For parents planning trips abroad during the half-term break, financial service provider Abbey has suggested that many will find themselves paying expensive premiums.
Research by the company's credit card division reports that some holidays cost up to 80 per cent more during the school break.
Spain is identified as a hotspot for those looking to save on their holidays, upholding its reputation for offering great value family breaks.
Callum Gibson, head of Abbey Credit Cards, commented: "For many families money is tighter than ever this year, so every penny counts. There are a number of ways to keep costs down on foreign holidays such as booking in advance to get the best deal."
Among the money saving methods identified were booking early and shopping around for foreign currency, as well as taking a credit card that saves money on exchange fees.
The report concluded by asserting that those choosing to travel within the UK can expect to achieve significant cost savings.
Last month, Abbey offered customers a new credit card with no fees for transfers, foreign exchange or cash.
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