cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Those heading abroad to holiday homes in France have a number of options to consider when changing their sterling into euros.

That is the view of travel money expert at moneysupermarket.com Peter Harrison, who explained that a lot of high street retailers and banks offer currency exchange with zero per cent commission.

However, the fact that many of these have high margins means that they offer "a less competitive exchange rate than you can get elsewhere".

Instead, Mr Harrison advised holidaymakers to prepare in advance by checking websites such as Travelex so that they can order currencies at the most competitive rates.

These can then be collected at the airport before you travel, he noted.

Alternatively, there are a number of pre-paid cards that can offer "very competitive" exchange rates for currency exchange, Mr Harrison concluded.

The euro currently sands at 1.08384 to the pound, figures from x-rates.com show – a marked decrease from the 1.50687 that was recorded in January 2007.

Written by Daniel Leray

Many Britons are still heading overseas for their holidays, it has been stated.

Spokeswoman for ABTA – The Travel Association Frances Tuke said it is true that many Britons have been staying at home this year because of the recession, with the country having improved attractions and better tourism marketing than in the past.

However, she noted, not everyone has opted to remain and one reason for
this is that the British weather is unreliable, something that has been particularly disappointing in 2009 after optimistic weather forecasts.

"People were promised a barbeque summer this year and that didn”t materialise so they felt a little short changed, Ms Tuke observed.

Those looking at staying in holiday homes in France may be able to enjoy more consistent sunshine than in Britain.

Recent research from Visa revealed that the majority (83 per cent) of Britons intend to take between one and five short breaks throughout the duration of 2009.

Holidaymakers that are travelling abroad need to make sure they are aware of any local customs so as to avoid causing offence to those living in the area.

This is the view of travel editor at Lonely Planet Tom Hall, who explained that some travellers can "inadvertently create the wrong impression" while on holiday.

"It”s understandable that when you go on holiday, you want to let yourself [off] the leash," he remarked, adding that this can mean some people forget their "common sense" when overseas.

He urged those going on holiday to make sure they understand what is acceptable and what is not at the place they are going to, advice that may be useful to those that have booked holiday homes in France.

The issue may have to be considered by a number of British holidaymakers heading to the country, as a spokesperson for the government tourism department Atout France recently stated that it is an attractive destination for many due to its location.

Shorter trips abroad are becoming more popular among Britons, an expert has observed.

Frances Tuke, spokeswoman for ABTA – The Travel Association, explained that consumers are increasingly looking for breaks lasting less than two weeks.

The shift could represent one way in which people are attempting to save money without having to give up booking holiday cottages in France and other destinations.

Despite the pressures of the recession, Ms Tuke noted that her organisation”s figures have shown 90 per cent of Brits who went abroad last year to be doing the same in 2009.

"There are still a lot of people taking overseas holidays," she remarked.

The comments follow last week”s research by Visa Europe, which showed that a third of consumers are choosing multiple short breaks in favour of a two-week summer holiday.

Indeed, 83 per cent of respondents said they are planning to taking between one and five short holidays – which could include visits to holiday cottages in France.

France has a number of benefits that makes it popular with British holidaymakers, it has been suggested.

According to a spokesperson for Atout France, a government department aiming to promote tourism in the country, its proximity makes it attractive to those looking to head overseas for a break.

"France is the closest country from the UK so it offers a wide range of means of transportation, such as ferries," the spokesperson stated.

The ease of access to the country may make holidays in Brittany or Dordogne an attractive proposition for those living in the UK.

Travelling to France is also relatively cheap, the spokesperson added, meaning people can "make the most of tight budgets", something that may be especially important in the present economic climate.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of UK residents making trips abroad remained largely the same at 15.2 million for the 12 months to the end of June.

Britons should always purchase travel insurance when heading off on holiday, it has been advised.

According to a spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, having cover should not be seen as an "add-on or a luxury" and rather should be a "central integrated part of planning any trip".

The advice may be of interest to Britons that are planning to stay in holiday cottages in France over the coming months.

Failing to have financial protection when abroad can have dire consequences, the spokesman said, as it means you would not be covered for the cost of medical treatment if you fall ill.

He added that it also covers travellers against loss of theft of their possessions, meaning it is important even if you are not leaving the UK to go on holiday.

The advice comes after research from Lloyds TSB revealed that one in ten people have been on holiday in the past without taking out travel insurance.

Last-minute overseas holidays have been popular among Britons this summer, according to new research from GE Money and Credit Action.

According to figures from the two parties, the wet weather in July prompted 1.8 million Brits to book breaks such as holidays in France at the last minute.

A further 4.6 million of us are still considering going away this summer, the figures showed, with those living in London most likely to make a trip abroad.

Of those living in the capital, eight per cent intend to leave the country this summer and a further 16 per cent are considering doing so.

And those with children were found to be more likely to book a holiday, with five per cent of those with kids aged between five and 15 hoping to travel overseas, compared to four per cent who do not have offspring.

The results follow recent comments made by VisitBritain”s Elliot Frisby, who told the Daily Mail that the recession is prompting more people to stay in the UK.

Constantly changing exchange rates can confuse Britons that are looking to convert their money for a trip abroad, it has been suggested.

According to senior researcher at Which? Money Dan Moore, the fact that the currency markets have "fluctuated" recently means many people – such as those changing pounds into euros before heading off to holiday cottages in France – are unsure of what to do.

He explained that the price of sterling on the international market has been affected by France, Germany and Japan leaving the recession, but added that there "isn”t really as big difference" between the best and the worst exchange rates.

Mr Moore also urged holidaymakers to avoid paying charges they do not need to pay by purchasing currency online or using a cash machine while abroad.

New figures released by GE Money and Credit Action have revealed that 1.8 million Britons booked a last-minute holiday overseas during July.

Britons should use cash when they are converting currency for a trip abroad, it has been suggested, advice that may be useful to those that have booked a holiday house in France.

According to senior researcher at Which? Money Dan Moore, doing this will save holidaymakers money.

He advised against ordering foreign currency such as the euro online, as although rates may be better than elsewhere, these savings are wiped out by the cash handling fee for using a credit or debit card, which can be as much as 2.75 per cent.

Instead, Mr Moore said people should "get cash out of a hole in a wall in the UK, walk across the road to any of the exchange bureaus and pay in cash".

This, he remarked, will save them from having to pay card fees.

Research from Tesco Travel Money recently revealed that over a quarter (26 per cent) of those buying foreign currency shun a more favourable rate in favour of convenience.

Families heading to holiday homes in France may be leaving it late to book this year, research has indicated.

A survey by Tesco Travel Money found that almost 40 per cent of parents with children of school age are yet to book a trip abroad.

Nearly half of those planning to book late say it is because they believe they will be able to get a better deal, while 36 per cent who have not firmed up their plans are waiting to see if they can afford it.

For those who are planning to visit holiday cottages in France, the company recommended shopping around to find the best offer on currency.

"Booking a last minute holiday doesn”t necessarily mean there isn”t enough time to find a good deal on your holiday cash," a Tesco Travel Money spokesperson remarked.

Andrew Goodsell, executive chairman of Saga Services, recently urged motorists heading to France to ensure they have breakdown insurance in place before they go.