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The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
One of Europe's cheapest holiday destinations to enter the Eurozone next year – here's what it means for your trip
A NEW country is set to join the eurozone next year - and it might not be good new for Brits. The European Commission has given Bulgaria the green light to join the eurozone next year. 3 Bulgaria joined the European Union back in 2007 and it will become the 21st country to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026. This means Brits will eventually have to use up any of their old currency, which is the Bulgarian lev. However, once the euro is in place in Bulgaria - it will be easier for Brits to use up leftover change from a previous trips to other euro-accepting countries. According to Eamonn Turley, a financial specialist at Multi Quote Time: "Currently, Brits travelling to Bulgaria are required to exchange their pounds sterling for Bulgarian levs, which typically involves fees and exchange rates that can add uncertainty and cost to their holiday plans. "Once Bulgaria adopts the euro, British travellers will have the convenience of spending the same currency that they would if they were travelling to most other popular European destinations like Spain, France, or Italy. "The majority of Britons spend debit or credit cards when abroad, and with the euro, there is less foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversion fees, which can be hidden and bring added cost." Currently for each pound Brits can get 2.32 levs, but each pound will give Brits €1.19 - meaning that Brits get more levs for their money than euros. Eamonn also explained how Bulgaria has traditionally had a lower living standard that other Western European countries. This means that tourists have often flocked there for the country's cheap holidays. "When other Eastern European countries like Estonia and Lithuania joined the Eurozone, there was a bit of price inflation that came with the stronger currency and greater economic integration," added Eamonn. Trade Sunny Beach in Bulgaria for a little-known spot praised by locals "Britons may find that while currency exchange hassles disappear, the prices of meals, hotels, and services may gradually rise." However, there are also positives to the news as he says that stronger economic stability can lead to "improved transport links, more quality hotels, and improved tourist facilities, making Bulgaria an even more competitive holiday destination". He finished by saying: "From my financial perspective, this integration within the eurozone will render Bulgaria a more desirable destination for British tourists wanting convenience and safety with their spending, with perhaps the medium to long-term gain of enhanced tourism service and infrastructure." However, many Bulgarians remain skeptical and fear a rise in prices during the switch - which has happened in other countries that joined over the past decade. Croatia adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, becoming the 20th member state of the eurozone. The country was considered relatively cheap but has become more expensive over the past two decades. 3 According to a European Central Bank blog: "the impact of the euro changeover on consumer prices in Croatia has so far been relatively small". It added: "Continued monitoring is essential. "Croatia's experience is an important lesson for other EU Member States adopting the euro, as it confirms that the economic costs arising from the effect of the changeover on inflation are limited and of a one-off nature." The same could be seen with Bulgaria's transition. There are also several reasons why Brits should swap Spanish holidays for five destinations in stunning European country – with cheap pints & flights. Plus, inside bargain holiday hotspot with cheap booze and wild sex games that's Europe's new party central for Brits.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
One of Europe's cheapest holiday destinations to enter the Eurozone next year – here's what it means for your trip
Plus, inside bargain holiday hotspot with cheap booze and wild sex games that's Europe's new party central for Brits EUR-ON One of Europe's cheapest holiday destinations to enter the Eurozone next year – here's what it means for your trip Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW country is set to join the eurozone next year - and it might not be good new for Brits. The European Commission has given Bulgaria the green light to join the eurozone next year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Bulgaria will join the eurozone next year Credit: Alamy Bulgaria joined the European Union back in 2007 and it will become the 21st country to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026. This means Brits will eventually have to use up any of their old currency, which is the Bulgarian lev. However, once the euro is in place in Bulgaria - it will be easier for Brits to use up leftover change from a previous trips to other euro-accepting countries. According to Eamonn Turley, a financial specialist at Multi Quote Time: "Currently, Brits travelling to Bulgaria are required to exchange their pounds sterling for Bulgarian levs, which typically involves fees and exchange rates that can add uncertainty and cost to their holiday plans. "Once Bulgaria adopts the euro, British travellers will have the convenience of spending the same currency that they would if they were travelling to most other popular European destinations like Spain, France, or Italy. "The majority of Britons spend debit or credit cards when abroad, and with the euro, there is less foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversion fees, which can be hidden and bring added cost." Currently for each pound Brits can get 2.32 levs, but each pound will give Brits €1.19 - meaning that Brits get more levs for their money than euros. Eamonn also explained how Bulgaria has traditionally had a lower living standard that other Western European countries. This means that tourists have often flocked there for the country's cheap holidays. "When other Eastern European countries like Estonia and Lithuania joined the Eurozone, there was a bit of price inflation that came with the stronger currency and greater economic integration," added Eamonn. Trade Sunny Beach in Bulgaria for a little-known spot praised by locals "Britons may find that while currency exchange hassles disappear, the prices of meals, hotels, and services may gradually rise." However, there are also positives to the news as he says that stronger economic stability can lead to "improved transport links, more quality hotels, and improved tourist facilities, making Bulgaria an even more competitive holiday destination". He finished by saying: "From my financial perspective, this integration within the eurozone will render Bulgaria a more desirable destination for British tourists wanting convenience and safety with their spending, with perhaps the medium to long-term gain of enhanced tourism service and infrastructure." However, many Bulgarians remain skeptical and fear a rise in prices during the switch - which has happened in other countries that joined over the past decade. Croatia adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, becoming the 20th member state of the eurozone. The country was considered relatively cheap but has become more expensive over the past two decades. 3 Croatia entered the Eurozone in 2023 Credit: Getty According to a European Central Bank blog: "the impact of the euro changeover on consumer prices in Croatia has so far been relatively small". It added: "Continued monitoring is essential. "Croatia's experience is an important lesson for other EU Member States adopting the euro, as it confirms that the economic costs arising from the effect of the changeover on inflation are limited and of a one-off nature." The same could be seen with Bulgaria's transition. There are also several reasons why Brits should swap Spanish holidays for five destinations in stunning European country – with cheap pints & flights. Plus, inside bargain holiday hotspot with cheap booze and wild sex games that's Europe's new party central for Brits.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
One of Europe's cheapest holiday destinations to enter the Eurozone next year – here's what it means for your trip
A NEW country is set to join the eurozone next year - and it might not be good new for Brits. The European Commission has given Bulgaria the green light to join the eurozone next year. 3 Bulgaria will join the eurozone next year Credit: Alamy Bulgaria joined the European Union back in 2007 and it will become the 21st country to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026. This means Brits will eventually have to use up any of their old currency, which is the Bulgarian lev. However, once the euro is in place in Bulgaria - it will be easier for Brits to use up leftover change from a previous trips to other euro-accepting countries. According to Eamonn Turley, a financial specialist at Read more on Bulgaria "Once Bulgaria adopts the euro, British travellers will have the convenience of spending the same currency that they would if they were travelling to most other popular European destinations like Spain, France, or Italy. "The majority of Britons spend debit or credit cards when abroad, and with the euro, there is less foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversion fees, which can be hidden and bring added cost." Currently for each pound Brits can get 2.32 levs, but each pound will give Brits €1.19 - meaning that Brits get more levs for their money than euros. Eamonn also explained how Bulgaria has traditionally had a lower living standard that other Western European countries. Most read in News Travel This means that tourists have often flocked there for the country's cheap holidays. "When other Eastern European countries like Estonia and Lithuania joined the Eurozone, there was a bit of price inflation that came with the stronger currency and greater economic integration," added Eamonn. Trade Sunny Beach in Bulgaria for a little-known spot praised by locals "Britons may find that while currency exchange hassles disappear, the prices of meals, hotels, and services may gradually rise." However, there are also positives to the news as he says that stronger economic stability can lead to "improved transport links, more quality hotels, and improved tourist facilities, making Bulgaria an even more competitive holiday destination". He finished by saying: "From my financial perspective, this integration within the eurozone will render Bulgaria a more desirable destination for British tourists wanting convenience and safety with their spending, with perhaps the medium to long-term gain of enhanced tourism service and infrastructure." However, many Bulgarians remain skeptical and fear a rise in prices during the switch - which has happened in other countries that joined over the past decade. The country was considered relatively cheap but has become more expensive over the past two decades. 3 Croatia entered the Eurozone in 2023 Credit: Getty According to a European Central Bank blog: "the impact of the euro changeover on consumer prices in It added: "Continued monitoring is essential. "Croatia's experience is an important lesson for other EU Member States adopting the euro, as it confirms that the economic costs arising from the effect of the changeover on inflation are limited and of a one-off nature." The same could be seen with Bulgaria's transition. There are also several reasons why Brits should swap Spanish holidays for five destinations in stunning European country – with cheap pints & flights. Plus, inside 3 Whether prices change or not, they will be closely monitored Credit: Alamy
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Forbes
Pro Tips For Keeping Your Checked Luggage Safe When You Fly This Summer
How do you keep your checked luggage safe when you fly? Here's what the experts say. Eamonn Turley lost his laptop charger and designer sunglasses on a recent flight from Dublin to New York. He'd carefully packed them in his checked luggage, assuming his airline would take care of them. But when he unpacked his bags in New York, they were gone — for good. "Even after immediately filing a claim, I never got these items back," he recalls. The experience made him think of better ways to keep his checked luggage safe. It's a worthwhile exercise for anyone about to embark on a summer trip. Last year, 36 million checked bags were delayed, mislaid, misdirected, pilfered or stolen, according to the multinational IT company SITA. The overall pilferage rate is around 8 percent. "Losing luggage while traveling is one of those unpleasant situations most people would rather avoid," says Alonso Marly, travel agent at Skylux Travel. "Whether you are traveling for work or going on a well-deserved vacation, being separated from your personal belongings can be a devastating experience." And if you ask experts, it's a growing problem. The evidence is more than anecdotal. SITA says 10 million more bags were mishandled last year. The problem is getting worse because security at airports is lax. "Anyone can steal," says Robert Siciliano, CEO of "Even a frequent business traveler who has a klepto personality can grab an extra bag every time they deplane and have a good excuse — "Sorry, my bad!" — if they are caught." Before we get to some of the new strategies travelers are using to keep their checked luggage safe, let's go over the things you absolutely have to do before you leave home: These simple precautionary measures will ensure your checked luggage stays safe before you board your flight. But there's more. Yep, starting to sound like a broken record here, but it's worth repeating. "Never pack anything valuable in your checked luggage when flying," says veteran traveler Dana Kampman, who edits a parenting blog. "Checked bags go through so many hands and screening processes, and there's always a chance for things to get misplaced or stolen. I've heard way too many horror stories over the years to take that risk." Remember, airlines specifically exclude most items from liability. Even if you file a claim, you'll never see a penny in compensation for excluded items. The latest baggage features built-in security mechanisms like tamper-proof zippers, or hard-shell cases with clasps to protect your belongings. While these won't stop a determined thief, they are a powerful deterrent. "I have replaced my own zipper closure suitcases with mechanical clasps," says Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. Harrison notes that thieves can easily and quickly penetrate luggage zippers with a simple pen, allowing them to quickly access and pilfer high-value items. "Then they pull the zipper back across to close the baggage, leaving no trace of theft until you arrive at your destination," he says. One of the strategies that Turley developed was tracking his bag. But he has a special technique. He has a luggage tag that notes the bag is being tracked. "Through personal testing, I found that bags with tracking devices are handled more carefully by baggage handlers who may notice the tracking notification," says Turley, the CEO of an RV rental company. It's true that less-than-honest baggage handlers will avoid tracked bags because they're afraid they could bring evidence home. So a notification acts as a deterrent. (It's also a good idea to track your bag with multiple trackers just in case one of them stops working.) I always advise travelers to follow three tried-and-tested security methods: using TSA-approved locks on all zippers, photographing bag contents before check-in, and placing one or, even better, two GPS tracking devices like an AirTag inside the luggage. Interestingly, as the pilferage problem has increased, travelers have developed new strategies to thwart airport thieves. "I wrap valuables in clothing and place them in the middle of my suitcase," says Kevin Mercier, a frequent traveler who works for an auto manufacturer in Paris. "It makes them less accessible." Does it work? So far it has, he says. All of his checked luggage has been returned with its contents intact. This may sound incredibly obvious, but let's get real. You still have to get your stuff from point "A" to point "B." Veteran business traveler Andy Abramson says there's an alternative to playing luggage roulette. "Think about using services like Luggage Forward, which picks up at your location and delivers it to where you're going. Or LugLess, where you take it to a UPS or FedEx location, and the bag is delivered to your destination," says Abramson, a communications consultant from Las Vegas. Granted, these services are considerably pricier than checking your bag at the airport. But your luggage probably won't get pilfered, and the odds of it getting lost are far lower than if you gave it to your airline. If you've already had your luggage pilfered, tell your airline right away. Airlines may be able to recover your items, but you only have a limited time to file your complaint. "Report it immediately to the airline or local authority and obtain a filed report," advises Wendy Stahl, a product director at AXA Partners US. That's also important because your credit card or travel insurance company must see the report if you want to file a claim. Many travel insurance plans include a baggage and personal effects benefit that allows you to claim compensation for your lost or stolen items, notes Stahl. To keep your checked luggage safe this summer, keep these new strategies in mind. Remember to pack valuables in your carry-on. Use TSA-approved locks on zippers. Photograph your bag and its contents. And consider using a GPS tracking device like an AirTag. Or just outsource your luggage to a forwarding service Bottom line: Don't make it easy for thieves when you fly. And report pilfered luggage immediately to the airline and local authority. By taking preventative measures, you can protect your belongings and avoid the hassle of lost or stolen luggage.
