Going interstate

If you plan on travelling interstate or even overseas for your break, keep in mind that it could take a little more time and planning to get organised.

New South Wales does not have a State Government approved website (as at November 2008), but if you're heading to Queensland, you might want to have a look at the Gold Coast schoolies website.

Discount flights and inexpensive accommodation can disappear quickly, especially if you wish to stay at the more popular destinations. Get started early to find the best deals and avoid disappointment.

If you are happy to arrange everything yourself, you can find and buy travel tickets and accommodation online or by phone. Otherwise, get help from a licensed travel agent.

Like buying any service, it's a good idea to shop around for the best travel deal. But remember, the cheapest deal is not necessarily the best.

If you're heading overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have a travel warning website that you should check out before you go.  They can be found here.

Choosing a travel agent

Here's a few tips:

• Check that the travel agent is licensed. Anyone who operates a travel agency is required by law to have a licence, and every outlet of the agency must display a sign showing the licence number. 
• All licensed travel agents must be members of the Travel Compensation Fund. This is a fund you can claim from if your agent goes out of business and can't honour your booking.
• If you book through an unlicensed agent, you won't be eligible for any compensation through the Travel Compensation Fund if the agent turns out to be dodgy.

Changing your booking

If you do need to change a booking, check the conditions you agreed to first. The terms and conditions should outline exactly what the restrictions are.

If you are travelling by air, check out the fare rules before you purchase your ticket. Some airline fares have restrictions and penalties if you want to cancel or change flights.

In some cases, you may have to pay a penalty plus any rate differences between your existing booking and your new booking.

What about buying online?

Some of the best travel deals are available online. Here's a few tips:

• Most online air ticket bookings now issue you with an 'e-ticket'. Make sure your personal details are recorded correctly. You'll need to produce photo ID at check-in, and you may be turned away if the ticket details don't match your ID exactly.
• It's important to read and understand any conditions of your booking. Many of the cheapest travel deals on the Net are bound by strict terms and conditions. 
• Tickets sold at discount prices can carry strict 'no refund, no alteration and non-transferable' conditions. If they can be changed, there may be a penalty fee to pay. Be very sure of your dates before booking.
• Make sure you know who you're dealing with before you pay (look for a street address and phone number, not just an email address). Check that any site you use protects your privacy and uses secure payment technology.

Cheap travel deals - useful links

Qantas
Domestic and international airfares. Check out the e-deals section for specials on domestic flights.

Virgin Blue
Low domestic airfares and some accommodation and car hire deals.

Jetstar Airways
Low domestic and New Zealand airfares. Also offers some accommodation, car hire and travel insurance deals.

wotif.com - always accommodating
Last minute accommodation including hotels, motels, serviced apartments, resorts, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.

lastminute.com
Discount accommodation, flights, holiday packages, entertainment and gifts.