Many people work long and hard to be able to afford luxury holidays for their families, but exploring the world in comfort doesn't have to cost the Earth. There are many ways to cut the cost of luxury holidays without making sacrifices, and to enjoy new experiences in many countries.

The cost of holidays includes many factors, from the essentials of flights and accommodation to the different activities you get up to once you arrive. There are bargains to be found in all of these areas when you book early or take advantage of special deals, whether you prefer to go the DIY route of booking each part of your trip separately, or look for the lowest package deals from travel agents.

Travelling out of season can be one of the most effective ways of reducing your holiday costs, as many luxury hotels try to encourage more people to stay in their empty rooms by offering discount rates. Even if you don't see these advertised, contacting hotels directly or asking your travel agent to do so on your behalf could allow you to negotiate free upgrades for you and your fellow travellers.

Flights are another area where you can find lower costs easily. If you're happy for your flights to be simply a means of getting from A to B, looking for budget airlines could allow you to save significantly, compared to travelling on more expensive airlines. If comfort is an issue though - particularly during long flights around the world - you may still be able to find low rates, either by booking several months before setting off or alternatively looking for last minute deals.

Even if you find the cheapest deals possible, luxury holidays can still be a big investment - which is where making small changes to your everyday spending and saving habits could make the goal much more attainable. Some people find it useful to set up dedicated holiday savings accounts which are not to be used for any other purpose, or to set aside a predetermined amount each month to be used towards their next trip abroad.

You should also keep your eyes open for special promotions and competitions from luxury travel agents, as even if you feel your chances of winning the top prizes are fairly low, there may be other rewards offered that could all add up towards making the holiday of a lifetime more affordable.

Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.