Posted on August 13, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Holidays rarely go without a hitch.  Whether it’s failing to buy enough currency, turning up at the airport without your passport or finding your accommodation below par, there’s always something to cause unnecessary stress! 

A new study by Post Office Travel Services has revealed all sorts of holiday irritants. 

Hidden charges for credit cards and mobile phones have topped the list of holiday pet hates.  Hidden prices are not something that Argus Car Hire customers need to worry about.  Our prices have always been transparent, meaning no nasty surprises at the pick-up desk. 

Fellow British holidaymakers were second on the list (we’re afraid we can’t do anything about that), while jacked-up ‘tourist prices’ were third on the list. 

Other pet peeves include being forces into tipping despite poor service, forgetting to pack essentials and receiving calls from work colleagues while away. 

The survey also showed that people travelling to Europe this summer would have to spend nearly £43 more to get the same amount of Euros as they did last year.

The list in full:

1. Hidden charges on services such as credit or debit cards and mobile phones
2. Other UK holidaymakers abroad
3. Inflated prices for tourists
4. Overseas exchange rates
5. Being pressurised into tipping, even when service is poor
6. Forgetting to pack essential items like a plug adaptor or suitable clothing
7. Misunderstanding the value of foreign currency
8. Trying to speak or understand a foreign language
9. Calls from work colleagues who know that you are on holiday
10. Having to buy travel insurance