Beat the credit crunch with lastminute.com

Despite the credit crunch and the strong Euro, Brits can still get their hands on some great holiday deals according to online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com. Here are some expert top tips on how to bag yourself the best value for money holidays on the market.

For short haul summer holidays, think non-Euro destinations where the pound is still strong. Hotspots such as the Balkans, Turkey and Northern Cyprus are proving particularly popular.

Shopaholics should head to the US. The dollar is still very weak and there are some great deals to be had. The beaches of Florida are also tipped to be a great hit this summer.

Choose an all-inclusive holiday it will save you money when in resort.

It is not always cheaper to book at the last minute, some of the best value deals are on sale now.

Expect great bargains in May and June as the Euro 2008 kicks in when the rest of Europe will stay at home, the sun-beds will all be empty.

Packages using low cost airlines are notably cheaper and often fly from regional airports bringing overall travel costs down.

When booking flights remain flexible in terms of dates and use lastminute.com’s calendar flight search, by changing a departure date by just one day, you could save literally hundreds of pounds

For a luxurious treat, use lastminute.com’s Top Secret Hotels which with savings of up to 45% on room rates in four and five star hotels will save you a packet.

When booking city breaks, buy flights and hotels together as the overall price is cheaper than buying both separately.

Capitalise on early July bargains if you can. School holidays only start at the end of the month.