British holidaymakers have been urged to plan their money matters to avoid financial fallout when they go away.

This comes after the results of a study show more than half of tourists blow their budgets during their break.

According to the Post Office Travel Money research, 56% of those asked often overspent on their travels.

Meals out caused them to veer off track the most, with an overspend of £75 on average.

One in three also said they got a financial hangover when buying drinks, as they handed over £70 more than they wanted to.

Some 80% of those asked complained that exchange rates were poor or that there were hidden charges when converting their currency.

The biggest peeve for those surveyed was in using ATMs when abroad, with two-fifths of parents saying this irritated them.

Meanwhile, one in three said changing currency at their hotel or resort cost them more than they bargained for.

On average, holidaymakers throw away £13.18 when changing pounds into euros at airports, possibly during airport transfers, according to researchers.

Sightseeing also damaged the family budget, with a £75 overspend, while souvenirs cost £70 more than expected, supermarket food rang in an extra £61 and visiting water or theme parks added £60 on to the holiday.

Copyright © Press Association 2012

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