To ensure travellers make the most of their holiday money before travelling and whilst abroad, Terry Perrin from American Express Foreign Exchange Services recommends the following:
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1. Check age ranges – From airlines to holiday packages, find out price distinctions between infants, children and adults. Look out for ‘kids go free’ options which could make your money go further.
2. Beware airport tax increases – Since April 2012, Airport Passenger Duty (APD) has gone up. Consider taking short-haul flights to destinations such as Europe where the tax will cost you £52 for a family of four instead of long-haul flights to destinations such as Florida that will set you back £324 for a family of four.
3. Be aware of your flight regulations to avoid potential excess baggage fees – Airlines have varying policies on weight and size of baggage, so check before you fly. Some airlines allow extra baggage allowance if you’re travelling with a baby, so find out what your limits are.
4. Research – Familiarise yourself with the local currency and know its denominations to avoid being ‘unwittingly’ short-changed. Keep a note in your wallet that includes the exchange rate for £1, £5, £10 and £20, or invest in an app with up to date currency exchange rates, which will help you do quick calculations when you’re shopping.
5. Stay weather savvy – You can never guarantee the sunshine, especially in October. Consider activities nearby that may be under one roof or check out resorts where kids’ sports and entertainment are provided whatever the weather. All-inclusive options that have kids clubs can be a fantastic means of ensuring the weather doesn’t ruin your trip, and a great way to save money too.
6. Plan ahead – No matter how exotic or unusual your destination, buying currency on arrival may prove more costly than purchasing in advance. Avoid last minute hassle and surprising exchange costs at your destination by using online foreign exchange services such as TravelMoneyNow from American Express. American Express offers 0% commission on all available currencies and you can pick up your travel money for all major currencies from the airport on your arrival, from as little as four hours after booking.
7. Collect Avios when exchanging your currency – If you’re an Avios member exchange your foreign currency at an American Express Currency Exchange bureau and you’ll collect one Avios for every £1 exchanged.
8. Eating at the airport – This can be expensive, so if you’re travelling with very young children or fussy eaters take their favourite foods with you so you have food that they’re guaranteed to eat.
9. Keep the kids entertained – Pre-load your iPad or smartphone with some educational entertainment apps and invest in some headphones to keep your child immersed, or pack some small toys or books in your hand luggage to keep the kids occupied during the flight.
10. Fit in with the locals – If you find some time to yourself and are in a country like Morocco or Turkey where haggling is encouraged, then give it a go. Traders at some destinations do actually expect you to haggle and inflate their prices with this in mind. Do your research, pick up some trading lingo, muster your confidence and see if you can bag a bargain to treat yourself.
11. Choose restaurants wisely – Look for restaurants a few streets away from the main tourist streets as these can sometimes be cheaper.
12. Visit the local supermarket – Stock up on snacks for the kids at the local supermarket where they will generally be cheaper than if you’re buying them at tourist attractions.