Are you jetting off on holiday later this summer but worried about the toll it will take on your bank balance? Phillip Garlick, from travel money provider H&T, shares his expert tips for getting the most out of your spending money on holiday.
As the summer draws near, many of us will be getting ready to jet off to warmer climate for a well-earned break. But, once you factor in the cost of plane tickets, accommodation costs, and travel insurance, there’s often not a lot left in the bank to spend once you reach your destination — especially when you only have a limited student budget to work with.
If you’re heading off on holiday this year, there are ways you can make your spending money go further, so you can still have a great time for less. Read on to learn four top tips for making the most of your travel money.
Find a cheap destination where your money will go further
If you still haven’t booked a holiday yet, then one of the simplest ways to make your cash go further is to choose your destination with care. If you pick a place where the cost of living is much lower than here in Britain, then you won’t need to bring as much cash with you. The Independent has a round-up of twenty of the cheapest destinations for 2018, so take a look to find where will suit your budget.
Areas that are popular with tourists are always going to be more expensive, so if you’ve got your heart set on visiting a particular destination, then it’s worth doing some research and finding out whether there are any cheaper alternatives nearby. You may find a town or region slightly further away from major tourist hotspots that offers much better value, but where you can still enjoy the same weather, culture and cuisine.
Keep an eye on the exchange rates before you buy foreign currency
Exchange rates are in a constant state of flux, so you’ll want to do your homework and buy when the time is right. Don’t just leave it until the day before you travel, as this puts you at the mercy of whatever the rate is on that day. Instead, keep an eye on the rates for a few weeks before you’re due to set off, and buy when the price drops.
Be careful when using your card abroad
Many travellers prefer not to carry large amounts of cash with them, relying on a credit or debit card while abroad. But, if you decide to pay this way, then you should be careful about how you use it. You’ll often be offered the option to pay in sterling, a process known as dynamic currency conversion. If you take this option, then you’ll usually be charged a much higher exchange rate, so check carefully before you spend and don’t be afraid to ask for a bill in the local currency if you’re automatically given one in pounds.
Sell back any unused cash
If you still have some cash to spare on the final day of your holiday, it can be tempting to go on a spending spree. But there’s no need to use up all your cash while you’re abroad. Many travel money providers will buy back any unused foreign currency, so resist the urge to splurge in duty-free and take any leftover cash home with you. This way, you can convert it back into pounds and use it for everyday spending — it may not be quite as fun, but it’s certainly much more wallet-friendly.
If you’re panicking about holidaying with a limited budget, there’s no need to let money worries spoil your fun. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to get a great deal on your currency, spend sensibly, and avoid any surprise charges or fees. Happy travels!
