Savvy travellers cash in on improved pound
3 October 2006
Travellers can now make their holiday preparations easier and cheaper thanks to two new services introduced by The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Global Travel Money Services.
Customers and non-customers alike can save time and money by ordering their commission-free foreign currency and travellers cheques online or over the telephone. Orders will be delivered direct to the customer’s home or chosen branch, with free delivery for orders of £500 and over.
While most families tend to holiday in nearby European destinations during school holidays, couples, singletons and others without term-time commitments can now cash in on cut-price off-peak holidays and flights. The Royal Bank of Scotland has identified the top five destinations where it’s worthwhile taking advantage of improved exchange rates. The more carefree holidaymaker will be travelling much further afield as certain long-haul destinations reflect improved value for money since last year. In some destinations it could add up to an extended stay or an upgrade in your choice of hotel.
The most improved value for money destination this year is South Africa where the Sterling has strengthened against the Rand by a remarkable 22%. There’s no better getaway for a sun-drenched safari break, where the extra R1200 received from a £500 order could secure an additional night in a luxury bush lodge.
Heading north, Sterling buys 18% more Icelandic Krona compared with this time last year. This could mean an extra-long soak in the luxurious lava field hot pools. If empty-nesters are hankering after a relaxing beach holiday, the beautiful white sands of Mauritius are closer than a mere dream with the Mauritian Rupee offering 16% better value against Sterling.
The more adventurous will also get more for their money with the New Zealand Dollar (+11%), where a £500 order would equal an extra $150 and could see the braver traveller trying a tandem skydive. Closer to home, Hungary is offering better value to the pound this year (+12%). Budapest, reputed to be the ‘Paris of Central Europe’, is the ideal long-weekend escape for couples.
The rate of exchange on the US Dollar and the Euro has improved although not as much as other currencies over the past year. Christmas shopping sprees in New York are sure to remain popular as will the lure of European festive markets.
Doug Gowan, Head of Global Travel Money Services for the Royal Bank of Scotland comments: “The Royal Bank of Scotland offers 73 different currencies and nine types of travellers cheques - one of the widest selections available in the UK. With our new online and telephone ordering channels, planning your holiday is just that much easier.”
