Brits abroad drop the dead donkey

Sombreros, straw donkeys and sunburn used to be mementos of a great holiday abroad, but these days it seems that traditional souvenirs are leaving many holidaymakers miserable.

According to a survey by Tesco Travel Money Card, 40% of travellers regretted their souvenir choices, with almost a quarter of people binning unwanted pressies once they got home.

A favourite pursuit of Brits abroad, many admit wasting time and money shopping for souvenirs in a bid to use up leftover holiday cash or beat the boredom at the airport. It's not all bad news however, as 14% of holidaymakers donate unwanted souvenirs to charity or offload them on to unsuspecting family and friends. An enterprising 3% of holidaymakers flog their souvenirs online.

Sun seekers leaving rain soaked Blighty for a late getaway would be wise to avoid the ten most regrettable purchases which led the Tesco poll.

1. Straw Donkey
2. Novelty T-shirt
3. Souvenir Mug
4. Adult Novelties
5. Souvenir Doll
6. Cuddly Toy
7. Shot Glass
8. National Costume
9. Souvenir Plate
10. Novelty Confectionary

"We want holidaymakers to enjoy their holiday, regardless of how they choose to spend their money. Our survey shows that although people might be more likely to make unusual choices whilst relaxing on holiday, their sense of British practicality returns as soon as they get back on home soil," says Yvonne Byrne from Tesco Personal Finance. "Tesco Travel Money Card offers a smart, safe way to access funds abroad, whatever our customers choose to spend their money on!"

The new Tesco Travel Money Card provides a convenient way to manage holiday money, and comes with a free second "emergency" card so that if the original card is stolen, the second can be activated for instant access to funds. Customers load the chip and pin card with foreign currency before travel and it is not linked to any personal bank account.

There are no fees for issuing the card, loading, commission, foreign purchase or even a monthly administration fee.

The Tesco Travel Money Card can be used abroad at more than 24 million locations - anywhere there is a MasterCard acceptance logo.