Whether you are holidaying abroad or planning a ‘staycation’ this summer, there are a few money aspects worth considering, and a few worth enjoying.
Holiday insurance
Once you’ve booked your holiday, the next step, and arguably the most important, is to purchase travel insurance to protect you and your family. Policies can be tailored to your personal requirements but you should consider whether it covers:
- Cancellation – unforeseen circumstances may prevent you from taking your holiday
- Medical expenses – hospital fees in other countries can be expensive
- Theft or damage of personal belongings – check to see what items are protected. Ideally passports should be included
- Delays – could cover delayed baggage, and missed transfers
- Personal liability – covers you in the event of third party injury or damage
You may also want to consider whether you will require additional protection, for instance, if you wish to take part in hazardous activities such as water sports.
Mobile phone tariffs
Unexpectedly large mobile phone bills when returning from holidays abroad may be less of a worry after new EU regulations came into force last month. As of 1 July 2012, providers are capped on the amount they can charge for mobile calls, sending and receiving texts, and ‘data roaming’ – accessing the internet on your mobile.
It will now be free to receive text messages, while there will a maximum cost of (euro cents):
- 29c to make a call
- 8c to receive a call
- 9c to send a text message
- 70c per megabyte (MB) to download data/browse the internet
Freeze in fuel duty
Even if you’re planning a ‘staycation’ in the UK, you may find a small respite in the price of fuel. This month the Government announced the planned 3p rise in fuel duty for August would be postponed until January 2013. According to the AA, unleaded petrol prices have now fallen more than 4p a litre for the second successive month, while cost of diesel has fallen nearly 5p a litre in the past month.