Martin Lewis issues warning to Brits who have booked a holiday abroad this summer
Topics: Martin Lewis, Money, Travel
Anish Vij
Featured Image Credit: ITV / Pixabay
Topics: Martin Lewis, Money, Travel
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis does exactly what he says on the tin.
He's helped countless Brits up and down the country during a cost-of-living crisis and also looks out for us when we travel abroad.
In a recent edition of the MoneySavingExpert.com newsletter, the 51-year-old issued a warning to Brits who have booked a holiday this summer.
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"If you've booked a holiday abroad, and don't have travel insurance, do it now, today, do not delay," he explained.
"I admit I say this with a hint of desperation.
"EVERY summer, my heart sinks after someone asks me a question who'd had 'getting travel insurance' on their to-do list, but didn't prioritise it.
"Usually they've had a serious diagnosis (too often cancer), injury, redundancy or bereavement, can't go on holiday, and are shocked the airline or hotel won't let them cancel."
The Money Saving Expert made it crystal clear that having holiday insurance is a non-negotiable.
"So let me be blunt. Unless you booked with free cancellation, being ill doesn't give you rights," Lewis warned.
It's like arguing why you can't return a tennis racket as faulty because you have a broken arm.
"That's why you need to get travel insurance ASAB (As Soon As You Book).
"It's not just there to cover you in case things go wrong while you're on holiday.
"Half the value is protection BEFORE travelling, in case something happens to stop you from going.”
Now, while you are enjoying your well-deserved break on holiday, sometimes you're tempted to treat yourself with a couple items of clothing from the shops - but suddenly - the realisation kicks in that 'it's probably cheaper back home'.
However, Lewis has actually encouraged Brits to shop more freely when abroad, and has used popular clothing brand Zara as an example.
He has told Brits heading abroad for their holidays that if they're planning to step into Zara for a new look they would be much better off waiting until they're in sunny Spain before splashing the cash.
Lewis pointed out that the popular fashion brand flogs fancy threads for much cheaper in Spain than they do the UK.
Last summer, he wrote a blog post about this pointing out that Brits abroad could save up to £50 on individual items if they get in the right place at the right time.
On Zara's Spanish website, the Chambray blazer with elbow pads was listed €99.95, whereas it was £129 on the UK site.
And, using the TravelMoneyMax to covet at top card rate, the blazer is even cheaper at £81.
He said: "The price difference is enormous. The pound price is often higher than the euro price before you even convert the currency (which further cheapens the euro price)."