MR J’s TOP CONSUMER TIPS

GOING abroad this summer for a well-earned break?

Here are eight things you must never do on holiday – and what you can do instead.

The hacks are courtesy of the finance app Revolut who have pulled together some practical advice for holidaymakers.

GETTING INTO ILLEGAL TAXIS

Flagging down a local street taxi may appear harmless at first, but you risk getting into an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle and you’ll inevitably pay a much higher fare.

The answer is to ask your hotel receptionist to order one for you as the company will be registered and you’ll received a fixed fare.

The hotel may also arrange a taxi to and from the airport.

PAYING TOO MUCH IN SHOPS

The problem is that some shops charge locals one price and tourists a much higher price.

The answer is to ask hotel staff, who will likely be locals and therefore will have a good understanding of the local pricing structure, for advice.

From toiletries to medicine, ask them nicely how much you should be paying for these items in local stores and markets.

BOOKING EXCURSIONS ON THE STREET

During your holiday, you’ll inevitably be approached by an army of salesmen asking you to book excursion trips from parasailing to jet skiing.

Many of these excursion companies may be unlicensed and therefore will not perform regular health and safety tests or have qualified staff members – or the trips might not exist at all.

Solution: Speak with your hotel or travel agent and book excursion trips through their preferred partners who will be fully licenced and therefore trusted

NOT INSPECTING YOUR RENTAL CAR

Rental car companies will typically place the blame on you if you fail to spot any existing damage or issues with the vehicle before setting off.

Before you begin your journey, do a thorough check of the vehicle on things like body damage, windscreen breakage and tyre pressure in order to raise any issues and avoid facing any charges when returning the vehicle – and take pictures.

SAVE THE PENNIES BUT WASTE THE POUNDS

Many people fly to cheaper airports without researching.

Most cities have multiple choices with may differ in price and quality.

Avoid flying into an airport based solely on price and instead think about the convenience.

Should you find a good deal online for a cheaper airport, ensure you book nearby accommodation and that good transport links exist.

Otherwise you may end up paying even more travelling from the airport to your destination.

LOSING YOUR CHILDREN IN CROWDED AREAS

Every parent will be familiar with the stress of travelling abroad with small children. Whether rushing through the airport or shopping in crowded markets, you need to have eyes on the back of your head.

The answer: Reduce your stress levels by dressing your children in bright colours so that you can easily spot them up close and from a distance. Think green and yellow.

LETTING DIRTY LAUNDRY STINK UP YOUR SUITCASE

From your swimming gear to your sweaty socks, your dirty laundry can create quite a stench within your suitcase and across your hotel room. The answer is simple. To help minimise odours and to stop the spread, place a bar of hotel soap in with your dirty laundry which’ll help combat the smell until you return home.

EXCHANGING CURRENCY AT THE AIRPORT

Whether you plan to exchange your currency at the airport or use your bank card abroad, you will be stung by foreign exchange fees up to 10%. But there is an answer.

Sign up to a free money travel card, such as Revolut, where will you be able to exchange currencies at the interbank exchange rate, make free international ATM withdrawals and spend fee-free anywhere in the world.

Your savings could amount to a night’s stay at your hotel.