The holiday season is now officially in full swing with most of us planning to get away from it all for a week or two if we are lucky.

If you still haven't decided where to go or you're hoping for a last-minute bargain, make the internet your first port of call.

You can now access virtually all available late deals online, giving you an enormous choice of destinations and accommodation, whatever your budget.

If you're prepared to travel at short notice, Lastminute.com has a great selection of holidays, many at discounted prices.

There's plenty of information on resorts and hotels (and pictures too), so you can make an informed choice.

Simply browse, then book online, or call their 'Holiday Heroes' for assistance.

Expedia's busy website is crammed full with an initially baffling array of online services, travel options and holiday suggestions.

Once you find your way around, however, it is extremely slick and quick to use. Again, you can either tailor-make your own trip or buy off-the-shelf from the 'Holiday Shop'.

Unfortunately, the site doesn't provide any narrative on individual holidays, so you will need to speak to Expedia to get the lowdown on anything that catches your eye.

While flights can be arranged online, holiday packages currently need to be booked over the phone.

Another excellent place for inspiration is the Thomas Cook site. It is well designed, easy to navigate and packed with ideas, offers and useful features.

The range of holidays is as comprehensive as you would expect from this high street travel agent.

You can also run a search for a late availability deal, or you might find just the thing by watching the rotating 'Special Offers' screen. You may be able to book online too, depending on the holiday you choose.

Alternatively, the following sites provide a no-frills approach to finding a holiday bargain. They all provide basic details on a vast number of great value breaks, but little or no additional information online and, again, you will be asked to book by phone.

Latedeals.com and Holidaydiscounts.com are simple but bright and attractive sites run by Lincoln Travel Ltd, featuring special offers on holidays up to three months in advance.

Holidaydeals.com is an internet-specific site, partnered by an established travel independent.

Finally, if last minute really does mean last minute to you, visit the Cosmos site, which, in addition to the usual late availability, has a section entitled 'Tomorrow's Deals'.

Here, as the name suggests, you'll find great discounts on holidays leaving tomorrow!

www.lastminute.com
www.expedia.co.uk
www.thomascook.co.uk
www.latedeals.com
www.holidaydiscounts.com
www.holidaydeals.com
www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk