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With winter sweeping across the UK and the country shivering under an arctic blast you're likely not alone in dreaming of summer. If you want to get your plans rolling on a sunshine getaway, now is a great time to start.

But flying abroad can get expensive fast - once you factor in travel, accommodation and fun money, a quick holiday can spiral into hundreds if not thousands of pounds. According to experts at luxury travel agents eShores, it doesn't have to be. By using company director Gavin Lapidus's six booking hacks, you can save hundreds on your next holiday simply by being smart with your bookings.

If you're looking to go away in the spring, it's a good idea to lock your flights and accommodation now. Gavin said: "Booking 1-3 months ahead can save up to 25% versus last-minute fares. For long-haul, book 10-11 months in advance to save up to 30%. Waiting for a bargain is risky, prices usually rise as seats fill up, so early booking is the safest way to lock in savings."

You can also save by pre-booking your luggage now. If you want to add a 10kg bag, it costs around £35 to pre-book versus £65 plus to book it at check in. It will also guarantee that your bag gets on your flight, which can save you a lot of stress at the airport.

If you can be flexible when you fly, you can save a lot of money. Flights which leave midweek are on average £40 to £50 cheaper than weekends, and the airport will be quieter.

Gavin also said that delays in the week are less common so your journey will be smoother.

He added: "Using "nearby airports" can cut costs by 10-70% and open up more options. It might even shorten your transfer time at your destination, so flexibility can save both money and hassle."

If you book a round trip rather than one way you can save up to £160. Gavin said: "Round-trip bookings also simplify your travel plans and reduce the risk of mismatched luggage policies across airlines."

It's also wise to use technology to your advantage. Sign up for price alerts on destinations, which can give you savings of up to 90% if you're lucky.

By signing up to travel newsletters and social media groups you'll be the first to know about savings before they hit the mainstream.