'Brits with foresight will get the bargains'

Budgeting Brits have been advised to exercise some foresight when booking their breaks, if they want to get the best deal.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (Aito) says that in the current economic climate the early birds will get the cheapest deals with their foreign trips.

Holidaymakers may also want to consider the mode of transport they use to head abroad, such as a cross-channel ferry, when cutting costs.

Ian Bradley, spokesperson for Aito, said: "If you are thinking of going on holiday next year start thinking about it now." He added: "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."

Furthermore, the travel expert noted that holidaymakers should be thinking more than a few months in advance if they want to get a really cheap deal.

According to the 2008 ebookers Travel Opinion Report, the credit crunch has caused over 50 per cent of Brits to book their breaks in advance.

It also found that for more than half of those polled holidays are either important or an absolute necessity. Only 12 per cent viewed them as a luxury.