It’s always worth having a budget in mind when you go on holiday, that way you won’t return home with a hefty credit card statement waiting for you!

Here are some other tips for getting your holiday spending right…

• Only take the cards you intend to use.

• Tell your card provider that you’re going away. If you don’t, they could block your card as they may think it’s being used fraudulently.

• Note your credit card numbers and expiry dates and leave them with someone you trust at home.

• Take 24-hour emergency card cancellation phone numbers with you.

• Check that your type of credit card is valid where you’re going.

• Choose the local currency when you’re asked if you want charging in pounds or the local currency; you’ll get a better exchange rate.

Fees

• Check your card provider’s fees. Many charge a percentage on the transaction as well as a flat rate fee for each withdrawal or transaction.

• Before you go, look for a card with no charges or a very competitive rate.

• Avoid taking cash out of ATMs in lots of small amounts, you may get charged per withdrawal.

Cash

• Get some cash before you travel for bus or taxi fares; airports ATMs are not always available.

• Order less used currencies at least a week in advance.

Keep it safe

• Don’t carry more money than you need when you’re out and about.

• If you need to carry a big amount of cash, split it with a friend or your partner.

• Divide your cash; keep some in your wallet, some in a money belt and some in an inside pocket.

• If you’re leaving cash in a hotel room, lock it in your room safe with all your other valuables.

Prepaid cards

• A prepaid card is one that you can load up with foreign currency before you travel.

• Abroad they can be used like a debit card.

• Prepaid cards can often avoid ATM withdrawal charges and other bank card charges.

• If you lose your card the money is protected, but you may have to pay for a replacement card.

Source: ABTA