Martin Lewis has revealed how Brits can maximise their annual leave with a clever trick - but has urged them to book off holidays soon because the opportunity won't last long. The money saving expert, 52, revealed the hack in his most recent newsletter, which  couldn't come sooner for many who are yearning to get away from the gloomy UK winter and explore some sunnier climates. In his announcement, the TV presenter also shared some other travel tips including the best time to book a holiday and how to make sure your protected against unforeseen accidents.

Most workers in the UK are legally entitled to 28 days' holiday a year. But by combining them with weekends and bank holidays (although these are often included within the 28 days) you can in fact double the number of days you have off. And this year is the best year to try the hack because Easter falls two weeks before the May bank holiday meaning it's even easier to maximise your holiday. Last year Easter came five weeks before the bank holiday and so the dates didn't line up.

But Martin warned that if you want to make the most of it you better snap up some holidays now before everyone else does. Martin Lewis, 52, has revealed how Brits can maximise their annual leave with a clever trick but has urged them to book off holidays soon because it only works every few years around Easter. By booking off Tuesday April 22 to Friday April 25, and Monday April 28 to Friday May 2, you can bridge the gap between Monday April 21, and the May bank holiday on May 5, doubling the number of days you get off by cleverly booking around days you already get off.

Other combinations include turning five days of annual leave into 11 consecutive days off work by booking Friday 11 April off along with Monday 14 April to Thursday 17 April. And the same trick works to turn two weeks of annual leave into three and a half weeks. By booking off Tuesday April 22 to Friday April 25, Monday April 28 to Friday May 2 and then Tuesday May 6 to Friday May 9 as annual leave, you effectively give yourself a bumper period of time off.

Having maximised your annual leave, Martin also revealed the bets time to book your flights and accommodation. In his newsletter he explained that sometimes waiting until the last minute is cheaper than booking well in advance but warned there was one downside. He said: 'If you're looking to go on a package holiday, booking late often wins. 'Waiting till the last minute – generally within eight weeks of travel – often pays off as prices usually plummet, though you've much less choice. See more on pouncing on package holidays.'.

Most workers in the UK are legally entitled to 28 days' holiday a year but by combining them with weekends and bank holidays you can in fact double the number of days you have off wihtout having to take any extra leave (stock image). However, when it comes to booking flights, the earlier the better as many airlines release seats almost a year ahead of time and those early releases are often the cheaper seats.

Martin also explained that if you're looking for a traditional getaway with two weeks in the sun it might be better to go for a package deal rather than book everything yourself. The money-saving expert explained that in many cases, hotels and flights don't automatically offer ATOL protection, which means if something goes wrong you can get your money back. He also revealed that if you want a cheaper package holiday, ring round a few different travel agents to see whose offering your preferred trip for the cheapest - it could save you up to five per cent.

Martin's tips come after he revealed the financial pros and cons of tying the knot. The proportion of people aged 16 or older in England and Wales who are married or in a civil partnership fell below 50 per cent for the first time this decade, while couples living together but not married or in a civil partnership grew to more than a fifth. But Martin, who also has his own weekly ITV show - The Martin Lewis Money Show - set out 'nine big benefits' of being married, while also pointing out how spouses can use them to their advantage.

These benefits, which are 'structured within the tax and financial system', apply both to married couples and those in a civil partnership. Martin also explained that if you're looking for a traditional getaway with two weeks in the sun it might be better to go for a package deal rather than book everything yourself because you'll get automatic ATOL protection in case anything goes wrong (stock image).

However, couples who simply live together - no matter how many years it has been or how many children they share - miss out. Martin highlighted that the UK government 'rewards' marriage through a policy introduced in 2015 called the Marriage Tax Allowance. For married couples, whatever one spouse leaves to the other when they die will not be subject to inheritance tax - whether money, property or other assets like shares.