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Yes there some great holiday deals out there - but it's going to take some time to find them, and you may need to use the phone to book, but hey, the web is a really great place to search and find that elusive last minute holiday bargain.

You really can get the best last minute holidays deal if you invest some time to shop around. According to a recent Which! survey what you pay depends on where you buy, as much as who you travel with.

Before you start on your search for that last minute holiday take some time to consider the checklist below. If you remember these points when you are looking for your holiday that you might really end-up with that minute bargain, and not a last minute disaster.

Beware of the tricks of the trade - although in recent yours UK trading Standards have cut down on many sharp practises used by some Tour Operators and Travel Agents

With flights this is less of a problem because you know the flight time and the airline before you book. But with a last minute holiday, although you will know the flight times and the destination, you may not know where you will be staying. You may be told the 'standard' of accommodation, but not where it will be. Sometimes if you are very lucky you'll get that bargain but be prepared it might be a total disaster.

The best advice is to be on your guard. Try to find out where you are going to stay and then do some research. The travel agent will usually know where you will stay before they sell you the holiday; if they don't know, or won't tell you, it's best to assume the worst.

But this year the Travel Companies are really struggling and there really are some fantastic holiday deals to be had - many of them just cannot afford not to sell a holidays even if it is at cost or at a loss.

So buy an unnamed last minute holiday deal with no illusions . Truely hope for the best, but just be prepared for the worst and have a plan B in mind. Always ensure that you get the standard of accommodation you are expecting in writing, including what this standard means in terms of the facilities provided.

Also, when you compare prices always look at the bottom line. Travel companies will often advertise an attractive headline price, but then add on other costs such as 'ticket on departure', in flight meals, transfers, travel insurance (which isn't compulsory) and you do have time to shop around for an alternative insurance. Also check with your bank as most bank issues credit and indeed debit cards now come with some level of Travel Insurance. But as mentioned earlier the OFT has cut down a lot on this over the last 2 years and normally the price advertised up front should be the price you pay when you hit that confirm button.

Good luck - good hunting - there are some great deals out there - you just got to find them.