1) Skyscanner
Skyscanner is top of our list because it’s simple to use and unbelievably efficient at presenting quick results. Said to be Europe’s leading travel search site, the Skyscanner platform has recently been revamped and has a new look along with lots of user friendly functions. It has a number of search options which allow you to browse prices throughout the year to secure the best deals and covers more than 1,000 different airlines.

2) Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, with integrated SeatGuru, is a great comparison site for picking the best seats based on internal airline seating maps. It features reviews from frequent fliers, shows real-time seat availability charts and will check alternative dates and airports to help you get the best fare. Not only that, but it flags up when business or first-class tickets closest to the economy price become available. You’ll even find related rail itineraries to coincide with your chosen flight.

3) Cheapflights
Launched by an avid traveller for avid travellers, Cheapflights offers information on the best value for money flights and even gives tips on baggage allowances, check-in times, nearby parking and airport hotels. It’s a simple platform but one that never fails to come up with the goods.

4) Fly.com
This is a great site for comparing economy, first-class and business fares across hundreds of airlines and major travel sites – all laid out in a really easy to read platform. Clever filters allow you to enhance your search and narrow down search results with direct booking links.

5) Momondo
Believe it or not, Momondo, which is owned by Cheapflights, used to be a search engine but has been developed to include city guides, car rental options and hotel availability. It has access to more than 500 different major travel sites, including most budget airline carriers. It helps you search multiple destinations simultaneously and will show you the cheapest air fares available at the time.

The post Top five flight comparison sites for budget travel appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

Grab a hot chocolate, pull up a pew and check out the top five destinations we have on our must-visit list for spring-summer next year.

1) Dubrovnik, Croatia

Otherwise known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, on the extreme southern coast of Croatia, is an incredibly tranquil spot – thanks, in part, to its pedestrian-only Old Town.

Not only is its history and architecture enchanting but its acclaimed summer festival really captures the city’s charm and gives visitors the opportunity to become immersed in its culture.

It’s relatively cheap and easy to take day trips to the likes of Lokrum and the Elaphite Islands, as well as across the border to Montenegro and Bosnia and Hercegovina.

2) Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Synonymous with religious conflict, Northern Ireland has had a bad press over the last couple of decades so hasn’t exactly brought the tourists rushing in.

But the country is changing and, even if you still don’t fancy a trip to Belfast, there are plenty of other parts of this beautiful Emerald Isle to explore.

Top of our list of must-see cities in Northern Ireland is Londonderry, or Derry as it’s also known, which is UK City of Culture 2013.

The walled city is set to invest a significant amount of cash in cultural development to boost tourism and will benefit from new routes introduced by easyJet and Aer Lingus in 2012.

3) Krakow, Poland

For a few years now, Krakow has been slowly earning its stripes – or co-ordinates – on the world tourism map. In fact, it’s become one of the most coveted city break destinations in Europe.

It’s the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland and is still relatively inexpensive for a short break that’s packed with culture.

Perhaps its biggest appeal, and a major draw, is the fact that it remained relatively unscathed during World War II and, as a result, is home to some of the oldest buildings and landmarks in Poland.

4) Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has really upped its marketing campaign to try and attract new tourism to the city, which is famed for its fantastic Hogmanay Celebrations and summer festivals.

The Scottish capital has more to offer than ever before with no end of highly acclaimed restaurants, pubs and boutique hotels running their own activities and events.

The city has also seen a number of new budget accommodation alternatives, such as StayCity apartments and Motel One, pop during the course of 2012.

5) Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam is becoming more and more accessible – especially with Finnair launching direct flights from the UK for 2013.

This exotic city, which combines a symbiotic fusion of old and new, might seem a world away but there are plenty of friendly budget places to eat, drink and stay if you do your research on your home turf first.

Be prepared for a land of contradictions… swarms of motorbikes which frequent the ancient labyrinth of streets known as the Old Quarter, laid back locals and street traders in traditional conical hats and huge mansions on tree-lined avenues inspired by colonial France.

And, finally, don’t forget to keep a close eye on exchange rates in 2013 and keep checking MyTravelMoney.co.uk for the best online deals.

The post Top budget travel wish list destinations for 2013 appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

But, with a little travel savvy, you can make sure you stay ahead of the game and avoid being ripped off. Here’s how…

1) Look out for extra charges on budget flights
Ryanair may seem to have the lowest airfares to Europe, for example, but look out for hidden charges like airport tax, baggage fees and, if the operator had its way, ‘spending a penny’! Budget airlines can often charge up to £70 each way for checking-in luggage, depending on the weight you are carrying. Just make sure you’re aware of all the extras before you book.

2) Beware last-minute deals
Booking a last-minute holiday to the likes of Benidorm, Greece or Cyprus might seem like a good idea but be warned that most hotels are not ‘named’ till the last minute. What it means, essentially, is that you might end up with the garbage that nobody wants. This kind of accommodation has a minimum three-star rating but standards vary from country to country and you’ll have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for until you get there. You might land lucky, but you might also end up in a noisy, bug infested apartment above a group of Club 18-30 revellers. It won’t seem such a good deal if you have to upgrade – and ultimately pay more – to get away from the noise… or worse.

3) Bear in mind all-inclusive holidays could still cost you a packet
All-inclusive holidays sound like bliss but could be a nightmare when you get there – for a number of reasons. The first reason is that, yes, it’s all-inclusive… up to a point. Prepare to drink cheap, local and unbranded drinks and settle for what the buffet is offering. If you’re specific about your favourite tipple, the likelihood is that you’ll end up paying extra for what you really want… you are on holiday, after all. And if the buffet isn’t up to much, you’ll find yourself eating out (which many travellers prefer to do anyway) and paying for your meals twice. Not only that, but you’re likely to find the resort overrun by drunks – basically Brits gone mad because it’s ‘all you can drink’.

4) Don’t buy Duty Free
If you think that tax free shopping at the airport is going to save you money, think again. You’re twice as likely to get these products cheaper on the high street or, even better, at your holiday destination. Just make sure you’re in-the-know about exactly how many cigarettes, bottles of wine etc you can legitimately bring home as foreign vendors will have no problem selling them in bulk. Whether or not you can get them across the border is a different story and, if you’re over the specified limit, not only will they be confiscated but you’ll pay a hefty fine.

5) Always exchange currency before you travel
Currency is NEVER cheaper at the airport and can be confusing at your holiday destination so make sure you compare and buy before you go. Plan well in advance and shop around for the best deals as airport bureaux will hold you captive and have planned for you leaving it till the last minute. Typically, currency is cheaper to buy online anyway. Check out our travel money comparison tool  for the latest rates.

The post 5 Hidden Travel Costs To Watch Out For appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.