Jump in currency sales at Post Office branches ahead of half term holidays

Turkey topped the Post Office’s analysis of 10 overseas destinations in terms of value for money

Overseas currency sales in Post Office branches have jumped, as families prepare for the half-term school holidays.

The relative strength of the pound has helped to bring down prices for winter sunseekers heading from the UK to some overseas resorts, Post Office Travel Money added.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Sterling has remained buoyant this year despite the difficulties that Britain has faced and is currently worth around 8% more against both the euro and the Croatian kuna than a year ago.

“This has had a positive impact on holiday demand and Post Office branches have seen big rises in currency sales in advance of the half-term holiday.

“In September, euro sales were more than treble those earlier in the summer as well as being double the volume sold last September.”

When Post Office Travel Money calculated the average cost of a one-week package deal for two adults and two children, it found that families could potentially find a holiday package for around £1,500 to £1,600 in Turkey, Croatia and the Algarve.

It said that, after falling further against the pound this week, by Friday the Turkish lira was 30% weaker than a year ago against sterling.

EasyJet revealed this week that Turkey is among the destinations which has recently had a big jump in sales.

People considering a holiday abroad should check the latest Government travel advice.

They should also check what their travel insurance policy does and does not cover in relation to coronavirus, as terms and conditions vary.

Some insurance providers have recently relaxed some of their rules.

Earlier this month, Direct Line and Churchill announced they had removed some restrictions to travel cancellation cover which were put in place last year. They said this would support the recovery of the travel industry and give customers greater confidence to travel if they wish to.

The changes were also applied to the worldwide family travel insurance offered to customers of Nationwide Building Society’s FlexPlus current account, which is underwritten by Direct Line.

Published: 16/10/2021 by Radio NewsHub