Over the last five years Europe has seen an increase in the number of low cost airlines which is great news for the holidaymaker, but many say bad news for the high street travel agent.

I remember a friend looking to take her husband away for the weekend to Dublin, Ireland and went to a high street travel agent. She was given a quote of '300 for a weekend, including flights and accommodation - book the same flight with Ryanair and a hotel in the centre of Dublin direct with the hotel, and the weekend actually cost her only '190 again including flights and accommodation - a saving of '110.

Here are my tips for searching low cost airline tickets;

Book in plenty of time

The later you leave it the more expensive the flight becomes, most airlines charge more if you book the ticket a few days or even a week before you want to departure, so the earlier you book it the cheaper the flight will cost.

Weekend departures

If you book your flight for the weekend then the ticket will cost you more money, as most people travel at the weekend, so try and book the flight departure during the week, and not only will your flight be cheaper but you'll probably find that they will be more accommodation special offers

Travel agent flight booking

Don't book your flight through a travel agent, simply because you'll be charged more than booking direct with the airline - you have to remember that the travel agents in most cases add on commission to the flight, they have to make a living, but why should you pay more.

Travel out of school holidays

Like weekend departures flight prices increase during the school or bank holidays, so where you can try and book your flight during the school term.

Late night / Early morning flights

To save the most money when booking your airline ticket, book a flight either late at night or in the early hours of the morning, this is where the best savings are made, simply because of the unsocial flying times.