Where to get the best exchange rate for your holiday money

Summer's kicked off and the inevitable Instagram pics of people 'living their best life' in sunnier climes have started.

With the baby landing, I'm not sure if we're going to go on a summer holiday abroad this year.. we'll see.

But if, unlike me, you do have a trip booked in - make sure you maximise your spending power by getting the best exchange rate on your hard-earned cash.

The pound is still weak, and with Brexit looming it's likely to stay that way, making it even more important to get the best rate your can.

I always change my money in London at one of the branches of Thomas Exchange Global or the similar Thomas Exchange UK.

Order online before picking up in branch for the best rates.

These currency specialists tend to offer better value than high street banks or shops.

If you're not in London, No1 Currency has pick-up points all over the UK and offers competitive rates.

The likes of Sainsbury's and the Post Office are unlikely to offer better rates than the specialists but if you would prefer to change money there, order it online to get the best rate.

Most important of all, don't buy holiday money last minute at the airport where you'll typically get the very worst rates.

Even if you've left it to the day of travel, ordering advance for pick-up from the airport a few hours beforehand will get you a better rate than if you buy on the spot.

Taking money out of cash points abroad or spending on your card usually racks up a load of fees and charges.

However, there are a few exceptions to this - and it could be worth getting a specialist credit card if you travel a lot.

For example, the Barclaycard Platinum Cashback Plus doesn't charge for spending or cash withdrawals abroad.

And a couple of banks - Monzo and Starling Bank - don't charge fees for spending on debit cards abroad.

How do you spend abroad? Do you take cash or rely on your card?