Easter provides the perfect opportunity for many of us to get away without losing too much of your holiday entitlement. That is because with two bank holidays straddling one weekend it is possible to take a whopping 16-night break that will cost only you only nine days of holiday entitlement.

The advantage of such an amount of time is that it allows for a momentous holiday, such as a cruise or far away break, even a once in a lifetime break. Conversely taking a short four-day break over the Easter Bank Holiday could be a more fitting option for you, saving your holiday entitlement for later in the year, when holidays are not as expensive. Either way, by planning well in advance you'll be more likely to get the holiday you want and be able to prepare for it at your leisure; researching all the top sightseeing spots, dining options and entertainment choices.

If you're not too concerned about where you end up you can certainly get last-minute Easter breaks, but for Easter holidays at your first choice resort or other destination you should book up as early as possible. Unfortunately the downside of going abroad at Easter is that flight prices can be expensive, so the sooner you book, the better the deal you are likely to achieve. The flipside is that you'll be able to sit back and relax confident in the fact that your Easter is sorted and for many that's a premium worth paying.

In addition, by taking out single trip holiday insurance at the time of booking you can protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you taking your Easter holiday, such as severe illness amongst your travelling party. Alternatively, you may already have an annual insurance policy, in which case just check that it will still be valid at the time you are due to return home from your break.

For some, a spot of early sun is what they crave - getting a head start on the tan for summer. For others a city break with a bit of culture, sightseeing and local entertainment is their idea of a perfect break. Most tour operators offer a wide range of choices from a two-day European city break up to a 14-night long haul destination holiday, and most types of break in between. By booking now you're more likely to secure your first choice accommodation and flight options. However, by waiting until the very last minute you risk ending up with inferior accommodation and inconveniently timed flights.