For those Britons currently planning a getaway abroad, it has been suggested by one industry commentator that packing a debit or credit card could be a particularly effective means of spending money while away.

Addy Frederick, public relations assistant for the UK payments association APACS, goes on to suggest plastic cards are also "one of the safest ways" to pay for items, particularly should a holidaymaker find themselves becoming a victim of theft.

Citing the benefits of debit and credit cards over cash, she claims that those who have £100 worth of euros stolen from their bag while away are unlikely to recover such money.

"Whereas, if you're taking a card, then, unless they've got your pin they can't spend any money and you won't have lost much. You'll be inconvenienced, yes, but you won't have lost the cash," Ms Frederick points out.

Furthermore, credit cards purchases can offer consumers an additional layer of protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act which deems that people can reclaim their money back for expenditure of between £100 and £30,000 made using a plastic card if their item turns out to be faulty or they do not receive it.

Holidaymakers were also urged to make sure that they make a note of their card issuers' address and emergency telephone number before leaving the UK in case of something going wrong.

Indeed, plastic cards appear to be a popular payment method as the UK Cards Association revealed that some 317 million transactions using UK-issued cards took place overseas in 2008, with debit and credit card purchases accounting for a total expenditure of £19.9 billion, those searching for 0% credit cards offers may be interested to hear.

On top of plastic cards, the APACS representative advises that holidaymakers should take a mixture of payment methods - including pre-paid cards and travellers cheques - away with them.