Holidaymakers failing to save extra holiday cash

More than a third (38 per cent) of UK travellers panic spend at the last minute to use up leftover holiday cash, a new survey shows.

13:17 31 August 2005

More than a third (38 per cent) of UK travellers panic spend at the last minute to use up leftover holiday cash, a new survey shows.

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of those polled said that they regretted their last-minute purchases and one in ten spent leftover money on unwanted souvenirs, such as straw donkeys, novelty clothing and sombreros.

With the end of the summer looming, an estimated six million UK travellers are expected to have blown all of their leftover holiday cash on last-minute unwanted souvenirs and gifts, according to the Post Office research.

Almost a quarter of respondents (22 per cent) admitted that their last-minute purchases are a complete waste of money, and a further 28 per cent end said they up giving them away when they return home.

The survey found that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of respondents budget between 50 and 100 per day for their holiday spending money, while 41 per cent of UK holidaymakers admit to 'last-minute splurging'. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of UK travellers said they shopped on the last day of their holidays to help 'kill time'.

Hugh Stacey, head of travel services at the Post Office, said: "Our research demonstrates that the phenomenon of the "last-minute holiday splurge" results from holidaymakers trying to use up their cash on the final day of their holiday.

"With almost three quarters of people regretting their holiday purchases, we are reminding UK travellers of the benefits of keeping hold of their currency and changing it back when they return home."