Make your travel money go further
Whether you’re heading abroad to ski, visit friends and family or whisking the kids away for some winter sun this Christmas, getting the most from your travel money will help you enjoy this festive season.
Terry Perrin from American Express Foreign Exchange Services recommends the following to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your Christmas travel plans are hassle-free and within budget:
1. Last minute deals - Keep an eye out for last minute travel offers. Comparison websites often feature bargain flights and lesser-known hotels, giving you the chance to get away without it costing the earth.
2. Christmas shopping - If you’re planning on buying some Christmas presents and are going abroad in December, it might be worth checking the price of the items in the country you’re visiting, as it might be cheaper to buy them abroad.
3. Pack light - Luggage policies vary between airlines on size and weight, so if you’re planning on doing some Christmas shopping abroad, then check airline restrictions before you fly to avoid being caught out by excess baggage fees.
4. Stay protected - Whilst snow can set the scene for a traditional Christmas, it can cause havoc with travel. Keep yourself protected from flight cancellations by ensuring you have insurance that will cover cancelled trips due to extreme weather.
5. Savvy market shopping - Christmas markets are a fantastic festive attraction and don’t forget to try out your haggling skills, as you might be able to grab yourself a bargain.
6. Quick calculations - Download a handy app or keep a note of the exchange rates for £1, £5, £10 and £20 in your wallet, so you have a quick reference point on costs when you’re out shopping.
7. Exchange and save - 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. Plan ahead - No matter how exotic your destination may be this Christmas, buying currency when you land could prove more costly than purchasing in advance. Online foreign exchange services such as TravelMoneyNow from American Express mean you can avoid last-minute hassle and fluctuating exchange rates.
From as little as four hours after booking, you can pick up your travel money for all major currencies from the airport - and all with no commission charges, or you can choose to have it delivered straight to your door.
Share your travel tips and money advice with us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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