Easter 2018 travel money checklist

There’s nothing like using the Easter long weekend as an excuse to do some travelling. But that usually means ticking a bunch of things off your to-do list before you can even pack your bags. So whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a month in Europe, here are a few things to remember…

Know the plan

Make it your mission to know everything about your trip, from your budget to where you’re picking up the rental car once you arrive. Not only will you stay organised, but there’s a lot of cheap deals to be found by planning in advance and pre-paying online. You can save on things like  airport parking or by purchasing family passes for theme parks.

Top travel tip - If you’re determined to stick to a budget and are travelling with children, set an everyday allowance, which they can spend on whatever they’d like. But once this amount runs out, they have to wait until the following day.

Lock in exchange rate

Because what good is a holiday without having some cash to blow? Make sure to shop around and compare the latest foreign exchange rate deals to guarantee yourself the most competitive rate. At the time of writing, the Aussie dollar is currently sitting at 0.78USD, with $1,000AUD buying you $756.80USD, so it might be a good idea to get in now while the dollar is high.

Top travel tip - When doing this, it’s best to stay away from foreign exchange booths at airports, as they generally don’t offer competitive exchange rates.

Secure travel insurance

Travel insurance is something you’ll want to have on your side before you hit up the airport. While it’s not compulsory, it can ease the financial burden if things don’t go to plan during (or even before) your trip. Take the time to shop around and compare travel insurance policies, looking into the excess amount and the medical coverage. But before signing the dotted line, make sure you’re clear on the limits and exclusions to avoid a potential claims disaster later on.

Top travel tip - You don’t have to take the ‘must-have’ policies recommended by the travel agent. These often come with a hefty price tag as agents may be making a commission off each policy they sell.

Pick up travel plastic

Although it’s good to have cash handy as you travel, it’s even better to have some plastic. A travel credit card takes the hassle out of having to carry cash everywhere, making shopping internationally a breeze. If you’re planning on doing some serious shopping during your holiday, it might be worth picking up a card that offers no foreign exchange margin for international purchases. But if you plan on keeping your cool and only spending when you need to, a low rate credit card may be best for you.

Top travel tip - Keep your spending on a tight leash by opting for a prepaid travel card. These offer flexible payment options and minimal foreign currency withdrawals.

If you’re after more travel tips for your Easter getaway, check out our Travel Money Hub, which will tell you everything you need to know from travel cards to exchange rates.