|
Keeping holiday costs down
Now summer’s here, perhaps you are planning an overseas trip. We all want to enjoy ourselves on holiday and often spend a bit more than we usually would.
So take time to work out a sensible budget before you go, to ensure you aren’t left counting the cost for many months afterwards.
Find out if your travel insurance includes adequate health cover to save yourself a big medical bill if you need treatment for illness or have an accident.
And before taking your car abroad, check with your insurer that your motor insurance is valid for the countries you plan to visit.
Banks and credit card firms monitor their customers’ accounts for suspicious transactions.
If they see overseas spending and don’t know that you’re abroad, you may find your cards are stopped to protect your account.
Contact your bank’s customer services before you go and tell them about your trip to prevent this happening.
Even if you take travellers’ cheques or use your plastic abroad, it’s a good idea to get a small amount of foreign currency to pay for items like taxis, food and service tips.
Shop around to get the best rate before you go – it may cost more to get your currency at the airport.
Travellers’ cheques are safer than cash because if they are lost or stolen you can report it to the provider and get replacements, as long as you remember to write down the serial numbers and keep them somewhere safe.
Finally don’t be a victim of fraud or theft when you go away.
The Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk has some useful tips on staying safe abroad.
Have a great holiday!
|
