Credit Card | 17 May - Affordable Travel Tips

Going Prepaid on Vacation

There are a lot of tips to keep in mind when you are going on your vacation, but none of them are as important as the way you spend and protect your money. Nothing derails a vacation more than finding out that you have been the victim of theft and that your money is gone. There is also nothing worse than the feeling of getting back home and realizing that your fun amounted to way more than your budget could cover.

In order to have the best vacation experience without having to worry about theft and spending outside your limits, you want to go ahead and get yourself a prepaid credit card. This seems like an afterthought to some, but it’s the absolute best way to give you your vacation needs all in one convenient card.

The first thing you’ll want to do is determine your budget. Be reasonable and plan for all the things you will need on your vacation and the things you will want as well. Once you have determined the correct amount that you need, you can simply put everything but 10 percent onto a prepaid credit card. You’ll want to save the extra money just in case there is a situation in which you need cash instead.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t bring a credit card as emergency money, but it should be brought with the intention that there is going to be no using it unless you absolutely have to. The nice things about the prepaid cards is they are great in the event of theft. If you cancel it in time, they may be able to help you recover some of the money you lost. You can also keep your money on two or three cards, but it’s always the right way to go.

Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Tagged With: Credit card, Debit card, Prepaid

What to Pack for A Dream Vacation

You’ve made your reservations, gotten the time off work, and you’re getting ready to go on vacation. The last thing you want is for your trip to be ruined because you were unprepared. As you pack, consider entertainment, safety, and travel money so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

* Identification. If anything happens, you want people to know who you are. However, you don’t want to make the information completely obvious to every onlooker. Place some identification in your suitcases. If you plan to use tags, use tags with coverings so your contact information is not immediately visible. You also want to keep information on your person.

* Camera. No trip is complete without fabulous photographs. When you pack your camera, consider using a digital camera for easy uploads and sharing. Many low to moderately priced digital cameras take decent pictures, so you might want to purchase one of these for your trip instead of using an expensive camera. This way, if the camera is damaged or lost during travels, it won’t ruin your vacation.

* Cell Phone. Meeting up with others, tracking flights, and arranging transportation is a breeze when you have your own cell phone. Don’t worry, you don’t have to purchase an expensive plan or package. Prepaid phone plans keep costs down and are great for travels and emergencies.

* Credit Cards. Traveling with loads of cash is not a good idea. It makes you a target for scam artists. However, traveling with a credit card might tempt you to spend more than you can afford. The perfect solution to this type of dilemma is a card such as the Vision Prepaid card. Create your budget for your trip and put enough cash on the prepaid card to cover your expenses within your budget. This will keep you from spending too much, and the card’s protection policy will cover your cash if the card is stolen.

Filed Under: Backpacking, Travel Tagged With: Credit card, Mobile phone, Stored-value card

Guidelines for Arriving at your Destination

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When arriving by plane or boat at your destination, you are at your most vulnerable point. This is because you have everything you need for your trip on you at that exact moment including, luggage, cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, identification and other documents. If you have never visited the area before and give off that appearance, there are plenty of predators that are willing to help you. The following are a few tips that can help you remain safer during travel.

Hang on to your Valuables with Dear Life

First, keep your wallet and other valuables secured in a handbag or piece of luggage that is currently in your hand after leaving the plane. Also, keep a small amount of currency easily accessible in your pocket so you do not need to dig through your bags exposing all items to the surrounding airport. This amount should be enough for a trip into town, a tip and a little extra for tolls and water.

Gather Information Prior to the Trip

It is always advantageous to conduct some research about the area prior to taking the trip. This includes local customs, currency exchange and the airport layout. This will help you will common mannerisms, ensure you are receiving the correct exchange rate and allow you to easily find your way to taxis, public transit and other important areas of interest around the airport. If you cannot gather airport information, ask an airline staff member or government tourism booth representative.

Leaving the Airport

When leaving the airport for your hotel it is best to try and find a hotel pickup shuttle or airport limousine as these are the most reliable and safe. If you see a taxi just hanging around outside of the taxi queue, do not take it. These vehicles are usually not in the tax line for a reason. Regardless of the country, it is always a good idea to take precautions.

Filed Under: Family Travel, Travel, Vacation Tagged With: Aviation, Credit card, Luggage

Money Instructions for Traveling

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The most important tool you must have on you at all times while traveling is currency. Be it cash, an ATM or credit card or traveler’s checks, it is vital to have these methods of payment readily available. At the same time you must also take the proper steps to ensure these valuable assets are protected and you are stretching your money the furthest.

Contact Credit Card Companies Prior to Traveling

It is always advantageous to contact your credit card companies prior to traveling. If they see unfamiliar spending patterns because you are in another state or country, this may raise a red flag in their fraud protection department. This will stop all transactions and not allow future purchases from going through. Therefore, letting them know of your travel plans will prevent this from occurring.

The Benefits of Using an ATM Card

ATM cards are a wonderful travel tool. First, you will not have to carry around as much cash because you will have constant access to your bank account. Second, the ATM will issue money in the currency of that country which will usually give you the best exchange rate. As a side note, do not wait until you are out of money to go to the ATM as these machines can easily break down or run out of currency.

Protecting your Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks are another excellent medium of currency for traveling and are accepted everywhere. If they are lost you can usually receive new checks or a refund. To protect your checks take the same precautions you would with cash. Also, learn all procedures for lost checks. Additionally, make copies of all checks prior to your trip and keep the following information handy; the serial numbers, the phone number to call for missing checks, the date and location of purchase and the denomination.

Filed Under: Ecotourism, Travel, Vacation Tagged With: Credit card, Exchange rate, Travel

Tips for a Great Trip

Whether you’re going on a trip for business or for pleasure, there are things that every seasoned traveler knows. First, you have to pack well. Leaving behind the True Religion jeans that you bought for the trip isn’t devastating, but forgetting your wallet, or even just your credit or debit cards, can be.

Knowing what to do in your destination is a very good idea. This is something that you will want to know before getting there. No matter if you are there for a vacation or for business, you will want to know a few crucial things. Knowing some of the best places to eat, some good shopping spots, and where to go to relax are great things to know ahead of time. If you are taking clients out, you will want to do your research well in advance.

If you are traveling by plane, you will need to know the regulations. Knowing what you can and can’t take on the plane can help alleviate a lot of stress in the airport. If you are traveling by car, try not to pack too much. If you have too much stuff shoved into the car, it will become uncomfortable. Plus, you won’t have any room left to bring back all the great souvenirs you buy while on your trip.

When traveling, one good thing to do is have a cell phone with you. Even if it is a prepaid phone, being able to get in contact with loved ones (or anyone else) is important. Letting your financial institutions know that you are on a trip is also a good idea, so that your debit or credit cards don’t get shut off when you need them the most.

Filed Under: Backpacking, Family Travel, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: Credit card, Debit card, Mobile phone

What to Do to Prepare for Foreign Travel

Any kind of travel involves preparation. If you are going to a foreign destination it is even more important to prepare well. The destination is far away and the customs are different, there may even be very few people that speak your language. There are several ways you can prepare for foreign travel that will ensure you have the best time possible.

Research is a must. It is best that you know as much as you can about where you are going before arriving. Knowing what to do and how to get there is just one step. Look up the kind of weather that is expected, so you know how to pack, and determine what kind of documentation you’ll need, what things like food and souvenirs cost, and when major holidays and celebrations fall out. There may not be much to do if a whole city is closed down.

First, make sure you have a passport. You can’t get to any country without it. It is also safe to make a couple of photocopies of it and leave one with a friend and the other somewhere else. The copy will make it possible for you to leave the country to get back home in case you lose the passport or it is stolen.

Be aware of your bank account and credit card balances and know what it is safe to spend. Also remember to leave some room for emergencies. Knowing your ATM and debit card daily limits helps with this too. In regards to personal information, such as airline information, credit card numbers, as well as passport and driver’s license numbers, keep copies of them too or email them to yourself. If you lose anything, the situation can be rectified even by going online with the companies.

It also helps to learn a bit of the local language. A few phrases will do, just to be polite to natives. They will be more friendly and make your foreign travel all that more enjoyable.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks, Travel Tagged With: Credit card, Passport, Travel