Christmas and New Year getaways mean crowded airports, tighter delivery slots for travel money and less patience at the bureau. A little planning keeps more cash in your pocket for mulled wine and mountain views instead of unnecessary fees.
Order early — couriers get busy
Travel money firms and couriers run cut-off times that move earlier around bank holidays. If you want home delivery, aim to place your order well before your last working day at home, not the night before the taxi arrives.
Airport exchanges and peak season
Walk-up rates at UK airports are often less competitive than online preorder or collection deals, especially when demand spikes. If you must use the airport, only buy what you need to get going and top up at a better rate at your destination if appropriate.
Cards, cash and family trips
Travelling with family usually means more small transactions — snacks, taxis, ice rinks. A mix works well:
- Chip-and-PIN or contactless where accepted, with a card that has fair foreign fees.
- Some local cash for markets, tips and places that do not take card.
Compare how far your pounds go with our rate comparison before you leave, and glance at euro or dollar guides if you are heading to the usual winter sun or ski corridors.
Book the unglamorous bits
Parking fills up; lounges sell out. Sort airport parking and lounges when you book flights — the savings and sanity are worth it when terminals are heaving on 24 December.