UK travellers 'should leave it late to book'

Prospective grooms looking to plan their stag weekend celebrations this year should leave it late to get the best deals for their money, it has been claimed.

Mark Bower, lifestyle sales director at lastminute.com, claimed that people should not be afraid to haggle with travel agents and holiday companies to get the cheapest price possible.

In order to find a holiday that won't break the bank, he suggested tourists "avoid those peak travel periods" and wait until up to a week or two before they leave to book.

Mr Bower added: "You are always going to get the best deals online really. You can get the information from the travel agents but ... check it out online because you'll find it a lot cheaper."

According to Abta - The Travel Association, one in five Brits are already planning to seek out a last-minute bargain holiday this summer, with only 13 per cent saying they are not likely to take a break in 2009.