Travel expert says popular products are a 'waste of money' - what not to buy

While many of us enjoy making the most of the good weather next to a pool or beach, jetting off during the summer holidays often costs more than it would if you travelled off-peak.

Whether it's sticking to hand luggage or bagging a last-minute flight for less than £20, many of us are also conscious of making our money go further when planning a summer holiday, but there are certain items you could be splashing cash on that simply aren't worthwhile.

There are, however, some things you simply can't plan for, and that's falling ill while travelling. Investing in some mosquito repellent to ensure you don't spend the entire holiday scratching at them, or stockpiling on allergy medicines in local Boots might seem like an essential task to do before travelling, but it could be a waste of time and money depending on what you purchase.

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While many of us want to avoid getting sick on holiday, the travel gurus at Which? have revealed the travel health products that are actually a "waste of money", reports the Express.

In a clip shared on Instagram, the travel specialists highlighted the popular items many of us buy to ensure we feel our best before jetting off, which aren't entirely essential and could be setting you back more than they're worth.

Mosquito wristbands

Remembering to reapply repellent can prove tricky whilst on holiday, which explains why numerous holidaymakers opt for wristbands as an alternative. Emitting a combination of components that deter the insects, Which? warned that they're not actually the most efficient.

Whilst it may shield your wrist or at least the upper portion of your body, the specialists noted: "You're better off using a spray or lotion with 20% to 50% DEET on all exposed skin."

Travel sickness bands

If you're facing a lengthy car journey from the airport to your accommodation, or need to board a ferry, you might splash out on an anti-travel sickness band.

A type of acupressure that's claimed to ease queasiness and nausea, the experts at Which? said: "The NHS says there's little scientific evidence that these work and when we put them to the test at a fairground, they didn't work either."

Instead, they recommended buying tablets such as Kwells which contain hyoscine, a medication that prevents nausea signals.

Once-a-day sunscreen

Whilst once-a-day sunscreen may appear to be a perfect answer if you forget to reapply it, Which disclosed that they discovered a 74% reduction in protection throughout the day.

It's safer for your skin to use sunscreen that you can reapply during the day, and you should top it up every two hours.

Branded medicines

Numerous branded medications are frequently pricier than generic alternatives available in supermarkets, despite containing identical ingredients.

Which? recommended that whilst brands such as Piriteze and Clarityn might cost you £11, supermarket alternatives of the allergy treatment typically cost under half the price, and the same principle applies to Immodium.

Search for the active component loperamide hydrochloride, and save cash by switching to an unbranded alternative.