Walking Holidays In Spain Now Cheaper For Brits, As Sterling Rises

30.09.2014

Are you a Brit thinking about taking a walking holiday in Spain this year? Well, whether you're planning to wander in la Sierra Nevada or Las Alpujarras, you'll be pleased to know it's now less costly to visit Spain, because the pound is strengthening against the euro. Just today, for instance, the pound has hit 1.2873 versus the common currency, its strongest in 26 months, or since July 24th 2012.

What this means for you is that when you exchange currencies for your walking holiday in Spain, you'll now receive far more euros. For example, were you to exchange £1,250 for a fortnight in Spain, you'd now receive +€180 extra than if you'd done so 18 months ago, back in March 2013, when the pound was as weak as 1.1371.

So with an extra +€180 in your pocket at absolutely no additional cost to you, you could extend your walking holiday in Spain, splash out on some Iberian cuisine, or just enjoy a substantial saving!

What's more, it could soon become even better value to take a walking holiday in Spain, if the pound continues to climb versus the euro. Strengthen could strengthen further, because the UK economy expanded a massive +0.9% between April and June, more than previously thought. At the same time, the euro may decline, as the European Central Bank intends to print €1 trillion to devalue the common currency.

How to get the best exchange rate when you visit Spain

So, it's looking like a great time to take a walking holiday in Spain, as the pound rises against the euro! With this in mind, how do you make sure you get the best exchange rate when you visit Spain? Well, here are 3 tips:

1.    Don't exchange currencies at the last minute. This is because you'll be forced to take whatever exchange rate is available there and then. Instead, to make sure you get the most euros, check the foreign exchange rate in advance!

2.    Don't buy euros at the airport. This is because the bureaux de change at the airport offer you the worst possible foreign exchange rate, because you're a captive consumer, and unable to compare the exchange rate elsewhere.

3.    Keep your euros safe. If you buy a large quantity of euros, don't carry them all around with you. Instead, ask if there's a safe at the airport where you're staying, and carry only what you need for one day at a time.

So, have fun on your walking holiday in Spain!

By Peter Lavelle at foreign exchange broker Pure FX. For free expert currency advice when you holiday in Spain, call me on +44 (0) 1494 671800 or email peter.lavelle@purefx.co.uk. I'd be delighted to help.