So how can you make sure you’re able to make the most of your precious trip, rather than spending time counting the pennies? 

Set a budget 

Booking travel and accommodation is expensive enough, but then there’s plenty more to pay for once you’ve arrived. From food and drink to activities and excursions, the costs can soon mount up. So it’s well worth setting a budget before booking anything, so you have a good idea of what you can afford without putting your other commitments and financial goals at risk. 

Book trips to places with favourable exchange rates 

Your money will go further in some destinations than in others, so spend time looking at currency exchange rates to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. 

Get a fee-free travel card 

You may be charged fees by your bank if you use your card in certain destinations, but you can avoid this expense by using a fee-free card for both spending and withdrawing cash. 

Don’t let hidden costs mount up 

Many of the small costs you may incur on holiday, from wi-fi access in your hotel to taxis to and from the airport, can easily add up. Make sure you know how much you’re paying, research the most cost-effective options and think about how these fit in with the budget you’ve already set. 

Take out a GHIC 

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to access state healthcare in Europe for the same cost as a local, which can save you huge amounts of money if you need treatment while abroad. If you already have one, check if it’s still valid for the dates when you’re travelling in good time. 

Take out travel insurance 

Even though you’ll hope you won’t need it, travel insurance is an essential purchase. You can never know if or when something will go wrong, such as a medical emergency, so it’s well worth making sure that any problems that arise don’t break the bank. Don’t leave purchasing travel insurance to the last minute, as it can also provide protection before you set off, for example if your airline goes out of business or if you become ill and can’t travel. 

Prepare for mobile data costs 

Depending on your network and destination, you may be hit with charges for using mobile data overseas. However, you can take steps such as limiting how much data you use on your holiday, switching to a provider that offers free data roaming, or purchasing a data bundle from your current mobile provider. 

Start saving in advance 

Set up a savings account specifically for your holiday money. That way, you can make a point of saving a small amount each month well in advance, and putting this money towards your trip when it comes around. 

A holiday is an expensive luxury, and we all understand that. But there’s no reason why you have to pay over the odds. With a little preparation and planning, you can make sure you have the best possible holiday, without having to worry about what you’re spending.