From seriously cheap flights to cut price rooms, these Squeeze Team hacks will save you hundreds on your summer holiday

AFTER two hellish summers of Covid restrictions, a much-needed holiday is one expense hardworking families do not want to jettison – if they can possibly avoid it.

In the second of our Squeeze Team specials, we have tips for spending less on flights, hotels and car hire, plus advice on how to avoid the most common rip-offs when it comes to travel money and more.

We also bring you a host of ideas for cheaper days out right here in this country.

And we hear from one savvy traveller who saved a bundle on his long-haul hol.

Flights

GO LAST WEEK OF AUGUST: Choose the right week to travel and you could save a fortune.

Flight comparison site Skyscanner checks millions of prices daily and its boffins have crunched the numbers to reveal the best time to fly.

The first two weeks of the school holidays are the most popular time

Delaying a trip until the final week could save you up to 44 per cent.

Prices across all destinations for the first week of the summer holidays average at £429 – but tumble to £241 in the final week.

FLY MIDWEEK: You can also save a fortune by being flexible.

Jetting off on a Saturday is always the most expensive option.

By flying to the US on a Tuesday during the summer holidays instead of a Saturday, a family of four will save on average £380.

Or save an average of £244 by flying to Greece on a Thursday instead of a Saturday.

For those willing to be spontaneous, Skyscanner has an “everywhere” option on its drop-down search list that will reveal the cheapest destinations for your chosen travel dates

CHANGE AIRPORT: It is also worth checking airports you would not normally consider flying from.

Families in the North of England should look at Scottish airports this summer to make the most of the different school holidays.

INCLUDE BAGGAGE COST: Low-cost airlines may have the lowest prices at first glance but if you are travelling as a family and need to add on luggage, costs can skyrocket.

Compare prices with luggage included.

Stays

PICK UP THE PHONE: Research by Which? found holidaymakers get a better deal four in five times when they call the hotel direct.

First, do your research by looking on comparison sites such as Kayak and Tripadvisor.

Then call the hotel to see if it will beat that price.

BOOK HOSTELS OR VILLAS FOR LARGER GROUPS: If you are travelling in a group or have a larger family, consider hostels and apartments as well as hotels.

Hostels are often located very centrally.

You can book an entire dorm to yourself for six or more people so you will not have to share with strangers.

Apartments or even villas booked via Airbnb or Vrbo also offer cheaper ways of travelling with a crowd.

JOIN LOYALTY SCHEMES FOR DISCOUNTS: Many hotel chains have loyalty programmes than are free to join, such as Hilton Honors, InterContinental Hotels’ IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and Best Western Rewards.

Members of these loyalty schemes are more likely to get offered an upgrade upon check-in – or even discounts calling to book.

SHOP AND SAVE ON HOTELS: Tesco Clubcard points can be used to buy rewards vouchers at hotel chains such as Hilton and Mercure, plus Butlins and via .