Hefty charges for using mobile phones abroad top the list of ''holiday rip-offs'', according to a survey today.
Charges for using debit or credit cards overseas was the second-biggest moan, the poll of 1,515 people by Post Office Travel Money found.
Baggage charges, poor exchange rates at airports and at hotels and the high cost of taxis and airport transfers also featured in the rip-off list.
Asked to name their major holiday irritant, families named bites and stings, followed by dirty beaches and dirty seawater.
Families also expressed fear of getting food poisoning and worried about their children not liking the local food.
The survey coincided with a family holiday report from Post Office Travel Money which compared holiday prices in various countries.
Portugal was rated the best family-value destination, with meal prices having dipped 47% since last year.
Prices have also gone down 20% in Cyprus and 17% in Greece but have risen 33% in France.
Eating out in Turkey is around 13% more expensive than it was this time last year.
An hour's ride on a pedalo was just £5.41 in Portugal but as much as £11.71 in Cyprus.
Hiring a sun lounger for half a day can cost as little as £1.80 in Spain and Cyprus but nearly £12 in Italy, while a day out for a family of four at a water park can cost twice as much in Cyprus (£90) than in some countries.
Post Office Travel Money head Sarah Munro said: ''There is plenty families can do to avoid getting stung on holiday. They should check excursion and attraction prices online before they go to avoid the most expensive and they should also pack kids' beach items that could break the holiday budget if bought overseas.
''Families can save enough to pay out for some unexpected holiday items if they avoid wasting cash by leaving it until the last minute and changing their currency at the airport.''
Nicole
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