With Christmas fast becoming a distant memory, our thoughts are turning to next summer, with travel companies getting ready for a booking blitz over the next four weeks.

The first month of the year traditionally marks one of their busiest periods, as people try and offset the New Year blues by putting two weeks in the sun in the diary – and it could be the best-value time to book, too.

Every year, just after Christmas, there is a spectacular surge in the number of people researching and booking their holidays for the next year – and the industry is ready for the demand.

Not only are you likely to secure a better price, but you will have the most flexibility, the best choice of rooms, seats, cabins or departure dates. In short, you could get a much better holiday for a much better price.

But what should you be aware of before handing over that three digit security number?

Travel money specialists at Equals asked a panel of industry experts with 68 years' worth of experience between them to share their insider tips when it comes to getting more from your holiday.

They've shared everything from the best day to book to how to get a free upgrade – here are their secrets.

The magic number when it comes to booking flights is 11

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"Flights go on sale about 11 months in advance, which is definitely the best time to buy them," according to one flight consultant with 20 years' experience with companies including Thomas Cook.

"They only get more expensive nearer to the departure date and by booking early you get the choice of dates and times, so you have a lot more control and don’t get stuck with what’s left."

A former travel agent for First Choice agrees: "My top tip would be to book early. Flights go live around 11 months beforehand and especially for long-haul flights the fares are usually much lower around that time."

Book on a Monday

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"Booking a holiday on a Monday can sometimes help you get a better deal, as prices are sometimes dropped to try and entice customers who've had quotes at the weekend but not completed a booking," our former Thomas Cook worker explains.

"When it comes to flights, Tuesday or Wednesday is usually the cheapest day for scheduled flights and as a general rule, you’ll usually get a better price on mid-week options as prices are hiked for weekends."

January is not always cheapest

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"Normally January is the month that everyone books because many operators launch January sales but it's not necessarily the cheapest time to book a holiday," explains a former Going Places travel advisor.

"I've noticed that the prices generally go up in January, but you get a better discount on them which makes people think it’s a better time to book and get a deal, but that’s not always the case."

If you're shopping around, here are some tips on how to spot a good deal .

Is duty free worth it?

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One current cabin crew member for British Airways says when it comes to getting a good deal onboard a flight, it’s good to do your research beforehand.

"Some things are cheaper on board, but not everything. It’s always good to compare – you can go online and check prices before you pay for anything on the flight. It also depends on the airport you’re flying to or flying from on how good the deal is on board."

When it comes to duty-free, one former account manager at a duty free company says it all depends on when you're travelling.

"Alcohol and tobacco tends to be about 20% cheaper than high-street prices, and beauty products are around 17% cheaper than on the high street. There doesn't tend to be any end of season sales, but you should find extra deals around key dates such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day so it’s always worth keeping that in mind if you’re travelling around those times."

What to do if you want an upgrade

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"Sadly, nowadays, it's virtually impossible unless you pay for the upgrade as they sell the spare seats at check-in. But it’s normally cheaper at this point, so worth a gamble as you could get a good deal," one long-haul cabin crew member for Virgin Atlantic explains.

And insiders at Air France agree. "Passengers can sometimes get themselves into business or first class for less than the normal price, but it depends on how busy the aircraft is. If you have air miles you could try using them to get an upgrade."

BA workers also say your best bet is at the check-in desk: "Some people ask the crew at the door of the aircraft for an upgrade, and some even bring us sweets thinking it will help get them what they want. We do get a lot of people asking for a free upgrade, especially if it’s their birthday – but there’s nothing we can do so your best bet is to ask at the desk when you’re checking in."

However, all is not lost if you’re trying to bag a free upgrade. One Travel Rep for Sunworld says if you are celebrating something special like an anniversary or a birthday then it’s worth letting your travel agent know.

"They might be able to swing you an upgrade if they have a good relationship with your hotel."

Are package holidays or travel agents worth it?

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"I would always book my holidays through an agent as a package so that I have 100% financial protection and 24/7 care," one former travel agent explains.

And it could save you a lot of money, too.

"You can save a lot of money by buying independently if you know what you want from your ski holiday or are looking for something higher-end," adds one membership manager for Ski Club.

"If you’re looking for a budget option for your ski holiday or are new to skiing, then a package holiday is often the best choice. Companies that purchase thousands of rooms and lift passes at the same time can offer you a package deal that can work out a lot cheaper than if you booked individually because they've bought in bulk."

"I would normally book through a travel agent" adds a former travel advisor for Going Places.

"However, I have also booked holidays for friends in the past online because it has been slightly cheaper…not many though.

"Travel agents can price match online sometimes; they give great advice and can help give personal tips to make your holiday more enjoyable."

Mind your manners

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"Politeness and manners are something a lot people don’t have at the airport," says a former sales advisor at a bureau de change desk at Heathrow Airport. "Manners go a long way."

"At the airport it’s not just cabin crew that can get you kicked off a flight, it's also people who work in the shops. I've had many people kicked off a flight for inappropriate behaviour. I would wait until they've left the shop and then speak to the airline."

One cabin crew member for Virgin says: "I've learned to never judge a book by its cover – the scruffier the passenger is the more polite they tend to be!"

Another flight attendant at British Airways adds: "Being polite is the best way to get our attention. Pressing the call button five times just to ask for a diet coke is not an emergency and will annoy us. Just press it once and we’ll come as soon as we can.

"Some people forget we’re human too and approach us while we’re eating – usually to ask us for something that can wait."

Drink plenty of water

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"Try to get on your destination time zone a few days in advance, by changing your sleeping pattern," explains one cabin crew member for Virgin.

And when it comes to your flight, "try and enjoy your trip, lie back, get a drink and stick a movie on!

"Sleep when you need to sleep!" adds a member of cabin crew for Air France. "Try not to eat too much before the flight, especially with long-haul journeys because of the pressure of the aircraft you can feel sick.

"As a flight attendant, the medical staff tell us we have to drink 1L of water for every four hours of flying, so I would definitely tell passengers to drink lots of water."

Never buy travel money at the airport

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"I would never get my holiday money from the airport, and I’d never tell friends or family to buy at the airport, ever," our former sales advisor for a bureau de change desk at Heathrow Airport explains.

“We were told to tell the customer we were offering the best rate they would get in London. We were always told to do as much as we could do, and if we had to fudge the truth a little bit it was ‘all well’ because it came out in our commission.

"If you order your currency online to pick up at the airport, there’s usually a minimum two hour wait. You’ll get a better deal online but it’s still better to shop around."

We've got a full guide on how to buy your travel money for the best deal, here .

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