Apps to get you dreaming of better weather

Given the downright brutal weather we’ve been having lately, you may have found yourself dreaming about jetting off to sunnier climes and lying on a sandy beach somewhere. And who could blame you?

As luck would have it, booking a holiday has never been easier.

These days, independent travellers only need to use their smartphone to access information and applications to find the best deals available, potentially saving a wad of cash that can be put to better use when on holiday.

These five apps guarantee great deals that could save any traveller money. And they’re incredibly easy to use.

Skyscanner

Savvy travellers have known about this website for years, and its free app is none to shabby either. The award-winning Skyscanner compares millions of flights to find you the cheapest deal, fast. Wherever you want to go, it links you directly to the airline or travel agent.

Hopper

Hopper is the award-winning app that not only allows you to book flights from your smartphone – it also tells you when is the best time to do so. The app has added an update with a feature named Fair Bear that allows travellers to see the breakdown of travel costs, including baggage fees, flight change fees, seat assignment and more.

AirfareWatchdog

This helpful app will send you weekly emails or texts informing you of the best-priced flights out of your local airport, and it can also map a specific route for you. For example, if you live in London and want to go to Lisbon this summer, you can sign up for weekly emails and alerts with the best prices.

Kayak

Another award-winning mobile app and website that’s simple to use and very worthwhile. Kayak brings you the best results from hundreds of websites.

Momondo

This popular travel fare aggregator has scooped numerous awards as best flight comparison site. It helps you search across airlines, travel sites and low cost carriers to find the best flight tickets and direct you for free to the companies that sell them. With one click you can see which ticket is the cheapest, quickest or best deal.