Spending It
Money Tips for Travellers
Factor 20, check. Passport, check. Trashy beach novels, check. And what about the readies? If you're off on a two-weeker you'll need a fair amount to cover food, entertainment, sunloungers and the rafia donkey. But should you take cash or travellers' cheques? Or slap it all on credit? Think ahead for a hassle-free holiday.
Do your research
A spot of pre-holiday planning is always a good move. Check out the Rough Guides series to get an idea of the cost of food, accommodation and entertainment and work out an approximate daily budget.
Cash or travellers cheques?
Taking a wad of foreign currency with you is convenient and makes holiday budgeting easy, but secure it isn't. Lose it en route and your two week dream holiday turns into a nightmare. If you do plan to take cash or other valuables to a hotel, it will almost certainly have a customer safe - use it!
For peace of mind, travellers cheques are the way forward. Change them into cash at a local bank as and when you need to. Easy peasy. Do remember to take a note of their serial numbers so if they get lost or stolen you can replace them and continue to enjoy your holiday.
The best exchange rate
Don't wait till the airport, ferry terminal or train station to change your money. You'll pay heftily for the convenience these establishments provide. Shop around beforehand and you'll make a significant saving on commission, which can be as little as £2 but usually a lot more. Try banks, building societies, the Post Office and travel companies for commission-free exchanges with no minimum transaction.
A spot of pre-holiday planning is always a good move. Check out the Rough Guides series to get an idea of the cost of food, accommodation and entertainment and work out an approximate daily budget.
Cash or travellers cheques?
Taking a wad of foreign currency with you is convenient and makes holiday budgeting easy, but secure it isn't. Lose it en route and your two week dream holiday turns into a nightmare. If you do plan to take cash or other valuables to a hotel, it will almost certainly have a customer safe - use it!
For peace of mind, travellers cheques are the way forward. Change them into cash at a local bank as and when you need to. Easy peasy. Do remember to take a note of their serial numbers so if they get lost or stolen you can replace them and continue to enjoy your holiday.
The best exchange rate
Don't wait till the airport, ferry terminal or train station to change your money. You'll pay heftily for the convenience these establishments provide. Shop around beforehand and you'll make a significant saving on commission, which can be as little as £2 but usually a lot more. Try banks, building societies, the Post Office and travel companies for commission-free exchanges with no minimum transaction.
