I know it can be a real pain to get the holiday of your dreams when realistically you're money only stretches to a weekend huddled in a tent in the middle of nowhere thanks to the depressing state of our economy at the moment.

Well fear not, there is hope on the horizon thanks to Wanderlust's ultimate travellers’ cheat sheet which is full of clever tips to help your money go further, from the planning stage, through to flights, accommodation and ‘on the ground’.

And it's about time we had some money friendly news as a recent study by Mintel has found that the big summer holiday is the latest casualty of the credit crunch, with 1 in 5 people cutting back on their annual break or even delaying holiday plans due to worries over the economic downturn but there are still plenty of ways to get more for your moolah.

So follow our ten commandments for cheaper travel and pack your bags ready for the holiday you deserve!

1 - Thou shalt time your trip well

Go off-peak, or in the ‘shoulder season’ just before the masses arrive. For example, African safaris in the rainy season cost up to 40% less, and offer the chance to see more new-born animals; the Galapagos Islands in May are 20-30% cheaper than Dec / Jan or high summer – and offer warmer, calmer conditions

2 - Thou shalt not book the first trip you see

Work out your itinerary and then compare prices from different tour operators. Use comparison websites to check flight prices, and an up-to-date guidebook to assess the going rate for activities on the ground

3 - Thou shalt go where the pound is strongest

If possible, avoid the Eurozone, where the pound is weak. Instead, head for economies linked to the dollar (the US, central America) or other weakening currencies (Iceland, South Africa, Bulgaria)

4 - Thou shalt be flexible

Be willing to fly a day earlier or two days later, or with a stopover you hadn't thought of, to save money. For example, flying to Australia on 10 December – the beginning of peak season – can cost up to £300 more than flying on the 9th

5 - Thou shalt consult other travellers

Talk to people who have already travelled to your planned destination by logging onto a travel forum for recommendations and advice from real travellers

6 - Thou shalt seek out local knowledge

Many destinations offer free ‘greeter’ tours run by volunteers, which is a great way to save money, meet the locals, and pick up insider tips. Destinations include Paris, New York and even Thanet in Kent.

7 - Thou shalt ask; if thou dost not ask, thou dost not get

“Is that your best price?” “Are you able to offer a discount for cash?” “Could you include breakfast / an airport pickup / an activity for that price?” It’s not that hard, is it…

8 - Thou shalt book early (and late)

Book budget airline tickets as early as possible, but keep an eye out for late deals on packages and tours.

9 - Thou shalt travel to former trouble spots

Don’t put yourself in danger, but countries rebounding from political turmoil or natural disasters need you – and will lower their prices to entice you. Current bargains include post-election Kenya, post-bomb Bali, and locally turbulent Sri Lanka

10 - Thou shalt know when not to save

Some things you shouldn’t scrimp on – travel insurance, for one. And is it worth saving £50 on a flight if you end up flying from a remote airport at stupid o’clock with no meals?

So there you go, now you have no excuse not to treat yourself to that itsy bitsy bikini you've had your eye on for the last month, besides, a real sun kissed glow is far better than the one you've been buying from the supermarket! The guide is available to download at www.wanderlust.co.uk/money, or in an expanded form in the June/July issue of Wanderlust, out now.

FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison