With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families are getting ready to pack their bags for a trip away. And while holidays are great to allow people to switch off for a week or two, they can often be rather expensive.
So to help save you some money, Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert has come up with some handy tips that can help you avoid spending a fortune on holiday. This year, people have already had flights cancelled and holidays ruined as airlines struggle to meet demand so the advice is especially important.
There were chaotic scenes at airports across the country as airlines struggled to recruit new staff after axing many at the start of the pandemic. And it seems like the chaos isn't over yet as Brits have been told to prepare for more congested airport terminals and flights with not enough crew, the Mirror reports.
Read more: Spain travel e-gates warning as UK travellers told they must have paperwork to hand at airport
The latest MoneySavingExpert email said: "Going abroad is a recipe for spending a serious wad of cash, yet a little bit of prep can really cut that down. So if you're heading abroad, here's our last-minute checklist to slash holiday costs before you go."
1) Know your rights
If your flight is cancelled, make sure you know where you stand. Many airlines will ask if you'll accept a refund or alternative flight, which might be something you'd accept. But you may also be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled within 14 days of take-off and that is the fault of the airline.
2) Respect local customs
Many locations have laws and customs that differ to those of the UK. Not only does breaking these different rules risk offending people, it can break the law and lead to fines.
For example, jaywalking in Germany is illegal. Doing so can lead to a fine of €5 (£4) and paying the costs of any accidents you cause. In Sorrento, Italy, walking around in a swimming costume or without a shirt can lead to being fined up to €500 (£423). So make sure you do your research before you visit.
3) Rebook if your hotel gets cheaper
The price you pay for a hotel is unlikely to be fixed and will vary over time. If you book and the price then drops, you may be able to rebook and pocket the difference. You can often do this 24 to 48 hours before your stay - but make sure you check first.
4) Make sure you have an EHIC or GHIC in Europe
These free cards let you use state hospitals and doctors in European countries - and Switzerland. If you have one, you won't pay more than a resident of that country would for healthcare. You can apply for a GHIC here, but it can take several weeks to get one.
5) Use the cheapest bureau de change
If you need to take cash with you, don't be stung by high exchange rates. For example, bureaux de changes at airports are normally very expensive. Make sure you check the exchange rate before parting with your cash.
6) Book airport parking - don't just turn up
If you book airport parking ahead of time, even on the day you arrive, it will be cheaper than just turning up. Some airports will charge hundreds of pounds more if you don't book.
7) Get travel insurance
Getting travel insurance obviously means spending money, not saving it - but without it, you risk huge bills if things go wrong. If a family member gets ill, for example, many travel policies will pay out. Policies do vary in terms of what they cover, so make sure you check the small print first.
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