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Don't wait until holiday season to book your next trip. Knowing where to stay in an expensive country can make your money- and your experience - go far

- VIR SANGHVI

Are you planning your holidays for the coming year? I know you have only just finished your winter vacation and the last thing you want to do is to spend more money on travelling. But here's my advice: Plan early. Air tickets, hotel rooms, tours and the like cost more when you book them nearer your date of travel. Book early and you will usually get the best deals. So no matter when you want to travel, start considering your options now.

Indians have discovered many new destinations over the last few years. Eastern Europe is much in demand. So are the old Soviet republics, which offer great value for money. Sadly, I have not managed to visit that region much, so you may be better off listening to the editor of Brunch, who is the second person I have heard of who feels nostalgia for the Soviet days. (The first is Vladimir Putin.)

Italy. For me, the ultimate destination. Yes the big cities (Milan in particular) can be absurdly expensive, but there are ways around the expense. You don't have to stay in expensive Florence to enjoy Tuscany. I found that it was cheaper to stay in Siena and take taxis all around the region. But ideally, you should try the less-visited (by foreigners) destinations like Puglia, Umbria, Campania or Sicily. Much cheaper and more fun.