Martin Lewis issues urgent shopping warning for holidaymakers

MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has advised anyone contemplating an overseas trip, in particular to Spain, to be smart about their cash and think carefully about when they shop.

In a recent blog update on his website, the financial expert issued a warning: “If you’re among the millions contemplating a trip to Spain this summer, halt your Zara purchases immediately.”

Originally penned in 2014, the post offers updated tips based on current market trends.

Lewis points out that the well-known Spanish fashion brand Zara often sells its items for a fraction of the cost in its home country compared to what UK consumers would pay. Hence, it is sensible to hold off any purchase plans until one reaches Spain to bag some better deals.

Through a comparison table of Zara products across Spain, France, Greece, and Italy, he discloses that there’s a marked price difference, often up to £30, when purchasing items such as blazers, dresses, and children’s clothing from these locations, reports Wales Online.

In an analysis of the data, which is available to view here, he notes: “So from this small sample, it shows that on average prices are 31 percent cheaper in Spain and Greece than the UK, 14 percent cheaper in France and Italy.”

Martin further affirms: “The price difference is enormous. The pound price is often higher than the euro price before you even convert the currency (which further cheapens the euro price).”