Going on holiday can be an expensive period, with Car hire, travel insurance and money conversion fees the extras can soon mount up. So here are a few tips to help you avoid the excessive charges.
Cash, Credit & Debit Cards
Don’t buy your currency at the airport. By looking and ordering online you could save ££ on fees and bag a better rate. Just make sure you factor in any delivery charges if applicable.
If you plan to spend on your credit card whilst on holiday, check your current cards rates. Many have hidden charges that don’t show on your bill and the card companies also make a little extra on the exchange rates they charge you. Companies such as Santander and Post Office offer cards with no foreign exchange fees. Also don’t withdraw cash on your credit card whilst abroad. Many card companies charge up to 3% for the withdrawal and then also charge interest per day on the cash.
Check your debit cards as they aren’t exempt from charges, many also charge a fee for withdrawal and then also a charge for currency conversion.
Car Hire
Car hire agreements can be full of nasty surprises, make sure you return the car with a full tank of fuel or you may find that you receive a hefty charge for the company to fill it up themselves.
Many car hire companies also charge a large excess if you have an accident. But they also offer the ability to pay extra upfront to reduce this which can be quite pricey. Many companies will also offer you other extra insurances on the spot and may reply on your jetlag to persuade you into buying them. Shop around before you travel and buy your car insurance before you go. You may want to add breakdown cover to avoid any additional charges should this occur.
Investigate with your airline if you can check-in your child’s car seat. Many airlines now allow you to take your car seat for free without it affecting your checked baggage. With many car hire companies making additional charges for hiring their car seats, this could save you at least £5 per day per seat on hire.
Mobile Charges
When travelling outside the EU it may pay to look into traveller Bolt-ons if you need to use your phone while on holiday. Many phone companies charge a minimum to make and receive a call on top of high per min charges. Use text messages instead to communicate as the charges are far less to send and free to receive.
Connect to hotel wifi or find a hotspot and make calls through Whats App, Messenger or Facetime for free. It’s also a good idea to remember to turn off your roaming data as soon as you board the plane then you don’t end up with eye watering charges when you land in another country and your phone auto-connects to the local network.
Travel Insurance
Don’t always go for the cheapest policy, its not always the best cover. Check all of the small print and make sure you have what you need to cover all your belongings. If you are taking cash and electronics, make sure their value is covered under your policy. You should look for a minimum of £1m personal liability cover and £2m medical cover.
Always make sure there is a travel delay and abandonment section included in the cover. In the event that you do need to make a claim, keep records to show your insurer everything you have spent as a result. Things that can help support a claim include receipts for accommodation, car hire and food, as well as a confirmation letter from the airline if your flight is delayed.
