No, not pipe dreams but there is a possible route to save money here.

If you go to www.homexchangevacation.com it is possible to make your pipe dream come true. On this site you may register free.

You have to offer your own property for an exchange, then select your destination on the map that is provided. After that you will need to contact the exchange owner and arrange the details of your exchange. Obviously you will need to set some ground rules as to what you have available in your home, but then you will find facilities for this as your arrangements progress. Be sensible here, after all your task is to not only have a good time but also saving money is the main idea.

Another source of useful information is www.homebase-hols.com/options.shtml

The beauty of this system is that again there are no hotel bills,

Granted the payment is not princely, but bear in mind you will be using another persons home free of charge and their heating, free of charge. In addition you will be away from your own surroundings, in a completely new environment – on holiday. A change is as good as a rest. Your duties will be minimal i.e., feed and possibly walking pets, watering plants etc. Not exactly hard labour!

Would you fancy staying in a barn, or perhaps a bunkhouse, even hire a cottage or maybe rent a tip? The mind boggles, but just try www.yha.org.uk for a relatively cheap and unusual holiday.

You can browse around and look for last minute holidays here. This site is an excellent starting place for cheap holidays. Take a look and see what you can find.

TIPS

1. If you have a long journey to make before reaching your final destination, why not take a break overnight and stay at www.travelodge.co.uk Family rooms are now available from as little £19.

Far better to resume your journey in the morning feeling relaxed, rested and well fed than to drive on overnight exhausted,weary and a possible danger on the road. You can check into your room at any time after 3p.m. Book early and secure a good deal!

2. If you are a really organised traveler, it is worth bearing in mind that many of the budget airlines offer great deals if you can plan ahead as far as your future journeys are concerned.

3. If you need to take a supply of foreign currency with you - a good idea if you are traveling during a Bank Holiday - Marks and Spencers and the Post Office do not make a charge for supplying your currency.

4. If you are thinking of a holiday in Europe, maybe it would be more sensible to choose another destination until the value of the Euro becomes more favourable.

5. Most major credit cards levy a 2.75% 'loading fee' (additional charge in plain English) on transactions abroad. The Post office and Nationwide do not make any of these additional charges. Abbey have also launched its Zero credit card which has no fees on balance transfers, cash advances or foreign exchange.

6. If you can still find a cheap return flight to the States (in spite of the increased fuel charges) this might be a good destination to choose bearing in mind the weak Dollar.

7. Try to avoid traveling at the weekends. If you can find a holiday from Tuesday to Tuesday you will probably save as much as £50/100 per person.

8. Obvious - but fly from the airport nearest to you home if possible.

9. Don't take out travel insurance from your travel agents. Do this separately from a bone fide insurance agent and it will be cheaper. If you frequently travel abroad ask if you have a 'yearly season ticket' insurance cover.

10. For UK weather forecasts, take a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml and set your Search for the area of your choice.