Make your reservations as soon as you have decided on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for early bookings at least 21 days in advance. The best rates are often those that include a Saturday night stay and have travel dates during the week.

Fly in the middle of the week. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to fly. Monday and Friday are usually the most expensive (mainly due to business travellers often flying on these days). Saturdays can also turn up good deals.

www.travelcenteruk.co.uk can be the quickest and easiest way to compare many different airlines' rates to find the best deals.

Check into splitting your trip into two roundtrip sections. A stopover at a midpoint could cost you less, compared to flying a direct route. Although, make sure the savings are large enough to warrant the extra hassles of the stopover.

Check for special deals.

A passport, for all travel outside the U.K and identification purposes.

Wallet, Driver's License and/or other proper photo identification required for domestic travel.

Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance.

Credit cards, Travelers checks, Coupons.

Airline, Cruise or Train tickets.

Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying.

Travel brochures and maps.

Don't pack valuable, perishable, and fragile items or items sensitive to heat and cold, in your checked baggage. Try to avoid these items altogether, but if you must take them, they will be safer in your carry-on bag.

Travelling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go.

Half the fun of travelling is in the planning. Following the process outlined below can ensure you receive the maximum pleasure for your time and money. Your objective should be to arrive at your destination with the information and preparation you need to enjoy it to the maximum.

Do some research, learn as much as you can about your destination.

Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.

Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you'll have when away from home. Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Check the dates of local major holidays or festivals, since services may be limited on those dates.

Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid.

Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.