When our currency weakens in the global market, it’s easy for the bleaker outlook to cast a dark cloud over would-be travellers’ heads. If money matters have shattered your dreams of a trip where your funds works as hard as possible to satisfy your every adventurous whim, we’re here to show you how you can claw back some of that financial power with the help of some savvy exchange rate hunting.
So in the name of rekindling that desire to take off and see the world without feeling like our cash is holding us back, we round up some great ways to get that holiday for less.
Rethink your location:
The Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer works out the cheapest places to visit by taking the total cost of eight likely expenditures into account for 42 separate places across the globe. Theses outgoings include a coffee, suncream and a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine, among others. In 2013 the Barometer placed Spain and Sri Lanka in first place for value at a cumulative cost of just $55.15, while a trip to South Korea should perhaps be placed on the back-burner since it came in at number 42, with a cost of $224.20. Bali and Vietnam have also become a lot cheaper over the last year, making them good places to consider in place of Thailand.
Rethink your currency:
Buy a lump sum of holiday money
You may be entitled to a better exchange rate if you buy over a certain amount of holiday money. Instead of getting too much for yourself, why not buy the money your holiday mates will need too? This will save you both money.
Don’t buy from the airport
Airport exchange rates won’t be anywhere near as good as those on the high street, so make sure you get your holiday cash sorted beforehand if you want to get more for your money.
Don’t pay in your domestic currency
While you’re away, don’t be tempted to pay in dollars rather than euros if the option is there; the seller will have to make the conversion and you’ll have to pay for the convenience.
Keep your leftover holiday money for next time
You could actually get more for your money by holding on to holiday cash depending on the future of its exchange rate. But even if you don’t, it’s a good way to give your spending money a kick-start for next time!
