We've seen a trend in recent years of last-minute holiday booking bargains, but don’t be fooled that holding out will get you the best deal for your 2011 holidays.

With the threat of the 'double-dip' recession still firmly in place, many holiday companies are taking stock and reducing capacity, meaning that there will be less holidays in the market. Plus last year saw an increase in the number of holiday companies going bust, and some companies hard hit, especially the cheap 'bucket and spade' operators.

With the school holiday periods of Easter, Whitsun, July and August being particularly popular, this tightening of capacity will mean that if you do wait, your options will become seriously limited.

So when considering your next Easter or summer holiday it's time to start shopping around now. Holiday businesses are keen to get the bookings in early, to increase their cash flow and get themselves off to a good start for 2011. Search online or take stock of the high street and you'll start to see some good discounts being headlined for those wishing to get ahead and book early.

One firm family favourite set to continue in popularity in 2011 is Camping. Camping offers families great value for money, many campsites across France, Spain and Italy have now become family holiday specialists and can cater for families with babies to families with teenagers. Camping is not like what it used to be, a camping holiday now offers fantastic facilities from splashzones, to waterslides, spa and health centres and quality restaurants.

You can now compare offers for 2011 holidays on the I Spy Camping website, which includes prices from the major camping tour operators. The site currently lists over 6,500 camping holidays from a range of UK and French holiday companies. So you are sure to find the holiday you want. Don't just pay the first price you see, compare it and save money.

In conclusion, don't wait! Those in the know, know that right now is the best time to get the best holiday deal, not just because of price, although that is a major reason, but because of choice; getting the accommodation, the weeks, the resort, in essence the holiday you really want, rather than what is left - or worse still, what is not left! As we have mentioned above, capacity is being reduced by the major tour operators across all major destinations.

If concerns about a company's viability puts you off booking in advance for 2011, then take precautions of booking with an ABTA or ATOL registered company, and book with your credit card. Pay only the deposit up front, paying in full only at the required time, generally about eight weeks before travel.