Money expert Martin Lewis has compiled ten key warnings for people to consider before jetting off abroad.
It's been widely reported that thousands of Brits are facing travel issues, with many problems centred around passport expiry dates. The Mirror reports that some households have been waiting three months for new passports, despite the process not meant to take more than ten weeks.
Here are ten tips from Martin - for his full breakdown of holiday cost-cutting measures, check out the latest MSE newsletter.
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1. Check your passport expiry date
Since Brexit, British travellers can't visit the EU on a passport that's about to expire.
Under Schengen area rules, a traveller's 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.
There are many other countries - including the United States and Australia - that require you to have at least six months left on your passport.
Be aware of long processing delays to get a new passport right now and get your application in as soon as possible.
2. Check hotel prices
Keep a look out for the best hotel prices to see if you can get a better deal.
If the price of your hotel has dropped, and you have free cancellation, then you could rebook it for less.
If you do have to pay for cancellation, then tally up if it would be worth it.
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 on 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.
Previously, 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, but this has now changed.
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 allow you access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries for the same price as a local.
If you have an existing EHIC, then 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
Always compare prices online so you're getting the best exchange rate.
One website that allows you to do this is MoneySupermarket.
However, Martin Lewis has warned that you may find it cheaper to use a specialist travel card when abroad rather than getting your exchanged cash before you head off.
"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 no longer need to take a Covid test when returning to the UK - but you may have to for some destinations.
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 a hire car early 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.
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