Martin Lewis has issued ten travel warnings to millions of Brits ahead of the busy summer holiday season.
The tips from the MoneySavingExpert founder include checking the expiry date on your passport.
The Home Office is advising families that passport renewals could take up to ten weeks, but The Mirror has heard from some households that have been left waiting more than three months.
Martin also explained how to get a refund on your hotel, which mobile firms have reintroduced roaming charges and how to check if you have valid health cover.
Writing in the latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Martin said: “The cost of living crisis may now be firmly in play, but millions had already booked summer holidays earlier in the year.
Will you be booking a holiday abroad this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
“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.”
Here are ten tips from Martin - for his full breakdown of holiday cost-cutting measures, check out the latest MSE newsletter.
1. Check your passport expiry date
Since the Brexit transition was completed, British travellers can no longer visit the EU on a passport that's about to expire.
Under Schengen area rules, your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter, and valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
Many other countries - including the United States and Australia - require you to have at least six months left on your passport.
If you do need to renew your passport, be aware of long processing delays right now and get your application in as soon as possible.
2. Check hotel prices
Keep an eye on hotel prices to see if you can get a better deal.
If the price of your hotel has dropped, and you have free cancellation with your booking, then you can simply rebook for less.
If you do have to pay for cancellation, then tally up whether you'd 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.
Each firm is now charging £2 a day for when you use your UK allowance - calls, texts and data - although you may be able to cut costs by buying a bundle, depending Oon how long you're away for.
Three and Voxi - a sub-service of Vodafone - are due to bring back roaming fees from May 23, both also charging £2.
Before Brexit, mobile firms were previously banned from charging extra fees to use your UK allowance - calls, texts and data - while holidaying in the EU.
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'll 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
If you like to have a bit of cash with you when going abroad, always compare prices online so you're getting the best exchange rate.
One website that allows you to do this is MoneySupermarket.
However, Martin has warned that you may find it cheaper to use a specialist travel card when abroad rather than exchanging cash before you go.
"The standout top pick today is, unusually, a debit card," he said.
"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 need 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 you to take one Covid test before they'll let you in.
Always check the latest foreign travel advice on the Gov.uk website.
7. Check if you need to pay for a seat
Martin warned how a family of four could pay up to £240 extra to guarantee they sit together on return flights.
But some airlines - including easyJet and Norwegian - will allow you to sit together for free, providing you wait until you check in.
Ryanair is the anomaly, as it always sits groups separately and on a "random" basis unless you pay for seats.
8. Check car hire prices
Booking car hire prices as early as possible is normally the best way to get the cheapest prices, according to Martin.
"We can find August car hire for around £35/day in various Spanish destinations," he said.
"Our guess from previous patterns would be that if you leave it to much nearer the day, that could rise to as high as £80."
9. Be aware of car insurance selling
Most car hire firms will include basic insurance when you lease a vehicle from them.
However, some may try to sell you "excess" cover when you pick up the car, costing up to £25 per day.
Instead, standalone car hire "excess" insurance can cost just £2 per day if you book online for a separate company.
10. Check airport parking prices
Compare airport parking prices - and always book as far in advance as you can - to avoid being stung by expensive on-the-day charges.
"Turn up at Manchester Airport's long-stay car park and it's £350/week, yet prebooked on the day, park & ride is just £58/week," explained Martin.
Each airport website will have information on its parking charges.
