Travel Tips

MONEY TIPS
Traveling with Cash, credit, or Travelers's Checks

Credit Cards
When traveling, always take your major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc). Many locations require a credit card and will not accept debit cards, so ensure the cards you are using are indeed credit cards and not simply debit cards with the credit card logos on them. There's no need for specific, local store credit cards so leave those at home and in a secure location.

It is generally a good idea to contact your credit companies prior to traveling as unfamiliar spending patterns in new locations might cause suspicion that the card is being used fraudulently. This could delay card approvals. By contacting them, you're making them aware that you will be making charges from another state or possibly country. They will also be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country and verify the card's acceptance at certain foreign locations along with cash advance options, exchange rates and other fees that may be associated.

Debit and ATM Cards
Your ATM or debit card will often work in foreign countries, however it will dispense case in local currency. You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate and may want to shop around to find the lowest ATM usage fee.

Traveler's Checks:
When using travelers checks, ensure that the particular brand you are carrying is accepted in the country you are visiting and whether or not there are any fees associated with using them. It's also a good idea to research the policy of the bank issuing the traveler's check regarding loss, replacement, and/or refunds. Protect your traveler's checks the same way you'd protect your cash and be sure to make photocopies of them before you leave.

• Hotel Safety Tips for Travelers

  

  Generally speaking, luxury hotels (such as those with four and/or five star ratings) are often considerably safe. These hotels often employ high tech security cameras and have their own security staff or contracted security officers for your protection. Regardless, you should always be aware of hotel surroundings when traveling both domestically and abroad.

  Maximize safety and security. Select a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floor--the maximum height that fire-department ladders can reach. For some fire departments overseas, and within the United States, they do not have equipment to reach hotel floors above the 6th floor.

  Most hotels have some type of safe in the room or within one of the hotel offices in order to provide safeguards for occupant belongings. You should always take advantage of the hotel safe to store any valuables you may have brought with you. Most hotels indicate on their web site if they have a safe or not. When using the safe, remember to either spin the dial or punch in a random number sequence after using the safe to ensure that it is properly locked or storing the previous settings.

  Never leave valuables in coat pockets or luggage as these items can be easily stolen. This is also true for checking luggage in at the airport.

• Ocean Cruises: Tips and Guidelines

  

  Most people plan for the destination and forget about the ship itself. Cruise lines—and even individual ships can vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some lines focus on round-the-clock partying, while others cater more to ambience, spa treatments or relaxation. It's best when planning a cruise to work with a knowledgeable travel agent and to discuss both your personal interests and your budget to find the cruise that's just right for your vacationing needs.

  When booking your cruise, book early and shoot for the best of what you can afford. Booking early not only saves you money, but ensures that you'll get first pick of the highest quality cabin you can afford before they are booked. Never assume that all cabins are alike or that they come with soaking tubs and king size beds as this is often not the case.

  Not all cruises offer excursions and not all excursions may be worth taking. Research locales before choosing your cruise and ensure that the excursions they offer will be both fun and affordable.

  While most cruises are all-inclusive (meals and entertainment included in the price), tipping the crew and service personnel is not. While tipping is always entirely up to you, most cruise lines recommend just how much to tip. Generally speaking (and these are merely guidelines) the average is about $3.50 per passenger for the waiter and cabin steward and $2 a day for the busboy.