Recent findings by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that trips abroad by residents of the United Kingdom dropped by 15 percent last year.

The results of the Travel Trends report also found that only 58.6 million visits were made in 2009, which was 10.4 million less than the previous year.

In addition to this, visitor numbers from overseas also decreased by 6.3 percent.

There are many reasons as to these statistics but a drop in the value of sterling would appear to have played a part.

It was reported that the most popular destinations for UK residents still remain the same, with Spain, France and the US topping the list – accounting for 21.3 million of the total (58.6 million).

As we are now part way through July, booking any holiday this summer can prove to be a nightmare. It can be difficult trying to find a decent last minute deals, but it can still be done.

Here are a few pointers on saving your pounds when booking a holiday at this time of the year.

Renting a villa / apartment

With some travel companies you can get better rates during the last few weeks in August.

Booking your flights

If you avoid flying at the weekend you can find some top deals. When you decide to fly can impact the cost of your flight greatly.

Consider a package holiday

When scouring tour operators’ websites to find the latest deals, check out the bargains in late August instead of holidays beginning at the start of the month.

When it comes round to the time when I have to contemplate getting or renewing my travel insurance cover (I usually get an annual policy), it’s always good to look around for value.

With the ash cloud crisis affecting many travellers this year already, it is worth checking with each insurance provider on where they stand on this issue - especially as the problem expected to return at some point in the future.

In choosing a deal I usually look to the buyer’s guide on the Money Saving Expert website. This is because they offer impartial advice on single and joint policies as well as annual trips, like I normally buy.

Be sure to see for yourself and take into account the cheap insurance which is available and balance this against more comprehensive cover to ensure you get the best deal for yourself when going on holiday.

Whenever I got to New York I always use the website menupages.com as it provides an excellent guide to the many eateries in Manhattan and New York City’s outer boroughs.

If, for instance, you were looking for a place near to your hotel to get a belly-busting American diner breakfast, by using this website you could find exactly what you are looking for, comparing prices between establishments as well as the quality of food.

One of my all-time favourite places to grab a great tasting milkshake and delicious burger is Shake Shack in the Upper West Side (close to Central Park).

But there are so many opportunities in the city to grab Mexican food, sushi, kebabs and of course pizza!

Recent research from insurer Swiftcover has revealed that Britons are becoming more likely to travel to far-off destinations for their holidays and many of these are taking out cover for adventurous activities.

The online insurance provider found that almost a quarter of policies sold was for long-haul holidays, compared with a fifth of holidaymakers back in 2005.

However, the insurer did warn that it is important to take out suitable insurance to ensure that they are covered for their trip.

Roman Bryl of Swiftcover said:

“If people are venturing farther afield they do need to make sure they have the right travel insurance that covers them for more exotic destinations beyond Europe.”