A travel expert has warned against booking a holiday on a computer.

Amy Doherty, the owner of Travel by Luxe, has some tips for those hunting for genuinely affordable getaways. She argues that while the industry has become more competitive, that doesn’t mean bargain hunters are out of luck.

“There are still brilliant deals out there, but you have to approach planning with a bit more strategy than you did five or ten years ago. Once you know where companies hide their best discounts or how to time your trip properly, you can shave hundreds off the cost without compromising on quality,” Amy said.

One of Amy’s top tips is to always book hotels on your phone, not your laptop.

“Hotels often release mobile-exclusive discounts because apps convert better. If you check the same hotel on your phone versus your desktop, the mobile price is frequently lower. Websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com are particularly good for these deals.”

Amy has shared eight other tips she uses when travelling across Europe:

Set price alerts and let the deals come to you

According to Amy, the single most effective trick for cheaper flights is letting technology do the hard work. “If you set up price alerts early, you’re essentially giving yourself a constant assistant whose only job is to tell you when fares drop,” she says.

“Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights track trends far better than we can. The moment prices slide, you get notified and you can grab seats before they climb again.” She adds that travellers who monitor prices for a few weeks often end up paying far less than those who book impulsively.

Choose destinations where your money stretches further

Amy notes that the cost of living crisis has reshaped how people choose their holidays. “If you’re flexible on destination, look at cities where daily expenses are genuinely low,” she advises.

“Places like Belgrade and Budapest offer beautiful architecture, great food and lively culture at a fraction of Western European prices.” She recommends using comparison tools such as Numbeo, which allow you to compare restaurant, transport and accommodation costs before committing to a destination.

Use instalment options to lock in deals early

When the perfect deal pops up but payday hasn’t, Amy says instalment services can save the situation. “Platforms like Booking.com and Expedia now let you secure your booking and spread payments through services similar to Klarna,” she explains. “It means you don’t lose out on a brilliant price just because the timing isn’t ideal.” She emphasises that the interest-free period is especially helpful for families booking several months ahead.

Avoid the temptation of last-minute booking

While last-minute bargains were once a holidaymaker’s dream, Amy says this era has largely passed. “For UK operators like Jet2holidays or TUI, the most reliable savings tend to appear two to six months before travel,” she says.

“If you book too late, you’re fighting over whatever rooms are left, and prices rarely drop.” According to her, March is one of the best months for smooth, lower-stress travel, while September and October often offer lower fares and quieter destinations. She adds that Sundays continue to be a sweet spot for cheaper bookings on both domestic and international holidays.

Choose trains over planes when travelling within Europe

Amy points out that trains in Europe remain hugely underrated. “Travelling by train can be dramatically cheaper than flying, especially if you book early,” she says. “Taking Eurostar to Paris rather than a short-haul flight not only saves money but also cuts airport stress and gives you a far more scenic journey.” She notes that European rail networks offer generous early-bird discounts that airlines rarely match.

Stay flexible with dates to keep flight prices down

Sometimes, a small shift in dates is all it takes. “If you can move your trip by even one day, it can change your fare entirely,” Amy explains. “Airlines charge more on peak days, so playing around with your schedule is one of the easiest ways to save.”

How to get more legroom and sit together without paying extra

Amy says there are still tricks for squeezing in extra comfort without paying seat fees. “On many aircraft, the right-hand side near the bulkhead or towards the back tends to offer a bit more room,” she says. “And most airlines, including BA and EasyJet, usually seat families together for free if you check in early and skip seat selection.” According to her, families only get separated when checking in late or when flights are extremely full.

Why choosing hotels can save you more than Airbnb

Amy believes hotels will continue to beat Airbnb on price in 2026. “A recent Which? study found that in most major destinations, hotels were significantly cheaper than one-bedroom Airbnb stays,” she says. “Hotels also offer clearer pricing, daily cleaning and often include breakfast, so the value adds up quickly.” She adds that Thursdays are a little-known sweet spot for hotel bookings, often bringing small but consistent savings.