National Travel Money Week – 10 Ways to Save Money Abroad
13/07/2026
You've found the perfect holiday, packed your suitcase, and planned every excursion down to the last detail. But have you thought about how you'll spend your money once you arrive? A few simple decisions before you travel can make a surprising difference to your holiday budget. And National Travel Money Week is the perfect reminder that saving money abroad doesn't mean missing out, it simply means spending smarter.
So, when you're sipping sangria in Spain or dining in the Dominican, these practical tips will help your holiday funds stretch even further.
1. Don't Leave Your Travel Money Until the Last Minute
One of the easiest ways to avoid paying more than necessary is to organise your travel money before you leave home.
Exchanging currency in advance gives you time to keep an eye on exchange rates rather than accepting whatever rate happens to be available on the day you travel. It also means you'll arrive with local currency in your pocket, ready for taxis, tips, or that first well-earned coffee.
And with Hays Travel Click & Collect, you can order your travel money online and collect it from your chosen branch, making preparation quick and convenient.
2. Give Your Wallet a Holiday Too
Carrying large amounts of cash isn't always practical, especially if you're visiting several destinations.
The solution? The Hays Travel Money Card offers a secure and convenient way to spend abroad. Load multiple currencies onto one card before you travel and use it wherever Mastercard® is accepted, helping you manage your holiday budget with confidence while reducing the need to carry lots of cash. It's a simple way to keep your spending organised without constantly worrying about exchange rates during your trip.
Why Choose a Hays Travel Money Card
- Lock in your exchange rate when you load
- Spend abroad with zero purchase fees
- Manage your card 24/7 via the app
3. Avoid Airport Exchange Desks
We've all seen the queues at airport currency bureaux and while they're convenient, they aren't always the most cost-effective place to exchange your money. Planning ahead and buying your currency in your local branch, means you can secure a more competitive exchange rate and avoid unnecessary stress before boarding.
Your future self will thank you.
4. Be Savvy When You Use an ATM
Withdrawing cash overseas may seem straightforward, but it can quickly become expensive. Many overseas ATMs charge local withdrawal fees, while your bank could add additional charges on top. Instead consider taking out larger amounts less frequently if it's safe to do so.
A little planning can save more than you might expect.
5. Always Choose the Local Currency
It might sound surprising, but when a card machine asks whether you'd like to pay in pounds or the local currency, choosing the local currency is often the better option. Paying in pounds usually uses Dynamic Currency Conversion, where the retailer sets the exchange rate, and it isn't always favourable. So, selecting the local currency generally allows your card provider to apply its exchange rate instead.
6. Budget for the Little Extras
It's rarely the big purchases that catch travellers out.
Morning coffees, bottles of water, museum tickets, souvenirs, and taxi fares can quietly add up over the course of a holiday. And the easy way of stopping overspending is setting yourself a daily spending budget, which helps keep those smaller purchases in check without taking away the spontaneity of your trip.
7. Mix Cash and Card
The smartest travellers rarely rely on just one payment method. Having a combination of local currency and a travel money card gives you flexibility wherever your adventures take you. Some places still prefer cash, while others are almost entirely cashless, so being prepared for both means fewer surprises.
8. Know Your Bank's Overseas Charges
Not all debit and credit cards are created equal when it comes to spending abroad. Therefore, before you travel, take a few minutes to check whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees or overseas spending fees. Knowing this in advance can help you decide which payment method offers the best value.
9. Keep an Eye on Your Spending
Holiday spending has a habit of creeping up. Checking your balance every few days makes it easier to stay within budget, especially if you're travelling for longer or visiting multiple destinations. A quick check today could leave room in the budget for tomorrow's unforgettable experience.
10. Think Beyond the Exchange Rate
Finding a competitive exchange rate is important, but it's only part of the picture. Hidden charges, overseas withdrawal fees, poor payment choices, and last-minute currency exchanges can all chip away at your holiday budget. A little preparation before departure often delivers far better value than chasing savings while you're away.
Make Your Holiday Budget Go Further
Travelling well isn't always about spending more; it's about spending wisely.
So, whether you're ordering currency through Hays Travel Click & Collect or loading up a Hays Travel Money Card before departure, we will have you sorted so you can have a stress-free holiday.
Because the best souvenirs aren't unexpected bank charges, they're the memories you bring home.