Holidaymakers seeking a cheap break should book early and take advantage of the terms of their travel insurance for security.

Research by flight comparison site Skyscanner has shown that the average time before departure date people are now searching for flights is 34 days - down from 146 days in 2008.

By delaying the booking of flights, many people could be splashing out a higher price than they need to.

Booking early - with a travel insurance policy already secured - could save a significant sum when it comes to this year’s summer holiday and offer cover should an airline go out of business in the meantime.

I book early if possible ? it’s definitely cheaper. I pay on my credit card so don’t care if an airline goes bust ? that is what insurance is for.

Another financial security tip some travel insurance customers may wish to follow is carry both cash and cards when abroad, as suggested by the Post Office last week, as the risk of losing all funds is minimised.