Tips for saving money at airports, anything you shouldn't do?

Before you jet off on holiday, check how much mobile data you have available. Without your home Wi-Fi, you'll likely be eating into your data allowance quicker than usual. Airport Wi-Fi is usually free, however, sometimes it will be limited to as little as 30 minutes. After this, you'll be paying a premium price for what's often a sub-par service, not to mention having to provide personal information like your email address.

"If you're likely to go over your data allowance, or if your network provider doesn't include roaming in the country you're going to, it's worth getting an eSIM. You can pick these up on short-term deals to cover your data needs when you're at the airport and for the rest of your holiday.

There is one absolute golden rule of saving money on holiday travel. Never buy your foreign currency at the airport. Airport walk-up kiosks typically charge a 15% to 23% markup over the real mid-market exchange rate, and even the high street will likely take over 3%. For every £1,000 equivalent you exchange, you could easily lose over £150 simply by choosing the airport booth over a pre-ordered rate. If you need cash, use a multi-currency travel card that offers commercial exchange rates with zero transaction fees. If you absolutely prefer physical banknotes, order them online for home delivery or high-street collection at least a few days before you travel. Better still, if it's a regular destination for you, open a multi-currency account, so you can buy the currency when the rate is favourable, with a provider that works to sensible margins.

You've spent the year doing as you were told. You saved. The interest didn't keep pace with inflation, the Chancellor took her cut, and what was left has been shrinking quietly in real terms the whole time. Then you walk into Terminal 2 with a fortnight's spending money and hand over another 5% at the bureau de change for the privilege of turning it into euros. Don't. Order your currency online before you go, or use a card with no foreign transaction fees. The airport rate exists for one reason: you're captive, you're in a hurry, and they know it. But here's the thing, we will happily queue to avoid the 5% we can see, then walk right past the 5% that disappears silently all year. The airport spread stings because it has a counter and a face. Inflation doesn't, so it doesn't. By all means, save at the desk. Just have a think about which theft you're actually paying attention to.