All the doom and gloom on Wall Street leading straight to Main Street had me thinking that we’d finally see the price of an average family holiday fall. This summer top European destinations have seen a fall in the number of American and British holiday makers who have had to stay away home due to financial worries and the strong Euro. Sadly prices haven't come crashing down in the same way as the markets have, but with everyone (apart from the super- rich) beginning to feel more than just a pinch here’s some ideas for getting at least one holiday a year.

-Book Early , by which I mean nearly a year ahead. This way your tour operator is able to secure the lowest airfares, which usually takes up a good proportion of the cost of the holiday. Plus you need only pay the deposit at the time of the booking giving yourself almost 12 months to save (the good old fashioned way) for that well deserved holiday. (We’ve yet to master this in our household).

-Go last minute. You can get some incredible deals if you’re able to book your holiday within the week or two of departure. Not a great option if you’ve got your heart set on somewhere specific or in August when options might be limited, but if you’re happy to go where the opportunity takes you and the family, you’ll be able to make your pounds go far – literally.

-Go off-peak. A really obvious statement, but you’ll save a bundle going in September when the masses are back to school. Before your little starts 'big' school, make the most of this opportunity and enjoy crowd free beaches and better rates.

-Look out for child free places... If your little one is two and older, you can literally save hundreds of pounds by selecting an operator that offers child free places.

-Consider the great outdoors and go camping. Not to be scoffed at by those like me who love their creature comforts and need a bit of luxury on holiday. Get everything from beds, hot running water, TVs, fridges even microwaves. Really how hard could it be....?

-Haggle. Admitted a very un-British thing to do but works well with hotels all around the world that need to fill last minute availability or for off season bookings. There’s really not much to lose by asking for their very best rates and although you might not get a better rate, you might get a free upgrade instead. Result.

Do you have any great money saving tips ? If so, please share with the HWB community by adding your comments below. Thanx