SUMMER holidays may be generally more expensive when school's out - but, if you're still on the lookout for that bargain holiday in the sun, it doesn't mean you can't get a good deal.

Pat Emsley, travel manager with the Wallace Arnold Travel Shop in York, says you shouldn't take too much notice of the prices quoted in the travel brochures. They are there as a guideline.

"The flexi-prices for holidays increase and decrease constantly depending on how well the holiday is selling," she says. Something which you as the customer can play to your advantage.

Here are a few tips on the dos and don'ts of finding a holiday bargain.

Booking late

Generally, the nearer you get to the date of the holiday before booking, the less it will cost you. Bear in mind, however, that if you do book at the last minute, you may not know exactly where you're going to end up. "At certain times of year, extremely low prices are to be found, but passengers booking these holidays realise that the accommodation is allocated on arrival," Pat says. This "the later the cheaper"' rule applies in the peak season as well - although remember, the starting price of the holiday will have been higher. "During peak school holiday periods the prices are higher to begin with and do not drop as low," Pat says.

Shopping around

Shop around is often the mantra when you're looking for a good deal. In the modern travel market, however, most agents can offer more or less the same package deals and you could easily find yourself checking with four or five different agents and just find a few pounds difference in price, Pat says.

Independent travel agents such as Wallace Arnold and York-based firm Travel Options, which are not tied to a particular tour operator, are often less restricted about the range of holidays they can sell, however, so they are always well worth checking out.

Independents "have a greater selection of smaller specialist companies in stock, as well as the major tour operators," Pat says. "Obviously the prices for the specialist companies are higher than the major package tour operators, but most companies offer deals and special offers."

Graham Harris, of Travel Options, endorses this advice. If you fail to look at what the independents have to offer, you might miss out, he says.

Discounts

Many travel agents offer their own agency discounts, Pat says. "When passengers book direct with a company or tour operator they miss out on any extra discounts that the agent is giving." So it's always worth checking what is available.

Hidden extras

Many bargain holidays carry "hidden costs" such as transfer fees, flight upgrades, meals on aircraft etc. You won't be able to bargain with the agent to waive these fees, Graham Harris says, but you can ask for the extra services not to be included. Then, for example, you could take sandwiches on your flight; and if you know the area you are going, it may well be very cheap to take a taxi from the airport.

Self catering

Self-catering holidays in places like Greece tend to be good value for money - and you can always dine out if you don't like the thought of cooking, often very cheaply. One thing to be aware of, however. "Most of the time the accommodation is allocated on arrival and the areas do not always suit families with small children who need facilities," says Pat.

Family holidays

There are plenty of options, says Pat - so be prepared to be flexible. Car holidays to Spain or France with accommodation in tents or mobile homes can be fun and good value. Butlins, Park Holidays and Haven Holidays all offer good reductions for children.

Booking flights and accommodation separately

The combined price tends to work out the same as a package, Pat says - but of course booking a flight only is great if you've got a timeshare or are planning to stay with friends.

Online booking

This is fine when things go well, Pat says. "However, people do not always check the small print and the rules and regulations that apply especially to the low-cost airlines." If you've got a £25 flight, and the airline cancels, for example, all they have to do is refund the cost of the flight. A disaster if you have booked two-weeks accommodation, and can't get there; or if taking an alternative flight means you miss an expensive cruise.

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, July 08, 2004