As the long, cold winter nights in the UK stretch on, planning your next holiday can be the perfect way to brighten your spirits. Dreaming of sandy beaches or snowy peaks? Use this time to get ahead and ensure your travel budget is as ready as you are for some sunshine (or adventure).
Holidays are all about indulging, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked week in Tenerife, a winter escape to Thailand, or a city break in Paris, there’s one key thing to get right before you jet off: your travel money. Budgeting for spending abroad doesn’t sound like the most glamorous part of holiday planning, but it can make or break your trip — and your wallet!
Here’s how to get your travel money budget spot on while avoiding the dreaded overspend or poor exchange rates.
Before you get carried away planning dinners with a view, excursions, or that duty-free splurge, take a moment to think about your daily costs. Start by researching:
Average costs in your destination: Websites like Numbeo or travel blogs are great for estimating what you’ll spend on meals, drinks, and activities.
Transport expenses: Will you be using taxis, buses, or renting a car?
Any special plans: Planning a romantic dinner, a big day out, or diving lessons? Factor these in!
Top tip: Always add a little buffer for unexpected expenses or last-minute treats. You never know when you’ll stumble across a charming market or decide to try a local delicacy!
Not all exchange rates are created equal. In fact, if you’re not careful, you could end up with less spending money than you’d hoped for. That’s where comparing rates becomes a game-changer.
High-street traps: Banks and high-street providers often give lower rates and charge sneaky fees.
Airport rates? Forget it! Exchange rates at the airport are notoriously poor. Avoid them at all costs and an excerpt(literally).
Online tools to the rescue: Compare Travel Cash makes it super easy to check rates across trusted foreign exchange providers, helping you find the best deal and save more for your holiday adventures.
Just think: The money you save by getting a better rate could mean an extra cocktail by the pool or that Instagram-worthy boat tour!
Timing is everything when it comes to buying travel money. Exchange rates can fluctuate daily, and waiting until the last minute could leave you at the mercy of a bad rate.
Start comparing early: Keep an eye on rates a few weeks or even months before your trip.
Avoid the rush: Ordering online in advance means you can relax knowing your travel money is sorted before you even pack your suitcase.
Early planning doesn’t just save you money — it saves you stress. And let’s face it, we’d all rather spend our pre-holiday hours dreaming of beaches than queuing for currency.
Picture this: You’ve arrived at your destination, and you’re ready to make the most of your time off. The last thing you want is to be worrying about running out of cash halfway through or realising you’ve paid over the odds for your currency. By planning your travel money budget, comparing rates, and buying in advance, you can relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Your 2025 holiday deserves to be unforgettable — for all the right reasons. Don’t let poor exchange rates or a lack of planning put a damper on your trip. Head to our rate comparison page today, compare rates, and make sure every penny of your hard-earned holiday budget works as hard as you do.
Get more for your money by comparing exchange rates today — your holiday budget will thank you!
Compare Travel Cash is a price comparison service that’s designed to help you save money – While we do our best to ensure the site is 100% up-to-date, we cannot guarantee this.
We advise you to carry out your own due diligence before buying or selling travel money.
