The Credit Crunch Expert
1.
Try going to somewhere like Bulgaria, the weather is as good as Northern
Spain, the accommodation is often better and the food and drink is a fraction
of the price. You will still get a pint of beer for 40p - 50p. Click
Here for more information.
2. Set yourself a budget for your spending money and stick to it. Consider taking travellers cheques or using a debit card that only has a limited amount available to use. Consider someting like 360money.
3. Only use credit cards for emergencies. if you have to use one then make sure you know what the charges will be. Nationwide does not currently charge commission on overseas purchases made with its credit card.
4. When looking for your foreign currency be prepared to shop around and haggle for a better deal. Do not leave it until the airport, you will get a terrible rate.
5. Pre-book your airport parking and consider parking off site and catching a shuttle bus to the airport. You literally could cut the cost in half. Alternatively use public transport, there are often fantastic deals particularly for Gatwick and Heathrow.
6. Get a european health insurance card. (www.dh.gov.uk/travellers)This entitles you to reduced cost treatment in healthcare systems across the EU. it is not a replacemrnt for travel insurance but could save you money by avoiding having to pay the excess on a medical claim.
7. If you are likely to travel abroad more than once a year then consider purchasing an annual travel insurance that will allow multipe trips. check out Insurefor.com for a competetive quotation.
8. Take a picnic for the journey to and for the wait at the airport. Airport restaurants are very expensive and very mediocre.
9. if you are using a "no frills" airline then pre book any hold baggage you may be taking as items booked at check in often triggers a supplement. The best way is just take less, you probably will only wear half of what you take anyway.
10. Dont forget that you are charged to receive calls to your mobile phone when abroad however this is normally much cheaper than making the call. Check with your operator to see what packages they offer for when you are overseas. Consider purchasing an international phonecard.