As anyone with a grasp of finance will confirm, buying budget air tickets is no easy business. If you're new to cost-effective travel, then you may well be experiencing a little anxiety. With a few hints and helpful tips, however, you will find that it is possible to find flights and accommodation without going bankrupt.

To begin with, it is very important that you book your flights in advance. The cost of flying escalates steeply in the weeks preceding take off. It is possible to secure air tickets up to a year before the date of departure and you would do well, as a budget traveller, to take advantage of this fact.

The same rule applies to the process of securing accommodation. Don't be tempted to leave your booking to the last minute here either. In addition, and in the interest of lowering costs, you may want to consider self-catering over the more expensive hotel option.

This kind of accommodation tends to be less luxurious, but is significantly more cost-effective. It also comes with a range of its own perks: as an independent holiday maker, you will be able to organise your own sightseeing missions and cook your own meals using interesting local ingredients.

In short, it is possible to plan a vacation on a budget. With a little foresight, intelligent planning and some research, you will find yourself well able to book your flights and accommodation without breaking the bank.