The pound dropped to a 10-year low against the euro in the early hours of Monday following reports that MPs may be unable to stop a no-deal Brexit.
While it made a comeback by late morning, Sterling’s post-midnight value of €1.0724 – below its previous post-referendum lowpoint in August 2017 – is further evidence of the currency’s ongoing volatility.
When
Boris Johnson moved into Downing Street in July, the pound sank to a 28-month low against the US dollar, dipping 1.1% to $1.23. The last low for sterling against dollar was in January 2017 ($1.20.
These slumps are not only bad news for the UK’s
economy, but also for holidaymakers travelling abroad in August. Experts have said it could fall even further as we move closer to the
Brexit deadline and a no-deal departure.
So what can travellers do if they have a holiday booked and are worried about losing out financially? [Read More: What Happens If You’re On Holiday In Europe When Brexit Happens?]Why Do Fluctuations Affect Our Holiday Money?The rates we see when we want to change cash into foreign currencies are dictated by the foreign exchange – like a stock market that trades currencies instead of shares.
Dr Christopher Dent, a political economist and professor at Edge Hill University told HuffPost UK: “Every day there’s about three trillion dollars of these foreign exchange trades taking place in the world and 40% of them in London.
“There are different purposes for buying and selling currency, but one thing that affects the currency markets is risk and uncertainty.”Can You Protect Yourself Against A Slump?There are ways you can get the best bang for your buck so the exchange stings a little less. “When the pound is weak, it’s even more important to get as much for every pound you exchange as possible,” Becky O’Connor, personal finance specialist at Royal London, tells HuffPost UK. “This means getting clever, planning ahead and cutting out the middleman fees wherever possible.”
Here are four ways to ease the strain:1. Get An App To Do Your Banking.O’Connor says the challenger banks [small, recently-created retail banks in the
UK that compete directly with the longer-established banks] are competing for frequent travellers. Starling Bank, for example, offers a no-fee travel debit card for spending and withdrawals. And Monzo offers a debit card with no fees spending abroad, but has a cash withdrawal limit of £200 a month.2. Plan Ahead If You Can.If you are worried the pound will slide further and you’re travelling in a few months, there’s nothing to stop you ordering cash now, advises O’Connor. “To avoid a home delivery charge, use a branch like the Post Office, or order a large amount, usually £500 or more” is her tip.[Read More: Fear Of Flying: How To Get Your Trip Off The Ground If You’re Scared On Planes]3. Don’t Buy Money At The Airport.Earlier this year it was revealed one
London airport was paying out as little as US$1.05 in exchange for £1, so don’t fall into the trap of last-minute panic buying. They will cash in on your disorganisation.
“Buying currency at the airport is always a ‘no no’ for good value,” says O’Connor. “The golden rule is never leave buying your currency to the last minute. If you do, be prepared to take a hit.”
If you do find yourself with 24 hours to go and without currency, go online and reserve ahead of time so if the pound drops even further, at least your rate is fixed.
And remember, don’t change up more than you need. “Depending on what debit and credit cards you have and where you are going, these days, you might not even need that much ready cash to hand,” adds O’Connor. 4. Research The Best Deals Online.O’Connor says currency comparison sites like TravelMoneyMax.com and CompareHolidayMoney.com will give you quick results for different exchange rates if you aren’t sure what is a good deal and what isn’t.Related... Swap Your Liquid Beauty And Skincare Products For These Solid Alternatives Here's What Two Weeks Of Holiday Boozing Can Do To Your Body The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Yourself (Plus Your Kids, Pets And Plants) Cool In The Heatwave