First holiday as a single mum - panicing!

KonkyWonky

AnnieD wrote: »

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm very emotional at the moment (combination of reasons) so I'm finding it hard to think straight.

So with that in mind please bear with me here!

Will I get stung for charges if I use my Mastercard out there? Or Maestro for cash?

Can I open a Nationwide Flex account straight away? And do you mean that it's just an account that I put cash in and then can draw on via the ATM as and when I need it with less charges than the others?

How much cash should I take?

Are travellers cheques still in use or am I showing my age!!

Thank you for your help and your patience. I'm usually a sensible person but can't get brain in gear right now so please feel free to state the bleeding obvious lol

Annie x

If you use your mastercard to lift cash from an ATM they will hammer you. You pay a higher interest rate on all credit cards for withdrawing cash plus they will take a 1.5% fee for the sum you withdraw.

Whoever you have your Maestro card with will probably charge you 1.5% whether you lift cash or pay at the point of transaction.

If you got a Nationwide Flexi Account there would be no charge plus a guaranteed rate far superior to what you can get in the high street or probably even over there. The link below shows you the current exchange rate the Nationwide Accout pays (Official Visa Rate).http://www.corporate.visa.com/pd/consumer_services/consumer_ex_results.jsp?from=GBP&to=EUR&rate=0.0

The Nationwide Flexi Account is widely regarded by most people on the forums as the best way to spend abroad, whether its lifting cash or paying at point of transaction. It can be opened online so no need to visit a branch. It might take a week or two to get the card and pin etc sent out.

I'm sure it will all work out, just remember to enjoy it!!! :j

Beaker99

AnnieD wrote: »

Hi,
I separated last year from my husband after 20 years so this year I've had huge adjustments with lots of ups and downs. In July I'm taking my children 10 and 15 to Majorca for 2 weeks for the first time and I'm getting nervous. It's feeling like a huge responsibility right now with everything on my shoulders.

We are self catering. There is a small shop and resuarant on-site and some restaurants nearby. I'm not going to hire a car so any supermarket trip will require taxis. Obviously I'll stock up with basics but as a single mum I really need a break too so I plan to eat out as much as possible because I really don't want to be shopping, catering and clearing up. I have been careful over the last few months with this in mind so that I can splash out a bit on holiday.

My main questions are, How much currency should I take? Can I put most things on my Mastercard?

Any help and advice from those of you that have been there done that would be gratefully received,

Thanks,
Annie x

Where are you going in Majorca Annie? - I'm sure smoeone has been to wherever it is you're staying and can help.. If it's alcudia or Puerto Pollensa I can help - stayed there many, many times!

spiro

I think the most important things to do before you holiday that will make it more relaxing is (and no shouts of thats obvious);
1) Holiday insurance
2) EHIC card (check expiry date if youve had it for some time)
3) Check passport expiry dates
4) Photocopy passports and give to a friend - very unlikely you'll ever need this but in the worst case that passports are lost/stolen when abroad having a copy someone can fax to you saves lots of hassle at the embassy. I have never had to do this but I am told its very good advise.
5) Take two credit/debit cards, one to use normally (withdrawl cash etc) the other in case of emergency (lost or stolen).
6) Releax, Relax, Relax you've got it all covered.

MrsE_2

Quackers wrote: »

You've just got pre-holiday jitters. You KNOW you can do it...and you'll be fine.

I bet when you went as a couple you were the one who did most of hte organising anyway - you just didn't realise it

So true:D

OP, I had single parent holidays, don't worry you'll be fine;)

AnnieD_2

Thank you again for taking the time to reply to me.

Can I just get this straight, if i open a Nationwide Flex Account I put money in it that I can draw on from ATM's over there but can also use the card for payments. Is that correct? Are the fees high if I used my mastercard to pay for things (not to draw cash). Still not sure how much hard cash to take as don't want to have to be finding a cash machine often.

I'm going to a Holiday property bond (HPB) resort thanks to my parents. It's called Biniorella, Camp de Mar. I have been there before so I know where I'm going but it is quiet and quite remote. One bedroom with a z-bed too - all good fun!!

I am excited about going and really need the break. I know I'll be fine - just the responsibility is laying heavy on my shoulders right now.

Thanks again,
annie x

choccyface2006

I scan documents such as insurance and passports and email them to myself so I can retrieve them if I need to where ever I am

mobby-2554

Hi Annie,

If I were you & so worried I'd hire a safe to put all your documents in.
I take cash but as you're so worried you're best to take some travellers cheques & put them in it. They are still used.

If you've been there before that should make it a lot easier for you.
You know where you're going & say it is quiet and quite remote.
So you know where to go & what to expect.

When I've needed a break from OH & gone away on my own I was like you & panicked the 1st time I did it.

I bet like me, when it came to booking the holidays & sorting everything out you did it anyway?

You'll be fine just go & enjoy your well earned holiday with your children.
Have a great time!