Nine tricks to help you find holiday bargains this summer

The summer holidays are fast approaching and now is the moment to plan your trip. The internet can play a key role in making sure your travels don't burn a hole in your pocket.

Portalic have compiled a list of 9 tricks that can help you save a few pounds so you can enjoy your vacations with less worry about the financial consequences.

1) Buy early morning tickets
Purchasing tickets during the early morning, especially for flights, can lower the price of any journey, considering many airlines update their available seats at around 1am. If you purchase at this time you are more likely to find a suitable flight that fits your price bracket.

2) Switch your browser to “incognito”
A classic. Cookies on your browser record the flights you search for, and if there is continued interest in the same date and destination, the price of the flights can increase. In other words, if you stalk Ryanair every day for three weeks hoping for a reduction, you may find that the opposite is the case.

3) Compare different search sites
Not all comparison sites offer the same price, shop around the different possibilities and you can find discounts. Whether it be Skyscanner or Momondo, they may well have varying offers for the same flights.

Not all comparison sites offer the same price

4) Be careful with add-ons
It's important to keep in mind that the price given on comparison and airline sites are not always the final price, as many sites will apply add-ons after the original fare. So if you think you are getting a bargain for flights costing 10 pounds only, chances are they will add on a host of necessary taxes the final total.

Many sites will apply add-ons after the original fare

5) Google Flights
If you are an explorer and what you want is to experience real travel without having a particular destination in mind, Google Flights could be your most loyal ally, explains Europa Press. Choose “Discover Destinations” and you can see the various options available to you. If you're a flexible you can obtain a cheap holiday.

6) Register with the airlines
It´s free, takes no time, and is the newest online fashion. In cases of overbooking you will have priority, and many other benefits await. All major airlines have regular flyer areas where they present various offers to loyal customers.

7) Install notifications that tell you when prices change
With programmes such as Google Now, it´s possible to be informed about price changes in plane tickets to your mobile, so you can make the most of your opportunities. If that flight to Dubai you've been dreaming about reaches a lower price, you will be the first to know.

8) Pick the right time to travel
Flying on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, during the months of January and December, can save you a lot. It may not be the most convenient for those working during the week but if you have a flexible schedule you can reap the rewards.

9) Accommodation
If you are planning to stay in a hotel or hostel, Sundays are the cheapest days to book. If you are only staying for the weekend, many big European cities have interesting offers with striking discounts for their city breaks. Also bear in mind that the longer you stay the cheaper the price per night will be in most cases.