Crafty Traveller

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Gap year holidays: From backpacking to teaching English abroad

A volunteer takes children canoeing on Lake Malawi in Africa

The Crafty Traveller: How to stop your holiday costs taking off at the airport

Family in airport

If you resent forking out for the pleasureless extra costs associated with going away, check out The Crafty Traveller's tips for slashing airport-related spending

The Crafty Traveller: Where to find that cheap British summer holiday

Barton Hall holiday centre

Holidays in Britain have become more popular in the last two years. But that doesn't mean that the country has sold out for this summer. Fred Mawer explains how to bag a deal.

Family holiday bargains: We reveal the late-deal hotspots for this summer

Woman on lounger

Still haven't booked your big summer break? There's no need to panic, thanks to World Cup Fever, volcanic ash and euro exchange rates. Fred Mawer shows where to find bargains.

The Crafty Traveller: Can 'posh camping' ('glamping') ever really be worth the money?

Wyresdale Park, Lancashire

Is 'posh camping' ever really worth the money? And more to the point, can you do it in Britain? Fred Mawer puts these questions to the test as he whisks his brood to Lancashire.

As EU roaming fees fall, follow our Crafty tips for using your mobile phone abroad

Woman on phone

The Crafty Traveller: How to slam the brakes on car-hire costs this summer

Family, car

With prices soaring, hiring a rental car is an increasingly expensive prospect. Fred Mawer explains how to keep the bill down when you pick up your keys this summer.

How to find cheap self-catering villa holidays from Languedoc to Orlando

A villa in Kefalonia

Crafty Traveller Fred Mawer reveals how you can slash the cost of finding that perfect place in the sun by renting in an appealing but less fashionable region.

The Crafty Traveller: The silver lining to the ash cloud - return of the ferry

Couple on a ferry

One consequence of the Icelandic ash cloud is that 2010 may be a boom year for ferries. Fred Mawer looks at Europe's key routes - and explains how to get the best deals.

The Crafty Traveller: How to stop the budget airlines taking you for a ride

Young couple, airport

Don't want to pay a fortune for that 'budget' flight? Fred Mawer explains how to pick your way through the minefield of fees and add-ons that the 'low-cost' carriers charge...

Family days out: Th13teen and SAW Alive boost theme park offerings for summer

Th13teen ride
Th13teen ride

Top tips: How to save money on theme park tickets

04/04/10 15:39

A family trip to one of Britain's top theme parks doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. Here's the Crafty way to save money when buying tickets for the parks.

Amsterdam canal

Affordable Amsterdam: Go Dutch with cheap spring flights and hotel deals

19/03/10 15:11

It's the right time to take a great value spring break in Amsterdam. Crafty Traveller Fred Mawer reveals the secrets of seeing old masters and finding a place to stay on a budget.

Woman leaning on palm tree

Best times for holiday bargains from Dubai to Orlando

14/03/10 15:51

When most destinations are at their very best weatherwise, it's usually high season, meaning high prices. But why not head abroad in the 'shoulder' season and make some savings?

Rachel Weisz taking a nap in BA First Class

Even if you don't turn left, economy class flights can still be sweet dreams

18/02/10 10:16

Some, like Rachel Weisz, may choose to fly in BA's updated and extortionate First Class... but for the rest of us, there are ways to survive cattle class.

A woman is attended to on a ski slope

Travel insurance: How to take the pain out of choosing a holiday policy

31/01/10 13:10

Not only is it vital to have travel insurance if you're going abroad, but it's also crucial to ensure the policy gives you appropriate cover, says Fred Mawer with some top tips.

Lily Beach, Maldives

The Crafty Traveller: How to find the best all-inclusive bargains in 2010

17/01/10 19:33

There are several reasons to consider an all-inclusive break in 2010 - not least that such a holiday can be great value for money. Fred Mawer explains how to bag a bargain.

Easy reach: A high-speed Thalys train crosses the Rhine leaving Cologne cathedral in its wake

The Crafty Traveller: A flying visit to Cologne on the 186mph express

10/12/09 16:22

Cologne is now only four hours away by train and more accessible than ever, but the scourge of rail travel is still it's expenive and fares can be steep, warns Fred Mawer.

A young couple on a tropical beach

Winter sun holidays: It might be a long haul but if you want value, it's worth it

25/11/09 12:21

Book with care and you'll find prices up to 25 per cent lower than last year, says Crafty Traveller Fred Mawer as he checks out deals to Mexico, Dubai and Thailand.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Crafty Traveller: How to make the most of that autumn city break

13/11/09 10:43

It's that time of year when we all hope for a few days in a foreign city. Fred Mawer picks out a batch of hotels in much-loved destinations - and shows how to do a weekend cheaply.

A smiling family in a convertible car

Holiday car hire: Get the rental details right and steer away from the chaos

11/10/09 17:48

This year, some families were left without a vehicle - and it may be worse still next summer, warns Fred Mawer. But with a few handy hints, you can avoid the mayhem....

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