We all enjoy the chance to get away for a while with friends or family, whether it be a short city break or a fortnight on the beach. When all we need is a little rest and relaxation, the last thing we need during our precious time away is to worry about money, but for many of us this is the case.

Here, we consider several simple things you can do to make sure that your holiday isn’t ruined by financial worries.

Consider the exchange rate

Exchange rates fluctuate on a regular basis, changing the amount that it costs you to holiday in respective destinations. Keeping a close eye on the exchange rates at the time of planning your trip can therefore save you a considerable amount of money when the time comes to travel.

Rather than cutting down on the things you buy and the activities you take part in, securing a good exchange rate can ensure that you’re getting the most from your money, allowing you to spend it as you wish while you’re travelling.

Buy currency before you leave

The way in which you acquire your cash for your trip will have a bearing on the amount that you spend. If you run into poor exchange rates or high levels of commission when exchanging your currency, you can easily end up spending more than you need to while you’re away.

The important thing to know is that exchanges at the airport will usually offer some of the worst rates, or they will charge you a hefty commission for your currency. The best option is to allow plenty of time before you leave to compare the rates of exchange and commission at your local outlets.

Acquiring your currency in advance will give you plenty of options and will help to ensure that you find the best possible rate.

Know your options

When you arrive at your holiday destination, you’ll probably need to top up your cash, or to use a card for your spending. Taking an American Express Credit Card, for example, can make life easier, allowing you to manage your finances online or even on your mobile.

This will ensure that you are able to keep an eye on your finances throughout your trip, helping you stay within your spending budget from beginning to end.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 at 2:12 pm and is filed under Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.