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The Great British holiday swindle

Strapped holidaymakers are at the end of their tether by being stung with hefty, exaggerated prices and hidden charges before they even leave the UK.

A recent survey conducted by my Travel Cash – a prepaid MasterCard currency card provider – found that 51% of jet-setters are annoyed at airports holding them to ransom with overinflated prices, putting a dampener on the holiday buzz.

Standard ‘turn up and pay’ parking prices for a week at Luton and Manchester Airports reach £100, and £120 at Heathrow. And once in the air a family of four can expect to spend up to £31.60 for a sandwich, drink and pack of crisps on so called ‘budget’ airlines.

43% are also fed-up at being ripped-off for foreign currency, with the airport Bureau de Change offering less than favorable exchange rates. And spirits fail to be lifted when on foreign shores with 21% of those surveyed frustrated at being over-charged for holiday extras, such as sun loungers, towels, air-con and other extras that hadn’t been budgeted for.

Being captive customers at an airport means some charges are simply unavoidable, however being a little savvy before arriving at the airport could save the nation handsomely, especially on travel cash.

Further research conducted by my Travel Cash reveals that 21% of holidaymakers sort their holiday money more than a month before they travel, allowing them to shop around to get more bang for their buck. However, almost a quarter admitted they leave currency up until the very last minute leaving them with fewer holidays spends. And for those opting to use their debit cards abroad, this could cost them almost £5 per £100[iv], with some banks charging their exchange rate plus additional fees for just using a debit card abroad.

Myles Stephenson, CEO of my Travel Cash explains: “There’s nothing as frustrating for consumers than knowing they are paying over the odds for something and not being able to do anything about it. Airport costs and holiday extras are unfortunately unavoidable but getting the best deal on currency is at anyone’s disposal – it just takes a bit of forward planning.

“Prepaid currency cards are becoming an increasingly more popular option with holidaymakers, as they not only provide a convenient and chip & PIN secure way of carrying currency, they also allow consumers to spend without incurring the fees they might, should they use their credit or debit card.

“With a my Travel Cash prepaid card there are no charges incurred for loading currency using a debit card[v] and we do not impose any charges for using the cards whilst abroad or for withdrawing money from the ATM, although some ATM providers may apply surcharges.

“Furthermore, my Travel Cash customers also benefit from 1% cashback on all purchases – all you need to do is remember to pack it!”

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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