Brits hit the high street for Bank Holiday getaway

Most British travellers wait until 10 days before their summer break to start their holiday shopping, which means that today, Thursday 16th August, will be one of the busiest travel shopping days of the year, according to new research.

With continuing unsettled weather at home, and plenty of late holiday deals available, August bank holiday is predicted to be the next big getaway. More than 2million Brits are predicted to hit the shops from today to pick up travel essentials, and most will be on the hunt for foreign currency, travel insurance, last minute holiday clothes and sunscreen.

As a result M&S Travel Money has geared up for its typical annual increase in foreign currency sales of over 60% during the peak holiday season. While all holiday bookings are up 40% year on year, more than half of all currency orders will be for euros, as sun seeking Brits head for family holidays in Europe.

James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money Manager, commented; “Brits are savvy when it comes to holiday shopping, from seeking out the best sun cream deals to picking up those end of summer sale items. Waiting until 10 days before a holiday means that these bargains can be bagged at the same time as purchasing holiday essentials like travel money. By shopping around for the best exchange rates, travellers can save £35 on an average travel money purchase, and avoid paying over the odds at airports where rates can be uncompetitive.

“M&S Travel Money has a Fair Price Promise with no commission on foreign currency or foreign travellers cheques, and the same great exchange rates at all of our bureaux de change, on the internet and by phone”.

Holiday Spending Stats

A fifth (21%) of holidaymakers splash out on swimwear at least once a year
42% treat themselves to new holiday clothes every year
58% spend up to £500 per person for a week’s holiday abroad
Over two thirds (68%) take up to £300 spending money with them

Anyone shopping for their summer holiday can buy travel money at over 100 bureaux de change in M&S stores seven days a week, including weekday evenings up to 10.00pm, depending on store opening hours.

Customers can pick up their free M&S Travel Checklist from the M&S holiday shop where most of those holiday essentials are also available:

Travel insurance
Suncream (from £5)
Travel money
First aid kit (£5)
Credit card/debit card
Neck pillow (£7.50)
Tickets
Travel adaptor (from £3.50)
Passports
Travel hairdryer (£9.50)
Driving licence
Travel iron (£5)
Vaccinations
Packaway bag (£9.50)
House Keys
Luggage tags (£5 for four)