Martyn James

Holidaymakers can lose £250–£300 through foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges and ATM costs when spending abroad. Martyn James recommends comparing travel debit cards and exchange rates, paying in the local currency, avoiding cash withdrawals on credit cards and steering clear of airport currency exchanges. He suggests using cards for most spending in destinations where they are widely accepted, while carrying more cash in countries where cash remains common.

Research by Electrical Safety First found that all 14 travel adaptors tested from major online retailers failed basic safety tests, while Which? found that nine of 15 USB phone chargers could cause electric shocks and eight posed fire or explosion risks. The article provides checks for spotting unsafe adaptors, including looking for the BS 8546 standard, safety shutters and appropriate fuses, while warning that counterfeit markings and positive reviews can be misleading. Consumers are advised to buy from reputable retailers, avoid third-party marketplace sellers, use manufacturer-supplied chargers where possible and never charge devices unattended or overnight. The UK Government is considering new rules to hold online retailers accountable for unsafe third-party goods.

Martyn James warns that some car-hire companies impose high deposits, damage excesses, fuel penalties, late-pickup fees and aggressive upgrades or add-ons. He advises travellers to compare prices, arrange cheaper excess insurance, confirm deposit and fuel policies, document existing damage with photos and written records, retain receipts, and obtain official documentation after any accident.