Going on holiday
What you need to know to get as much holiday for your money as you possibly can - from where to go, how to get there, the best way to spend while away and what your rights are if anything goes wrong
Destinations
Holidays - whether at home or abroad - are all about getting away from the day-to-day and heading somewhere special.
But where should you go to see the best beaches, experience vibrant nightlife, see stunning scenery or, just, well, get some sunshine for the least amount of cash?
Here are our guides to the best places to head - to offer up a little inspiration:
How to find cheap UK holiday destinations
With millions of Brits choosing to go on holiday without leaving the country, discover our top tips on how to find cheap holidays in the UK.
Where to go for a cheap UK holiday
Where to go for a super cheap holiday - best destinations
If you’re hoping to get away this year, our guide will help you discover the cheapest places to go on holiday and how to cut the cost of your trip.
Cheapest destinations for holidays named
Highest-rated destinations according to travellers
We all have our own travel bucket lists that we’ve been adding to over the years. Planning and saving up for the But which are the highest-rated destinations according to travellers?
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How to Avoid Tourist Scams When You Travel
It’s easy to fall prey to tourist scams in an unfamiliar country. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading up on holiday scams before you go.
Read more about getting a travel money dealRemember: Buy your insurance when you book your trip
if you don't, you might not be covered if you have to call it off later
Getting ready
What to do before you go to makes sure you get the best deals and protect your holiday from disaster.
Our guides take you through what you need to know - from making sure your trip is protected to steps you can take now to get more from your holiday for the same price.
What is the best way to spend abroad?
Spending money overseas can end up costing you a fortune in fees and charges, so find out what options you have and which is the cheapest for your trip.
Read more about ways to spend abroad
Do you need travel insurance for your trip?
If you fall ill or have an accident while travelling the bills can be huge, so it pays to have cover in place. Here are the basics to help you find the right travel insurance policy.
When to take out travel insurance
Should you get single trip or annual travel insurance?
If you are heading off on holiday, you’ll need to choose between a single trip or annual travel insurance policy. But what is the difference, and which is right for you? Here is how to find out.
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What car insurance cover do I need to drive abroad?
Driving overseas can be a great way to travel, but you need to make sure you are covered in case something goes wrong. Here is how to make sure you have the right insurance before you start your trip.
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Discover our expert city break planning tool
Getting there
Holidays start from when you leave the house - but the journey to your chosen destination can make or break the trip.
This is what you need to know to make sure you don't spend more than you need on boring essentials, leaving you with more of your hard earned money on things you can enjoy.
We've also got tips to help make the journey itself more pleasant - from free flight upgrades to getting access to the food, drink and comfy chairs found in exclusive lounges.
How to get cheap airport parking for your holiday
Do you want to cut the cost of your overseas holidays with little or no effort? Check out our guide to cheap airport parking.
Tips for saving on airport parking
How to get access to airport and airline lounges for the least money
Getting access to an airport lounge doesn’t have to mean frequent flights or paying more for first-class tickets. Here’s how to get in cheaply or even for free.
What's on offer and what airport lounge access costs
How to get an upgrade on your flight ticket for free
It’s one of life’s great challenges, how to get elevated from economy to first class or business class. Here we reveal the top hacks to securing yourself a coveted flight upgrade free, or for the least money possible.
Free flight upgrades explained
The world's best airports revealed
As airports start to welcome travellers back through their gates, our travel experts reveal the best airports for holidaymakers?
Read the Airport report
What are your rights if your flight is delayed?
If you have been left stranded at the airport, you could claim compensation from the airline. Here are your rights if your flight is delayed.
Read MoreHave you got your travel money sorted?
Compare rates and deals to get the most for your money
Holiday spending
How you choose to pay when on holiday can add hundreds to the cost of your trip - and that's money being lost for no good reason at all.
But are you better off paying in pounds or the local currency, do travel cards really make a difference and when is cash still king?
This is what you need to know:
How to Get the Best Exchange Rate for Your Holiday
Finding the best travel money exchange rates is an easy way to boost your holiday budget. Learn how to get the best deal with this comprehensive guide.
Read more about getting a travel money dealWhat is the best way to spend abroad?
Spending money overseas can end up costing you a fortune in fees and charges, so find out what options you have and which is the cheapest for your trip.
Read more about ways to spend abroadBest credit cards with no foreign transaction fee December 2024
Find our best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to save money abroad by avoiding overseas charges, and get added protection on large purchases.
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What Should You Do with Leftover Currency?
From exchanging foreign currency back to pounds to gifting it to charity, we explain all the options available for dealing with leftover foreign currency.
Read more about dealing with leftover currencyPaying in pounds vs the local currency
What's the smart move when the card terminal or ATM you're using on holiday asks if you'd like to pay in pounds? We explain all.
These days everything from ATMs to payment terminals in shops offer you the choice to "pay in pounds" when they recognise a UK card.
But should you?
The first thing to know is that whichever currency you choose to pay in, your bank or card provider will still treat it as an overseas transaction - so you'll get hit with any fees for that either way.
The second thing to be aware of is that, when you choose to pay in pounds, the retailer or ATM sets the exchange rate itself.
While they might do this in your favour, the odds are low.
Paying in the local currency, by contrast, means you get the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate instead - which is generally about as good a deal as you can find.
That means, while it might be a little harder to understand the cost by choosing the local currency option, you'll generally get a much better deal that way.
Compare travel money pre-paid cards
no credit check travel cards for spending overseas
Travel rights
Cancelled flight? Hotel not built yet? Trouble with a purchase? The good news is there are plenty of rules in place to protect you.
Your rights abroad aren't quite the same as they are at home, but you might be surprised about how many of your legal protections are packed with you when you head overseas.
We take you through your rights when it comes to taking holidays as well as when you're abroad.
How do duty free allowances work now?
From alcohol and cigarettes to perfume and electronics, if you’re buying duty free items and bringing them back to the UK, here we explain the rules you need to follow.
How much you can legally being back
What is the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?
Find out how the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) works, how it differs from the old EHIC, how to get one, what they cost and when you need one.
How the GHIC works
What are your holiday cancellation rights?
If you need to cancel your holiday it is important to know where you stand before you speak to your travel agent or insurer. Here are your rights for cancelling your trip.
When you can - and can't - claim
How do I get my money back if a company goes bust?
There are legal rights in place for consumers if a business closes down. Find out what they are and how they protect you and your money.
Who you need to call first
Section 75: Your free credit card purchase protection
When you spend money on your credit card you get extra consumer protection on your purchases. Find out more about Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act and how it can provide you with additional peace of mind.
The free refund rights that come with your card
Your legal right to go on holiday explained
The UK has strict laws around how much holiday you have a right to take each year - but when it comes to exactly which days you can take off things get a little murkier.
Your rights to take holidaySave and protect - travel credit cards
Getting a specialist travel card could save you a bunch on fees while abroad, while offering extra protection on spending
Travel hacks
The inside line on how people are making significant savings on their holidays.
People in the know are finding ways to cut the cost of everything from flights to hotels to the exact day they fly on.
Read on to get the inside line on the clever ways people are saving cash and holidaying for a lot less:
How to Find Cheap Flights for Your Trip
Want to get away for less? Find out how to cut the cost of your holiday flights by shopping around.
Cheap flight secrets
How to Find Cheap Hotel Rooms for Your Holiday
Pay less for your next holiday by bagging a bargain on your hotel room. Our guide reveals essential tips to let you unlock the best room rates with ease.
Tricks to saving money and finding cheap hotel accommodationOur Best Air Miles Credit Cards December 2024
Find our best air miles credit card to get discounted or free flights. Collect Avios points and more as you spend with these credit cards.
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When is the cheapest time to go on holiday?
If you’re longing for a holiday but don’t want to break your budget, here we look at how finding a bargain break is all about picking the best time to book and seeking out affordable destinations.
When's cheapest to travel
8 easy ways to cut your travel insurance costs
Travel insurance could save you thousands if something goes wrong when you are away, but do not pay over the odds for cover. Try these eight ways to keep the cost down.
See how to save on travel insurance
6 ways to protect your holiday if you book without a travel agent
Did you know that the way in which you book your holiday can have a dramatic effect on whether you're protected if something goes wrong? We show you how to make sure you get to go on your holiday one way or another!
How to protect your holidayThe latest research and reports from the team at money.co.uk
The team at money.co.uk don't just work to get you a better deal on your insurance and travel money, we also conduct our own research and reports.
These cover everything from the countries where cash is still king to where to go if you want to step into your favourites scenes from the silver screen (and grab a quick selfie) or see a top-class sporting event.
Here are some of our favourites:
Buy To Let Mortgages & Compare BTL Mortgages | money.co.uk
Find the right buy to let mortgage to purchase your residential rental property. Plus learn how buy to let mortgages works and about their criteria
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Compare our best mortgage rates and deals
Find your best mortgage rate with our expert comparison. Whether you're looking for a fixed or variable deal, our mortgage experts can look across the market for the right deal.
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