Two-thirds of families ‘felt ripped off on their last holiday abroad’

Two-thirds of families say they felt “ripped off” on their last holiday abroad, a survey has found.

Some 67% of parents surveyed felt this way, Post Office Travel Money said.

Unexpected charges for paying on cards and the high cost of fun parks, water rides, kids’ beach toys, ice creams and restaurant meals and service charges were among common gripes.

Those caught out by charges when using their card said they spent an average of £120 extra.

Some holidaymakers said they had used ATMS regularly for cash withdrawals during their last holiday but did not realise that they would be charged a fee each time.

Loading money on to a pre-paid currency card could be one way to avoid unexpected charges.

Pester power from children was also behind much of families’ over-spending, the research found.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Past experience shows that families planning beach holidays abroad will need to keep a tight rein on their holiday funds to avoid busting the budget.

“Paying for beach extras can easily tip the budget into the red so it’s important to plan carefully and keep costs down by packing swimming goggles, buckets and spades and last year’s lilo into the suitcase.
That should help pay for ice creams.”

More than 2,100 people were surveyed.

Here are the biggest resort “rip offs”, according to families surveyed by Post Office Travel Money:

1. Charges for paying on plastic abroad
2. High cost of entry to attractions and excursions
3. Restaurant service charges
4. Meal and drink prices in restaurants and bars
5. Cost of transport in destination
6. Children’s beach extras