Can you afford a break this January? Top money-saving tips to help you budget

It's cold, grey and wet outside, and if you're sitting at your desk, daydreaming about sun-drenched tropical beaches, you're not alone! January is statistically the time of year when most of us make travel plans for the year ahead, but stop dreaming and start doing this January. Don't say you can't afford a holiday, as we have some great ideas for budget-friendly destinations and top tips to help you save for your break.

Stay in Blighty

It's only in the last couple of decades that it's become fashionable to holiday abroad - in the past, people went to the great British seaside for their holidays. There are plenty of scenic, beautiful parts of the UK just waiting to be explored, whether you fancy a city break in York or a trip to the seaside in Cornwall. You'll often find it's cheaper to book self-catering accommodation, particularly if you're travelling with children, and this gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. The best part - no flights to pay for!

Get off the beaten track

Paris, Rome, New York - what do these three cities have in common? They're all incredibly popular (and fairly expensive) destinations. You can afford a holiday this year, but you might need to think outside the box a little. What about up and coming destinations such as Croatia, Budapest or even Romania? Eastern Europe has a lot to offer couples, families and solo travellers, with stunning scenery and a low cost of living that makes a budget break easy. Just don't forget your family travel insurance, particularly if you are travelling in more remote areas!

Plan an epic adventure

If you've always wanted to spend a month in Thailand, visit an elephant sanctuary in Goa or discover Cambodia and Vietnam, this is the year to plan ahead. Why not book a holiday now for 2016, giving you the time and motivation to save for a really special break. Not only does this give you something to daydream about on those freezing January commutes to the office, it's also the perfect way to afford a more expensive holiday. Many travel companies will offer a discount if you book in advance, and you can organise your cheap family travel insurance closer to the time.

It's easy to afford a holiday this year, with a bit of planning and a little bit of creative thinking, so stop moping around and start organising the holiday of your dreams!