Either water sports or snow sports based holidays have a reputation of being at the more expensive end of the travel spectrum. There are, however, a range of ways to make these kinds of trips more affordable without compromising on the quality of your break. For a few helpful hints on how to stretch your holiday budget a little further this year, read on:

First of all, be careful what kind of location you choose. Not all skiing, snowboarding or water sports destinations need to be manic tourist spots. In fact, you might have a better time if they are not. Whilst the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps have a great deal to offer the average skier, the cost is increased by the hefty hotel bills and expensive apres-ski activities that comes with such a stylish and tourist orientated destination. If you are willing to take your slopes down a difficulty notch or two, you could find ways to ski for much less. The Czech Republic, for example, boasts a lovely little range of slopes near Vysoke. Hotels are far cheaper and ski passes are next to nothing. You will also get much more of the snow to yourself, as most of the people skiing here are locals, not tourists.

If it is water sports you are interested in, then South East Asia could be the perfect place for you. Air Asia now offer very reasonable flights to Kuala Lumpur where you can connect to a range of destinations in the SEA area. Those seeking diving qualifications will find the appropriate training and equipment hire for reasonable prices along Thailand’s southern islands. Diving here is far cheaper than in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, all popular diving training hubs.

Travel insurance for sporty travellers is usually much more expensive than it is for beach bums simply looking for somewhere to relax.  Hunt out some cheap holiday insurance by booking online through a website such as Go Travel to cut the cost. Furthermore, your policy will be emailed immediately so you won’t have to wait for your documents through the post.