Travel expert says British holidaymakers are being stung by £100 'stealth tourist tax'

A travel expert has warned of the hidden tourist tax that many Brits face when going on holiday over the summer. Huge numbers of Brits will head to countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy and Turkey this summer to enjoy see fun in the sun. For many of them, they will enjoy a cheap and cheerful budget holiday, staying in Brit-friendly seaside resorts. However, there is a hidden charge you could face when you're away, but it's totally avoidable.

Travel experts have revealed the 60-second task that could save you quite a bit of money while on your trip. Soaring roaming charges are stinging many Brits who jet off for a sun holiday. Brenda Beltrán from Holafly has shared how Brits can avoid these "extortionate" fees while abroad. Some Brits are forking out as much as £10 per day while roaming in Europe, she says. However, there is a simple trick that could save around £40 per trip.

"Most people don't realise there's now a way to get mobile data abroad without swapping SIMs, queuing at the airport or risking a big bill when you get home," she revealed.

"If you've got a compatible phone, you can download a digital eSIM before you fly and get connected the moment you land."

An eSIM provides a digital alternative to a physical SIM card. They are purchased by scanning a QR code and activating a plan. Brits can get pretty decent deals while abroad when it comes to their mobile data. For example, unlimited data when travelling to Turkey can cost around £24, which Brenda says can save tourists as much as £40 on their travels.

She explained: "I regularly hear from people who thought they were just using their data for Google Maps or sending home a few holiday snaps through WhatsApp every couple of days and came home to a £100 phone bill," says Brenda.

"That's avoidable. You don't need to swap SIM cards anymore or hunt down local shops in a panic, eSIMs are instant, and you can set them up from your sofa."

eSIMs provide an often cheaper alternative for travellers as well as a more secure connection but only certain phones are compatible.

Brenda added open WiFi networks in places like airports and restaurants pose a number of risks when it comes to hacking and travellers should make sure their roaming settings are switched off to avoid background charges.