I’m a travel expert that can help you make huge savings on your summer holidays with these seven simple tricks

WE may all be enjoying the first long weekend of the year with the great Easter getaway, but it’s just 100-odd days until the start of the summer holidays.

If you’ve yet to book your break here at home or are looking to jet off abroad in July and August, there are still ways to save despite the cost-of-living crisis and increased flight and holiday prices.

Here, Head of Travel Lisa Minot offers advice for ways to cut your spending when heading off on holiday — and a handy checklist for what you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly.

MID-WEEK WONDERS

DEPARTING mid-week can generate big savings on flights, as those at weekends are in higher demand and cost more.

Data from Google Flights has found travellers save an average of 15 per cent if they fly on a Wednesday compared with the weekend.

Check out Skyscanner’s Everywhere tool for inspiration, with the cheapest flight prices for a huge range of destinations.

GO LATER FOR LESS

THE first week of the school summer holidays is the busiest, with the highest prices, so maybe wait till the END as the last week of August brings significant savings.

Also, if you live in the north of England consider flying out of Scottish airports in August, when Scottish kids are back at school and prices drop.

SWITCH AND SAVE

WITH prices in the EU on the rise, this year is the time to think outside the box.

Switch the Italian Lakes for North Macedonia where holiday giant Tui has a new programme to explore its stunning lakes and mountains.

Not got the cash for pricey clubbing capital Ibiza?

Head to Montenegro and buzzing Budva with its fantastic nightlife and international DJs.

Those after fly-and-flop sun should look at Turkey where the currency is weak compared to the Pound, and prices are lower than ­similar hotels in Greece and Spain.