10 day holiday countdown starts today
Today (14th July 2010) is expected to be one of the most popular shopping days of the summer as parents in England prepare for the family holiday getaway.
Research reveals that most British travellers wait until 10 days before their summer break to start their holiday shopping.
With many state schools in England not breaking-up until Friday 23rd July, the weekend of 24th July will be when many families head off on holiday. So today is expected to be the day that most parents buy their travel essentials.
Included on the holiday shopping list is travel money and insurance, alongside holiday clothes and sunscreen.
M&S Travel Money research shows that 69% of people buy foreign currency before travelling, to pay for goods and services overseas. Almost nine out of 10 people (89%) claim getting good value on their foreign currency is vitally important to them.
However, two-thirds (66%) of people mistakenly believe that by purchasing their travel money on the high street they can expect to get the same rate in whatever branch they visit across the country. This, however, is not the case; many providers alter their rates geographically, so many families could be gambling on getting best value this summer.
James Yerkess, M&S Head of Travel Money, said: ‘It's encouraging that so many holidaymakers are buying their travel money in advance, as it's always a good idea to buy before you fly and make the best of competitive exchange rates on the high street. M&S treats customers fairly by offering the same rate up and down the UK, in shops, online and by phone.'
Data from M&S Travel Money reveals that currencies used in some of the most popular tourist destinations have increased in value against the pound, meaning Brits will find the cost of everyday items more expensive. For example the pound has dropped in value by 7% against the US dollar and 11% against the Mexican peso.
However, there are eight currencies against which sterling has increased in value since summer 2009, including the euro.
M&S Money has geared up for its typical annual increase in foreign currency sales of over 60% during the peak holiday season. More than half of all currency orders will be for euros, as Brits head for family holidays in Europe.
Spend £250 or more on Travel Money at M&S and receive a £5 voucher to use when you spend £35 or more on Clothing or Homeware. Offer now extended to 25 July 2010.