Start with the trip you can actually take

Write down your departure area, possible dates, number of nights and travellers. Note any requirements that would rule out an offer: accessible accommodation, a checked bag, a particular room arrangement or arrival before a certain time.

Set two figures: the amount you would like to spend and a maximum you can afford. Keep a separate buffer for unexpected costs instead of treating every remaining pound or euro as available for booking.

Use five budget lines

• Getting there: flights or ferry fares, baggage, seats and transport to the departure point.
• Accommodation: the complete stay, required charges and the room arrangement you need.
• Arrival and local transport: airport transfers, buses, parking or car hire.
• Daily spending: meals not included, activities and routine purchases.
• Optional extras and buffer: separate these from the compulsory total.

Keep refundable deposits in a separate cash-flow column. They may affect the money or card limit you need even when they are not an expected final cost.

Worked example: a cheaper flight can mean a dearer holiday

These invented figures illustrate the method; they are not available offers. For the same two-person, three-night trip, option A has transport of €120, baggage of €60, accommodation of €240, transfers of €70 and estimated meals of €120. Its planned total is €610.

Option B has transport of €180, no additional baggage cost for the bags needed, accommodation of €270, transfers of €20 and the same €120 meal allowance. Its planned total is €590. The higher initial transport price produces the lower overall budget in this example.

Compare the cancellation conditions separately. A small saving may be less useful if the cheaper option is unsuitable when your plans change.

Change one variable at a time

Try nearby dates first, then a different departure point or accommodation area. Recalculate the transport and daily costs after each change. A remote airport or cheaper hotel can shift spending elsewhere.

For a short break, compare usable time as well as nights booked. A late arrival and early departure can reduce a three-night reservation to two useful days.

Make the final comparison on the provider website

Before paying, check the currency, final total, baggage, guest details and payment schedule. Save the selected conditions with your confirmation. If an offer cannot meet your essential requirements, remove it from the comparison rather than assigning it an artificially attractive price.

Check hotel costs, compare flight extras and plan the arrival transfer before choosing your combination.