Get more from your travel money this summer holiday

UK families could pay twice as much for some beach holiday items in some European holiday destinations, according to the Post Office Travel Money’s new Family Holiday Report.

The Family Holiday Report investigates the range of prices for typical beach holiday items throughout Europe. The survey found that an hour’s ride on a pedalo costs equates to £5.41 in Portugal’s Algarve, but twice as much as this in Majorca, Brittany or Cyprus, meaning UK holidaymakers could find their travel money stretching less far in these destinations.

The Post Office Travel Money research revealed that Italy offers the cheapest family visit to a water park at £43.24, but families opting to visit Cyprus will not get as much for their foreign currency with the same day out equating to £90.09. With this variation in prices, holidaymakers are advised to plan their travel money carefully before departure to ensure they get the best value on their foreign currency. Buying foreign currency in advance, rather than waiting until arrival at the airport, may see families obtain a better foreign currency exchange rate, which could increase the amount of travel money they have to spend when they reach their holiday destination.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “There is plenty families can do to avoid getting stung on holiday. They should check excursion and attraction prices online before they go, and pack kids’ beach items that could break the holiday budget if bought overseas.”