Trip snacking, extreme day tripping and microcations - these travel trends reflect the creative ways people are maximising their time away without using up too much precious annual leave.

From whirlwind European day trips to carefully-planned long weekends, travellers often rely on one thing more than anything else: cheap flights!

But just how cheap are the budget airline flights that go hand in hand with these tiny trips?

With additional charges for luggage, seat selection and other extras, that bargain European getaway might not be quite as cheap as it first appears. 

Travel News Blitz writer Renee Cottle takes a closer look at the additional costs of budget flying and how passengers can avoid paying more than they need to.