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How late can I book last minute travel money?

If you have left your currency exchange to the last minute, don’t worry! You can still buy euros, dollars or up to 60 + currencies and get a much better than airport bureau exchange rate for your holiday. We’ll give you the top 5 tips to ensure a cheaper travel money deal.

It happens to the best of us, and millions of Brits each year leave it to the last minute to buy holiday money. Unfortunately, most get stung by the high exchange rate markups added by airport bureaus, often over 10% of the value of your transaction. Remember, 0% commission isn’t a good deal if the markups are horrendous. The good news is that there are a number of travel money suppliers that will let you buy your foreign currency at the last minute at preferential exchange rates.

Find Suppliers Who Offer Travel Money With Airport Or Store Collection 

Most travel money companies who offer a collection service will let you pick up your currency 4 hours after placing your order. The rates booked online for collection will often be different (preferential) compared to the exchange rates offered in-store.

Secret tip: If you really leave currency exchange to the last minute & find yourself in the taxi on the way to the airport, don’t panic. Our research team have found that by calling the airport bureau desks, you can request a price match of the online rates. This method is not advised, and requires a fair degree of ‘chutspah’, but its worked most times we’ve tried it.

Golden Tips When Buying Currency At The Last Minute

Compare travel money rates – it pays to shop around, even when buying currency at the last minute. Use our travel money comparison tool to dynamically compare the best value deals on the market.

Buy online for airport collection – Depending on how late you leave it, you may need to go for a provider who offers airport or train station collection. If you do want to buy foreign currency for home delivery, read carefully the T + C’s of the provider to ensure you have enough time for the money to arrive at your front door.

Try to avoid expensive ATM’s abroad – For your next trip, consider taking a prepaid currency card. These work exactly like your debit card back home, without the expensive ATM & point of sale fees. If you don’t have money on the card, you can’t spend. So these cards become great for budgeting. If you are going to Europe, consider a specialist euro currency card.

Beware of dynamic currency conversion – Always opt to pay in the local currency when buying at a foreign ATM or restaurant. To pay in your home currency is a huge hidden fee catastrophe, as you are effectively asking the foreign bank or provider to apply their determined exchange rate markup

The post Last Minute Currency Exchange appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

That’s why we asked the Luxury Cruise Company, a luxury cruise specialist which organises tailor-made travel itineraries on the world’s finest cruise ships, for some tips.

Here are the Luxury Cruise Company’s Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of booking a luxury cruise…

Do!

1) Always use a travel agent! Especially a cruise specialist – as they will know the different cruise lines, what differentiates them and may have special rates on cruises

2) Make a list of what you want to get from your cruise and what your expectations are – do you want lots of activity in a lively environment – or do you want a child-free ship with lots of relaxation and enrichment? Your agent can then find the right cruise for you.

3) Book the highest grade you can – that extra space and balcony will be well worth it.

4) Check to see what’s included in your cruise package – some luxury lines include shore excursions, others do not, some are fly cruise – others just cruise only – again your agent can assist you with this and give you the information

5) Read the cruise line brochure and visit the website to check the ship is all it’s cracked up to be.

Don’t!

1) Don’t book direct with the cruise lines – you won’t get such a personal service and it can be more expensive going direct, despite what many people think!

2) Don’t book a stateroom towards the front or back of the ship if you suffer from seasickness – you will notice the movement more in these parts of the ship.

3) Don’t book with an agent that has not been on that cruise line or that seems to give away lots of discounts – they may not be around by the time your cruise comes to depart.

4) Don’t book a stateroom under a public deck – there might be noise in the morning or late at night

5) Don’t over pack your suitcase – leave room for cruise souvenirs.

For more tips, visit the Luxury Cruise Company, or for currency tips, ask MyTravelMoney.co.uk

© Scott Anderson – The Luxury Cruise Company

The post The do’s and don’ts of booking a luxury cruise appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

That’s what we asked cruise expert and Tips for Travellers author Gary Bembridge.

Here, Gary, who’s a self-confessed cruise fan and has holidayed on more than 20 different ships, gives five reasons why, in some instances, embarking on a cruise might be a better option than a land-based holiday.

1) Cruises are better if you really want to disconnect, or get your loved ones to disconnect

Days at sea with no ports to call force you to disconnect from your otherwise hectic and demanding life on land – giving you the opportunity to slow the pace right down.

I always try to go on cruises which include a lot of sea days, or I’ll take a transatlantic crossing where I’m at sea for six full days.

The experience and pace of life when you’re at sea is completely different to being on land and can be a more soothing option for those who normally struggle to relax to unwind.

One of the main reasons for this is there’s no patchy, slow, unreliable or expensive internet connection out at sea. Even the most die-hard Blackberry addict has to stop, put the device down and find other things to do. People unwind and relax more quickly than they do on land because they know they can’t easily check emails or make and receive calls.

2) Cruises are a better way to see places in the world that can be hard to get to by land

There are some parts of the world that you can see more – or get a better view of – on a cruise than approaching it by land. Probably the best example of this is The Norwegian Fjords.

A cruise lets you travel deep into the Fjords to visit tiny villages that are hard – and very time consuming – to get to by land. Skjolden, for example, which is a village 130 miles inland populated by only 150 permanent residents, is otherwise very difficult to see. More towns and villages can easily be seen by ship as you pass through the Fjords – something which is impossible to do by land.

3) Cruises can give you a taste for a region without investing all your holiday time and money into one destination

Cruising is great way to get a taste and feel for a region of the world – helping you decide which destinations you want to go back and spend time in to really explore.

It’s a real challenge to choose which one of the many Caribbean islands you want to commit all your precious holiday time and budget to, for example. But, if you cruise the area you’ll see at least five or six islands, each of which you can explore for a day and decide which one you’d like to invest more time in.

This means lowering your risk of choosing the wrong destination and making sure you know exactly which one you’ll enjoy the most before you spend more time there.

The same is true of other regions, such as Europe or the Greek Islands. Some people use legs of world cruises to explore regions like south east Asia to do the same thing. You can get a flavour and taste for the places you want to go back to and avoid trial and error.

4) Cruises are safe and friendly environments – especially for solo women travellers

I’ve found that cruise travellers are generally friendly and much more likely to strike up a conversation with other holidaymakers than on any land based trip.

I put that down to the wonder of shared adventure which creates a greater sense of community. People on a cruise are always more chatty and friendly as they have a shared interest and focus. The very nature of the way a cruise is organised, such as the set dinner times on most cruise ships where you are allocated to a shared table, also facilitates and creates situations which encourage discussion and chat.

It’s really easy for solo travellers – especially female travellers – to feel more integrated as they’re sat at tables with groups for meals. Most cruise ships host informal events for solo travellers to get together. Some cruise lines, like Cunard for example, even have Gentlemen Hosts available in the ballroom to dance with solo travellers in the evenings, while many others are re-introducing solo cabins to remove the solo traveller premium.

5) Cruises can be fun, safe and very child friendly – or 100% child free if that’s what you’d prefer!

Unlike the widespread perception that cruises are only for the elderly, it is indeed a fast-growing holiday choice for families. While some cruise lines offer adult only cruise ships, such as the P&O line which has two adult only ships in its fleet, the majority of cruise lines encourage – and are very geared towards – families with children. While the most child friendly is, not surprisingly, the Disney Cruise Line, they all have dedicated staff to operate their kid’s clubs and teen clubs and most will offer some form of babysitting in the evenings.

With the ship being a confined and defined space – with lots of activities lined up for the kids – you can relax and enjoy being with your family, with the option to pursue your own passions on-board.

About Gary Bembridge:

Since 2004, Gary Bembridge has been running Tips for Travellers, a blog about luxurious travel experiences, which incorporates audio and podcasts. He’s a big fan of cruising and writes and podcasts about cruising extensively. You can read more of his tips on cruising here.

The post When is a cruise a better choice than a land-based holiday? appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

“But there’s a quick way to bring your body and soul back to life,” says Karolina Janowska, CEO and co-founder of Aziza Travel, which specialises in nourishing health and spa holidays.

According to Karolina, a self-indulgent, relaxing and rejuvenating SPA break could be the answer.

But she’s keen to stress that a SPA break is no ordinary break.

“If you want to get the most out of your SPA escape and spend your time and money wisely, there are few things worth considering when planning your perfect getaway,” she tells MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

So, with this in mind, we’re delighted to bring you Karolina’s 10 top tips for booking the perfect retreat:

1. Identify your Goals
“It might get to the point when you just want to go online and book one of the first SPA packages you come across,” says Karolina. “But let’s be honest. With so many different SPA deals on the market, the chances you actually pick the one that will fulfil your needs are very small. Instead, spend some time figuring out what it is you really need. Are you after some serious pampering? Does calorie-crunching or toxin-shedding seem appealing? Do you wish to simply relax and unwind? Or maybe your desk job has made your back muscles stiff and tight? Write it down on a piece of paper. If you know what you want, you’ll be able to plan your SPA break around your personal needs and avoid big disappointment afterwards – not to mention wasting time and money.”

2. Health SPA or Beauty SPA?
“When we think of a SPA it straight away sparks an image of people lounging around the pool in fluffy white dressing gowns and slippers. Straight away we associate SPA with beauty and relaxing treatments. However, there are also natural and drug-free health SPA treatments out there designed and used to treat many medical conditions such as back pain, joint pain, heart problems or asthma just to name a few. You may, therefore, take advantage of your SPA break and cure your current medical problems at the same time. And health SPA treatments, apart from their healing benefits, will also give you deep relaxation and detoxification of the entire body.”

3. Time
“In our modern, fast-paced society we seem to be always busy and always on the go. Nevertheless when it comes to the SPA break we need to slow down. Even if you do not have much time to spare a short relaxing and rejuvenating SPA break will definitely do the trick. But consider longer stay if you wish to benefit from more medical-orientated SPA treatments.”

4. Destination
“Who doesn’t like exploring new destinations when thinking of going on holiday? There is no exemption as far as a SPA break is concerned. Exotic SPA spots with tropical plants by the pool and open plan treatment rooms may look tempting. However, a long flight as well as adjusting to a different time zone, climate, food and water may turn your perfect SPA break into a nightmare. If you are thinking of a short SPA break and want to be on the safe side, it’s recommended you turn towards some of the hottest SPA spots in Europe that don’t require long, expensive and carbon-burning flights.”

5. Allow your Personality to SPArkle
“Research your SPA spot wisely. Choosing a SPA resort situated in the deep countryside is definitely a good choice if you need some serious peace and quiet and want to escape the world. However, if you have more of a ‘city rat’ personality, such a place – especially when it comes to a longer stay – may not necessarily be good for you. The SPA mood is there but you are still craving for thrilling atmosphere of a busy place. Not to worry. Simply choose a SPA spot situated in or within a close distance to a city or town. Are you a natural-born explorer? How about combining your SPA break with sightseeing? The sky’s the limit!”

6. Look carefully
“Nowadays SPA breaks have become a very popular and fashionable trend. Even if you haven’t yet been lucky enough to experience a real SPA treat, you have almost certain at some point of your life come across a ‘SPA’ word. The world out there is full of SPA centres, SPA holidays, SPA facilities, SPA treatments, day SPAs, airport SPAs, nail SPAs, hair SPAs, SPA beauty products and even SPA food. Unfortunately the word ‘SPA’ is now being highly overused in order to attract more customers and it has, therefore, lost its true meaning: Sanus Per Aquam (health through water).

“It does also apply to many hotels who have named themselves ‘SPA’ hotels just because they have a swimming pool in the building. Look carefully when booking your SPA break and research your potential SPA spot carefully in terms of SPA facilities and SPA treatments on offer. Just to make sure you are going on a real SPA break.”

7. Choosing your Perfect SPA Package
“Choose your SPA package according to your needs i.e. beauty, relaxation, detox, health and make sure you have SPA treatments (or at least some of them) included in the package. In some SPA places treatment rooms may get fully booked especially during peak times. Having treatments already in the package is a guarantee you will actually receive them while on your SPA break.

“There are many captivating SPA deals that appear to be ridiculously cheap. Well, if you look at them closely they do not offer much more but bed and breakfast with unlimited access to the swimming pool. But when it comes to the actual SPA treatments those deals come out as something quite opposite in terms of the price.”

8. Treatments
“As SPA treatments are the essentials of every proper SPA break, make sure you know exactly what you will be having. Some names used to describe SPA treatments might be very confusing and do not really explain much.

“Let’s have a look at this simple example. LI’TYA Mala Mayi with Miji Kodo Body Wrap & Massage – this is what we have found while quickly glancing over few SPA packages available on-line. It’s a body wrap and massage for sure. But what’s exactly behind that mysterious treatment. It’s really hard to tell, isn’t it? If you are not sure about anything regarding SPA treatments, ask – whoever you want to book through – for clarification. Just so you know what you are signing for. It is also recommended you check what professional SPA products are being used for SPA treatments at the SPA place you are planning to go.”

9. SPA Etiquette
“Whether you’re a dedicated SPA insider or a SPA newbie, it is always good to stay on top of the SPA etiquette that is being acknowledged and practised in SPAs all over the world. This will save you stress and disappointment as well as enable your SPA break to go smoothly. The rules are simple. Show up on time for your SPA treatments – if you are more than 10 minutes late, it is very likely your treatment will be cancelled. Do not come for your SPA treatments fully dressed – leave most of your clothes in your room and appear in a white, fluffy dressing gown that should be provided by your SPA hotel. Accept nudity – you may be asked to get fully naked especially if you are having a full body treatment. And never use your mobile phone while in the treatment room. If you really have to take your mobile phone with you keep it switched off!”

10. Think Outside the Box
“It’s universally acknowledged that luxury SPA breaks are only reserved for the wealthy ones. But how would you feel to hear this is not actually true? Eastern European SPAs still remain much more affordable offering at the same time the-state-of-the-art SPA facilities and top class treatments. For example the prices in health and beauty SPAs in Poland are on average three times lower than in other European Union countries. For the price of an average SPA stay in the UK you can have a luxurious SPA break in Poland packed with health or beauty SPA treatments. With only a two-hour flight and the majority of low-cost airlines operating from UK airports to the main cities in Poland, it has never been so easy, fast and cheap to get there.”

For more health tips and SPA chat, join Karolina on Twitter @azizatravel.

The post What to look for in a SPA break: 10 top tips appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

Luke says: “If you’re looking to escape Europe in search of warm winter sun, this round-up of great luxury resorts from around the world is sure to impress.”

1) qualia, Australia

Perfectly located on the islands formally secluded northern tip, qualia is Hamilton Island’s luxury hideaway and every consideration has been made here to ensure guests experience the utmost in island relaxation and luxurious comfort.

2) Kamalaya, Thailand

Kamalaya Koh Samui is an award-winning spa resort offering wellness programmes for detox, yoga, fitness and weight control, stress and burnout on the serene southern tip of Koh Samui Island. An international team of naturopaths work with you to create your ideal health and fitness regime from an extensive range of holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies.

3) Desert Palm Dubai

Set in the graceful, manicured surrounds of a private polo estate, Desert Palm is surpassing expectations and challenging the stereotype of the towering city by introducing signature Per AQUUM chic to Dubai.

4) Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia

High on Morne Chastanet, overlooking St. Lucia’s Piton World Heritage site and the Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain is Anse Chastanet’s exclusive ‘resort within a resort’.

5) Carlisle Bay, Antigua

The beautiful sweeping beach and backdrop of gently rolling hills make Carlisle Bay the perfect haven for a truly memorable Caribbean holiday – it’s one of the most gorgeous hotels in the region.

6) Song Saa, Cambodia

The Song Saa resort spans the tiny islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong in Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong archipelago, connected by a footbridge over a pristine marine reserve.

7) Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Situated on a private bay in a protected marine park on Con Son Island, Six Senses Con Dao is the first 5-star resort in this stunning archipelago just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

8) The Chedi, Muscat, Oman
This luxury hotel offers a 1,000ft private beach with views across the Gulf, an exceptional spa and an Asian and Mediterranean restaurant that’s one of the best in the city.

9) Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
A private island paradise two million years in the making, Pangkor Laut Resort is an incredible jungle island escape of secluded, pristine beaches and ancient rainforests.

10) The Leela Kempinski Goa

The Leela Kempinski Goa resembles a combination of Indian summer palaces and Portuguese-style villas, tastefully furnished with fixtures of marble and granite.

The post Edge Retreats’ top 10 luxury resorts for winter sun appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

AFRICA:

Madagascar
Madagascar has something to shout about: with more than 80 per cent of its wildlife found nowhere else on earth, this unique tropical biodiversity hotspot is an absolute must for nature lovers. The vast variety of flora and fauna mean that volunteers are able to get involved in various conservation projects, from working to save the critically endangered lemurs to carrying out important marine research in order to conserve the rich but threatened marine ecosystem. Elsewhere volunteers can involve themselves in various community projects such as teaching English and environmental awareness.

South Africa
Described by Nelson Mandela as the “Rainbow Nation”, South Africa is a country with it all. From the penguins inhabiting the southernmost point of the Cape to the notorious big 5 on the savannahs, the range of habitats and sights to see in South Africa are well worth a visit. Volunteering here can involve wildlife conservation projects, with opportunities ranging from hands-on help at primate sanctuaries to learning the skills and techniques necessary to gain a Field Guide qualification. Sports coaching is also a really popular choice here, with a range of disciplines available including football, rugby, tennis, cricket and basketball.

Tanzania
As with many other locations on this list, Tanzania is a big hit with those with a real interest in nature. Like South Africa, its national parks and plains are home to some of the most iconic and popular wildlife on the planet. Gaining valuable qualifications can be a major perk to volunteering, and Tanzania certainly has lots to offer in this department. Earn your PADI dive certificate on a marine conservation project, or get your BTEC in Expedition Management through trekking some of the most remote and spectacular terrain in the world.

CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA:

Costa Rica
As the most bio-diverse country in the world Costa Rica is unsurprisingly a volunteering hotspot for wildlife projects. Placements here will incorporate various aspects of environmental conservation, from species surveys to animal rehabilitation programmes. A big attraction for Costa Rica is the opportunity to learn or improve on your Spanish language skills, a hugely popular and increasingly useful language to know. Another excellent reason to visit Cost Rica is its close proximity to many other amazing countries in Central America, where you’ll find amazing beaches, historical ruins, friendly people and some top class food.

Ecuador
Moving south, we next look at wonderful Ecuador. Although it is the second smallest country in South America, it hosts a huge range of natural habitats from dense Amazon rainforest, snow-capped Andean mountains, misty cloud forest and an idyllic Pacific coastline. Anyone that’s always dreamt of exploring the Amazon will find what they’re looking for in Ecuador, whilst a selection of UNESCO World Heritage status cities offer an attractive escape from the wilderness. The variety of landscapes is reflected in the sheer volume of different volunteering options available here, with teaching, care & community, conservation and language schools all available in abundance. Medical and veterinary internships are also a possibility, not forgetting the world famous Galapagos Islands which can be enjoyed through voluntary work.

ASIA:

China
China’s is a country of wonderful contrasts. Visitors to this fascinating nation will discover a mixture of modernity and tradition in equal measure. This mixture means that volunteering here is an exciting possibility. Popular placements include working with the iconic panda at breeding centres, as well as working in schools teaching English, with many paid posts available too. Other interesting ideas for structured placements might see you interning as a journalist at a local newspaper, a great way to get some valuable experience and gain some unique insight into the country’s culture.

Cambodia
Visitors to Cambodia will both marvel and despair as they witness the remnants of its eventful past. The ancient sites at Angkor are unlike anything else in South East Asia with the standout Angkor Wat rivalling the most incredible ancient ruins in the world. A look at this country’s more recent past makes for a less inspiring history lesson, with the terrible acts of the Kmer Rouge still very much in the minds of the people. Volunteers can make a difference to various aspects of this beautiful country including teaching and orphanage placements, ethical adventure trails, as well as conservation projects working either in the remote and unexplored tropical jungles, or the rich marine ecosystem.

Nepal
Nepal is an adventurers dream location, with some of the most epic and awe-inspiring terrain in the world. Nestled between the towering Himalayas and the vast valleys and forests of the Indian plains, Nepal offers the perfect surroundings to combine meaningful voluntary projects with the world’s best adventure sports, including white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, canyoning and hiking. Hindu and Buddhist cultures come together in a country which only opened its doors to tourism in the 1950’s. Opportunities largely focus on community development such as teaching and orphanage placements, but be sure to choose something with plenty of free time to get your adrenalin kicks, or simply travel independently before or after you

PACIFIC:

Fiji
Anyone who has seen a picture of Fiji’s beautiful isolated beaches will understand why it is a hugely popular destination for holidaymakers and backpackers alike. Besides marine conservation projects offering you the chance to both enjoy and help preserve some of the best dive sites in the world, there is plenty more to get involved in too, with journalism and medical internships, teaching in local schools and sports coaching all available.

Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are made up of 15 paradise islands marooned in the Pacific Ocean. Anyone looking to truly get away from it all will definitely find what they’re looking for here, with the rich Polynesian culture and some of the most beautiful and mesmerising natural scenery anywhere in the world. The beaches aren’t bad either. If you’re lucky enough to be heading here on a voluntary placement, you’ll likely find yourself involved in some kind of community based project, possibly teaching local school kids anything from English to music.

For more information on gap year projects and opportunities to volunteer abroad, visit the Frontier website.

The post Top 10 volunteering destinations around the world appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

That’s why Economy Car Hire has compiled its top 5 car hire tips specially for MyTravelMoney.co.uk to help get your holiday off to a great start…

1) Choosing your vehicle
It’s easy to become so focused on price that your actual needs go out of the window so it’s really important to stay on track and choose a suitable vehicle group. Pay attention to the number of seats offered and consider the amount of luggage you will be taking. For example, a family of four with three large suitcases are unlikely to fit comfortably in a vehicle from the Supermini category – which might seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at how often people make the wrong choice!

2) Check price and inclusions
As with most things travel related, low headline prices can often make way for plenty of added costs which can make it difficult to decipher the deal on offer and make equal comparisons between providers.

But the main points to consider when comparing car hire prices are the insurance cover provided, whether or not the mileage allowance is capped and what the costs are for added extras like additional drivers. You should also check for any local fees that might be applied, such as airport taxes and surcharges. When you take these points into consideration, you should then be able to choose the best deal on a comparable basis.

3) Make sure you understand the insurance cover
Insurance and car hire go hand in hand but it can also be very confusing, particularly when car hire companies use jargon phrases that don’t mean that much to Joe Bloggs on the street.

Make sure you understand what insurance cover is included in the price and if there are exclusions. With most car hire companies, glass and tyre damage is excluded from the standard cover and you are usually able to buy extra insurance to cover this. But, if in doubt, contact the car hire company for clarification before you book.

4) Check rental conditions
The rental conditions are another major factor to consider when booking your car hire. This is where you’ll find important information relating to the logistics of the rental, such as any excesses that may apply. Be sure to read this information thoroughly before you book and check the opening hours of the car hire office as well as credit card requirements, the fuel policy and what to do in case of emergency or break down.

5) Vehicle condition
Last but not least, Economy Care Hire’s final tip is to thoroughly check the condition of your hire vehicle before you drive away. Go round the vehicle with a representative and write down any imperfections on the rental contract. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of the vehicle then this is the time to say so as you might struggle to rectify any problems after the rental has ended.

These helpful tips are sure to help you secure the best deal on offer with ease and confidence – thanks to Economy Car Hire, a car hire broker offering great deals across Europe and beyond.

Economy Car Hire’s prices never include an insurance excess yet offer a free additional driver and unlimited mileage as standard.

The post Top 5 car hire tips for holidaymakers from Economy Car Hire appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.