Travel guru shares top tips to slash cost of 'bucket list' trips - including Northern Lights and New York

A travel expert says there's still a way to tick off 'bucket list' trips amid the cost of living crisis.

A poll of 2,000 people revealed there are around 16 destinations and activities people are desperate to see and do. But 71 per cent said a lack of cash was holding them back.

Jack Mitchell, who has helped holiday goers get the best deals for foreign excursions for more than a decade at card firm FairFX has revealed his top secrets for visiting sought-after places at a fraction of the cost.

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"Despite feeling the pinch amid the cost-of-living crisis, the nation’s passion for travelling and exploring the world hasn’t been subdued," he said.

"But for any traveller, no matter what their budget, doing the legwork about the destination is essential to making your money go further and enabling you to tick off entries on your travel bucket list.

"Whether that’s discovering the local hacks or just getting the most competitive rates with your travel money, it all goes a long way making lifelong memories without breaking the bank."

The Northern Lights was top of most people's bucket lists. Jack has a top tip to avoid Iceland prices.

He suggests heading to Sweden - specifically, a little-known town in the north of the country, Abisko.

The snowy Swedish settlement is one of the best spots to witness the natural phenomenon between September and March - without eye-watering accommodation costs - compared to Iceland.

Those wanting to experience the Northern Lights on a budget can make further savings by hiring a car and downloading free apps to discover prime locations. This saves travellers from forking out for a guided