Martin Lewis issues 10 important travel checks ahead of going abroad

Martin Lewis has issued 10 important travel warnings to UK holidaymakers following the recent chaos of passport delays and in anticipation of a busy summer holiday season.

The MoneySavingExpert founder said “it’s never been more important for your pocket to prepare” ahead of travelling abroad given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Writing in the latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Mr Lewis said: “The cost of living crisis may now be firmly in play, but millions had already booked summer holidays earlier in the year.

“Around 60% of the 60,000+ who replied to my Twitter poll last week said they plan to leave UK shores and holiday abroad this year (or already have).

“So with the first big post-lockdown holiday season fast approaching, it’s never been more important for your pocket to prepare.”

What are Martin Lewis’ travel tips?

Mr Lewis has issued 10 key tips for those jetting off on their holidays this summer to help save on costs.

1. Check your passport expiry date

The UK’s departure from the European Union means that more countries now require UK passports to have months left on them to be allowed entry.

Under Schengen area rules, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

If you need to renew your passport you should do this as soon as possible as there are long processing delays right now, with the Home Office warning that passport renewals could take up to ten weeks.

2. Check hotel prices

Travellers should keep an eye on hotel prices to try and get a better value deal.

If the price of your hotel has dropped and you have free cancellation with your booking, you can simply rebook for less.

If you do have to pay for cancellation, then tally up whether you would still save money if you take into account the cancellation fee compared to the new price.

3. Check for EU roaming fees

Vodafone, EE and Sky have all reintroduced roaming charges for customers who are abroad in the EU, with each firm now charging £2 a day for using your UK allowance.

Three and Voxi  are due to bring back roaming fees from 23 May with both also charging £2.

However, you may be able to cut costs by buying a bundle, depending on how long you are away for.

4. Check you’ve got a valid GHIC or EHIC card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards give you access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries for the same price as a local.

If you have an existing EHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date runs out. After this, you will need to apply for a GHIC card.

Non-UK nationals living in the UK before 1 January 2021 can still apply for an EHIC.

5. Check for the cheapest currency

Always compare prices online to make sure you are getting the best exchange rate, for example by using MoneySupermarket.

Mr Lewis has warned that you may find it cheaper to use a specialist travel card when abroad rather than exchanging cash before you go.

He said: "The standout top pick today is, unusually, a debit card.

"Newish fee-free app-only Chase Bank has that near-perfect exchange rate, lets you withdraw £700/month from ATMs fee-free, plus as it pays 1% cashback on most spending in the UK and abroad, it’s unbeatable."

6. Check if you need a Covid test

You no longer need to test when returning to the UK but you still need to check what the rules are for your holiday destination.

Many countries including the USA, New Zealand and Japan still require travellers to take one Covid test to gain entry.