Pound bounces higher

Holidaymakers going to the eurozone are getting 15% more for their money than a year ago.

Jitters about the debt crisis across Europe have knocked the euro and pushed the wholesale rate up to levels not seen since October, 2008.

The pound rose again this morning, to 1.2736 euros.

Of course, you get less at the bureau de change, but still a much better rate than before. Here are a few of today's retail rates:

Caxton FX currency card                 1.2450
Sainsbury online                             1.2430
Thomas Cook (reserve and collect)   1.2360
Travelex online                                1.2350
Post Office                                      1.2340
High Street                                      1.2100

It's a very volatile situation but some currency experts are predicting the euro will fall even further.

Not the same story with the dollar. Travellers heading over the Atlantic will find that their pounds buy them fewer dollars than a year ago.

Jump in euro rate for tourists

Leading bureaux de change are selling euros at a rate of 1.20 to the pound for the first time in three and a half years.

The jump reflects worries about the eurozone in the wake of the Greek and French elections. But the result is that British travellers are getting 10 per cent more for their money than a year ago.

Travelex is offering 1 euro 20.8 cents -- it was last above 1.20 on 4th November, 2008. The Post Office is paying 1euro 20.7 cents.

High Street banks are still offering lower rates, but some specialist money-changing services will pay even more.

The rate at certain Sainsbury's stores has risen to 1 euro 21.19 cents.

£ buying you more travel money

The pound is rising again in the international currency market, amid continuing worries about the financial state of the eurozone.

Sterling has touched 1.2330 to the euro in the wholesale market today, its highest since June 2010.

What that means is that bureau de change rates are approaching 1.20, having dropped close to 1:1 parity last summer.

Tavelex is offering 1.1950 online.

The Post Office Rate is 1.1940

M&S Money has 1.1788