You probably won't see these site addresses on the side of a bus, but they are some of the best places to look for a less expensive holiday. And none of them specialise in last-minute £119 deals to Menorca.

For students and anyone under 26

STA Travel
With only a month left until my 26th birthday, it was mortifying to read of the £199 fares to New York and the two night-break in Barcelona for £137 available from STA (although Tel Aviv may not be the safest place to visit just now, even with rooms at £8 a night). But if you're younger than me and you're not necessarily looking for a Mediterranean package, STA can be very good value. Unfortunately, you have to phone the nearest branch to make a booking. Tiresome.

For working holidays in Britain

The National Trust
During the school holidays, prices rise to £62 per person per week; for the rest of the year, they cost only £51 (or £27 for a weekend). Those who join the Touchwood projects and work alongside people with disabilities or special needs pay £40. The holidays involve outdoor tasks - either wildlife surveying, or more demanding work such as coppicing, laying footpaths, scrub clearance or "solving the mystery of the leaking pond".

For cheap long-haul flights

Flynow.com
Specialises in low fares to North America, Asia and Australasia, particularly in business class. You can register an interest in fares to a particular destination and be e-mailed when special offers appear.

For villas and cottages, especially with pools

Holiday Rentals
The Holiday Rentals directory is still one of the easiest ways to find property in Europe, and lists a number of smaller apartments, too. It's possible to set a maximum weekly rent by choosing a country, clicking the red Search button next to the top of the page, and then following the Advanced Search link.

For places to stay in Scotland

Visit Scotland
If you needs are basic, your tolerance of midges high and your budget limited, the Scottish tourist board's site has all the out-of-the-way cottages, remote bothies and one-star hotels that you could possibly ask for.

For French properties

Abritel
Abritel enables the French to rent out their second homes with the minimum of effort. Once you've found the property you want - many of them are not at all grand - and checked its availability, it's up to you to contact the owner. www.easycottages.com is also worth a look.