is quickly undone if you have to face a whopper credit card bill when you get back so a bargain break is always the best option.
Here are our top tips for booking an affordable holiday this year...
It may be easy to opt for the old reliables but prices are generally dictated by supply and demand, so venturing off the beaten track can get you a lot more bang for your buck.
We're not saying that you should pick the most obscure name you see when scrolling through Ryanair, but thinking outside the box can mean that you get a much more luxurious holiday for the same budget. Croatia and Slovenia may not be as popular as the Bahamas but you'll save a bundle.
Many of us have our own favourite ways to book a holiday - some swear by package deals while others love to plan a DIY trip. However, flights and hotels prices change so much that it's definitely worth checking all of the options before you book. The results might surprise you.
Another option that many people forget is going to a travel agent. These companies often get better deals than you can find yourself - particularly when it comes to long-haul destinations - so it's worth a try!
A hotel is often the most expensive part of the trip so it can often pay to look at other options. Some people may feel a little weird about staying in someone's home but once you give it a try, you'll be converted!
You have the option of renting the entire apartment or just a room - so you could get a lovely local host to give you all those insider tips as well! It also means that you'll have access to a kitchen so you can save some serious dolla on breakfasts and lunch.
It's getting easier and easier to find good deals online, thanks to sites like Skyscanner, Kayak and Trivago. A lot of different airlines fly through Dublin Airport these days so looking at options outside Aer Lingus or Ryanair can mean big savings.
Just beware of long layovers and remote airports!
If you travel a lot, there are definite benefits to booking an annual insurance policy rather than adding it on each time when booking your flights. Companies like MultiTrip offer worldwide package for €40 a year so they're definitely worth looking into for frequent flyers.
Prices for checked luggage are on the rise (and will continue to) so it's time to get savvy about your packing. Do a Joey from Friends and wear all of your heavy items to the airport - think coats, boots etc.
Also, it's time to become a packing ninja - check out the tips below!
Something as simple as changing the day that you fly can mean more money in your pocket so try to travel on less popular days of the week instead.
Similarly, being flexible when you travel can be the way to bag a great deal so if you can leave on short notice, you're on to a winner.
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