Why Holiday Spending can end in Tears

It's the holiday you've looked forward to all year - a jaunt across the continent, perhaps, or a week in Lisbon or Budapest or some other delicious destination. Or maybe it's a trip to Bournemouth or Bristol, a festival jaunt or a week of sightseeing closer to home. You've got yourself all set, packed and ready to go - but is your credit card ready the holidays? For far too many of us, that lovely holiday will result in shock on the morning that the credit card statement arrives in the postbox.

Experts warn that it's far too easy to overspend on holiday where your natural tendency is to worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. If you haven't taken the time to choose the best credit card to take with you on holiday, you could end up paying far more than you expected. Here are some tips from travel and money experts to help keep your credit card spending under control without giving up all of your holiday fun.

1. Plan ahead if you're traveling overseas.
The best credit card for everyday use here at home may end up costing you a pretty penny in unexpected overseas charges. Take the time to compare credit card agreements well before you leave so you won't be surprised by such things as money transfer fees and currency conversion charges. If you don't currently hold a credit card that offers good terms overseas, you can compare credit card terms and agreements at moneyeverything.com to see if there's one better suited to use at foreign banks, merchants and ATMs.

2. Decide how much you can afford to spend in advance - and then help yourself stick to it by only having that much available.
One way of limiting your credit card expense while on holiday is to only take one card with you so that you're not tempted to scatter your purchases over several different companies. If you really want to keep a tight grip on credit card purchases made on holiday, leave your regular credit cards at home entirely. Instead, take a prepaid credit card along with you, preloaded with just the amount of cash you've decided is safe to spend. Some prepaid debit/credit cards even offer use incentives like cash back and discounts. Just take the time to compare the credit card agreement terms at www.moneyeverything.com a few weeks in advance of your holiday.

3. Watch out for currency conversion fees when shopping at foreign merchants.
Some merchants will tack their own currency conversion fees onto your purchase amount when you pay for purchases with a credit card. One way to avoid that charge - and the second one from your credit card company for the same thing - is to shop around before your trip for a money exchange broker who can exchange your currency in advance of your holiday.

If you'd rather not be stuck carrying cash, research to find a fair currency exchange market in your destination, and withdraw just enough cash for a day at a time that way.

Holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing - and if you take the time to compare credit card terms and exchange rates, as well as fees for use of your credit cards overseas you can avoid the tears that can result when you overspend on your holiday.