Go holiday DIY

Can you take a bite out of the price of a trip to the Big Apple?

Where:Four days in New York City

When:April 24th-28th

With a travel agentFour nights in Manhattan's Grand Hyatt Hotel at the end of April is just under €2,000 per couple on Ebookers.ie. Located on Park Avenue, adjacent to Grand Central Station, the four-star hotel has the Big Apple's top attractions - including Times Square, Broadway theatres, Central Park and Fifth Avenue's shopping - on its doorstep and promises "luxurious accommodation" and "outstanding dining". Flights with Continental Airlines depart Dublin for Newark Airport on Thursday at 9am with the return flight departing on Monday evening. The cost of the package includes taxes and charges. Taxis from Newark to Manhattan will cost an additional €35 each way.

How much?€1,893.07

On your ownBooking directly with the hotel, www.hyatt.com, we were quoted an average daily rate of $293.25, taking the total for four nights to $1,173. The weak dollar works in our favour and $1,173 was €745.81 according to last Monday evening's exchange rates. Flights with Aer Lingus to JFK cost €469.20 including airport taxes and charges and a hefty fuel surcharge of €100 per person. Then there's the €24 for two checked-in bags and airport transfers, which cost €28.50 each way to Manhattan. How much? €1,765.21

Independent savings:€127.86