Everyone knows how expensive plane tickets are. Whether you just want to travel to the next capital city, or overseas, plane fares can cost quite a bit. But travelling to the UK or anywhere in Europe – especially if you don’t live anywhere near the destination – is, well, exorbitant. However, budget flights can be found – you just need to look around and jump at the chance when it arises.

One thing to bear in mind is that holidays are more expensive when it is peak holiday season. Think of the times you want to go on holidays – school holiday times, Christmas, Easter – and you can bet your bottom dollar that everyone else wants to holiday then, too. So picking an off-peak time works in your favour. Less traffic on the roads, smaller queues at tourist attractions and – you guessed it – cheaper airfares. Budget flights abound on off-peak seasons.

If you have access to the internet (even if you don’t) booking some time ahead can also save you money. Many people leave things a little too late, and booking airfares and accommodation are two holiday necessities that many leave to the last minute – and end up paying through the nose for it. But if you plan ahead (way ahead) and book your plane tickets several months before you plan on taking your holiday, then you may be able to take advantage of cheaper airfares. You could also pay off your tickets as you go, and not be up for the entire cost in one hit. Also, you have plenty of time to plan your holiday, including accommodation, and not stress about missing out and having to sleep in your hire car!

If you plan ahead and find a cheaper airfare – jump at it! Don’t procrastinate, or you’ll miss the bargain. Even if it’s only a one-way ticket, you may be able to find a cheap return ticket at a later date. If not, you still save on the ticket you’ve bought at a discount rate.

On the other end of the scale, you can also grab budget flights by leaving it literally to the last minute. Many airlines drop the cost of their tickets within the last few days, to try and fill seats on flights that look like being less than full. If you’re game, and don’t mind last minute decisions, then leaving it to the last minute might just work in your favour!