A travel expert has shared essential tips for holidaymakers looking to bag a bargain on their next trip, cautioning them to be savvy when exchanging holiday money.
On This Morning, Simon Calder, a regular travel advice contributor on various news and talk shows, was prompted by host Alison Hammond for his “five tips on last minute deals” and insights into securing “the best way to get that last minute deal”.
Simon recommended first talking with a travel agent, a practice Alison admitted she had abandoned despite previously being a habit. The travel pundit emphasised the importance of revisiting this approach. He advised: “They have got access to great deals. They also can assess what is going to work for you really well. So go to a travel agent. Secondly, book a proper package holiday.
“So that includes your flights and accommodation. It will include baggage for your flight and transfers to get you to your resort and it will bring you absolute gold-plated consumer protection.”
For those seeking value, Simon pointed out destinations to consider: “If you want value you have to look to either Portugal which is going to be the absolute bargain destination in Western Europe. Otherwise you’re going east. Bulgaria great value there but also places like North Macedonia and a big star this year, Albania.”
Speaking of a couple more nuggets of wisdom for travellers, the expert emphasised the importance of savvy currency exchange. He advises: “Make sure that you don’t mess up with your holiday money and that means that you should use plastic in a lot of places. But if you’re getting euros, don’t get them at the airport when you’re on your way out you should plan in advance. Get them posted to your house for a really good rate.
“If you’re going to Turkey, wait until you get there to get your cash because you’ll receive a terrible rate here. And finally, travel insurance, of course, is essential make sure you’ve got your GHIC, the global health insurance card.”
For those unaware, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows people going abroad to get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This will either be free, or it might require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
According to the NHS, the UK GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have a EHIC, don’t panic. They say that you can still use it until the expiry date on the card.
Once it expires however, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to nine months before your current card expires.
You can apply for a card through the NHS website here. The health service cautions that you need to stay clear of unofficial websites as some may charge you a fee to apply.
The NHS warns that the UK GHIC does not substitute for travel insurance. It is recommended to obtain private travel and medical insurance throughout your trip.