Martin Lewis provides a comprehensive 24-point checklist for holidaymakers to minimize costs and prevent common travel issues, covering everything from passport validity and healthcare cards to foreign transaction fees and currency exchange rates. He emphasizes the importance of pre-trip planning to avoid overspending and potential travel disruptions.
Martin Lewis has set out 24 things holidaymakers should do now to cut costs and avoid hassle abroad, warning that failing to plan can leave people “paying over the odds” for simple mistakes.
Writing in this week’s edition of the MoneySavingExpert newsletter, the consumer champion said many travellers are caught out every year by issues that could easily be avoided, from invalid passports to hidden fees when spending overseas. At the heart of his advice is how people use their money abroad, with the financial guru warning the wrong card can quietly add charges to every transaction. Martin said: “Don't pay to pay when you’re spending abroad.
” Travelling abroad has become a hot topic due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the potential impact on holidaymakers. Martin explained many banks add around 3 per cent in foreign transaction fees, while overseas retailers and ATMs often push customers to pay in pounds - something he strongly warns against as it usually comes with a poor exchange rate.
Instead, he urges people to switch to specialist fee-free cards before travelling and always choose to pay in the local currency. But a large part of his 24-point checklist on MSE.com focuses on getting the basics right before even leaving the UK. That includes checking passport rules - with travellers needing enough validity left and, for EU trips, ensuring the document is less than 10 years old. He warns failing either check could see people turned away at the airport.
Holidaymakers heading to Europe are also told to make sure they have a valid, free GHIC or EHIC card for healthcare, with more than two million set to expire this year. There are also newer travel requirements to be aware of, highlighting changes affecting pet owners, who now need an Animal Health Certificate instead of an EU pet passport, and warns of longer queues at borders due to new entry and exit checks.
For those travelling to the United States, he reminded people to secure an ESTA in advance and avoid scam websites charging inflated fees. Travel insurance is another major focus, with Martin repeating his long-standing rule that cover should be arranged “ASAB - As Soon As You Book. ” He warned leaving it too late can mean losing protection if something goes wrong before departure, such as illness or cancellations.
Alongside cover, he points to ways to keep overall holiday costs down, including booking airport parking and car hire early, as prices can surge closer to departure. Martin also highlighted a common trap when hiring cars, warning drivers to avoid expensive insurance add-ons pushed at the desk, which can cost significantly more than standalone policies arranged in advance.
He encouraged travellers to check if bookings can be cancelled and rebooked more cheaply, saying this simple step can sometimes save hundreds of pounds. Mobile phone costs are another key issue, with many major networks now charging daily roaming fees in Europe. He suggests switching to cheaper providers or using eSIMs to avoid bills that can quickly spiral.
There are also practical tips aimed at reducing hassle, such as downloading travel documents before leaving, keeping copies of important paperwork, and understanding airline rules to avoid extra charges. Families are also urged to check airline seating policies, as some carriers will seat children with parents for free if you know the rules, potentially saving significant fees. Martin also flagged airport drop-off charges, which can exceed £7, and suggests planning ahead to avoid unnecessary costs.
He highlighted wider travel risks too, including disruption linked to global events such as tensions in the Middle East, which could affect flights, prices and insurance cover. Travellers are encouraged to set a realistic spending plan before they go to avoid a “financial hangover” when they return. The overall message from his 24-point guide is clear - small checks done in advance can prevent both unexpected costs and major inconvenience.
Martin said those who take the time to prepare properly are far less likely to face problems, while those who don’t risk turning a holiday into an expensive headache. He also covered the list on this week’s episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, which you can watch on the STV Player or ITV. The full 24-point checklist is also available on MSE.com.
Martin Lewis Travel Tips Holiday Costs Foreign Transaction Fees Passport Validity
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