According to Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, most travellers approach holidays with the following to-do list: they pick where they want to go, they pick the dates for their trip, and, finally, they look up available flights for that destination on those dates.

“Typically this results in high prices,” writes Keyes. “Instead, if getting a cheap flight is your priority, flip that approach: (1) see what prices are available via Google Flights, Momondo, etc. to various places are around the world; (2) decide which of the cheap destinations appeal to you; and (3) select the dates you like that have the cheap fares available.”

This flexible approach, coined searching ‘backwards’ by UK Business Insider, could save you hundreds of pounds on your next plane ticket.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, general manager at Travelzoo, also endorses this laidback approach.

He tells stylist.co.uk: “The more flexibility you have on where you go, and when, the better. If you can travel in off-peak periods (which basically translates as outside of school holidays), that’s a good start.

“Generally speaking, although there are variations, flight prices are at their lowest about six weeks before departure.”

How to book the cheapest flights every time you travel