Traveling is expensive. Hotel/Resort accommodations, fares and foods just make up the basic expenses of any traveler. There’s a host of other miscellaneous items you are bound to pay for to make your holiday special. Most of these expenses are incurred through purchases.
If you are in Paris or any other fashion capital, buying a piece of fashion accessory or garment is understandable. If you’ll go to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong, inexpensive fashion items are irresistible. If you go to the Middle East, where gold is cheap, a piece of jewelry can be bought for a steal price. Wine in France makes a great “bring home” item to your parents or friends.
These expenses on small items can accumulate. Before you know it, you have gone beyond what you are supposed to spend for that holiday.
A credit card is a useful piece of “plastic” from financing institutions that can make purchases or payment of services on credit. It lets you travel with minimum cash and still enjoy the entire vacation. Note, however, that many who have spent more than what they can afford have nightmares afterwards, when the payment time comes.
Cut Costs
Savvy travelers find the use of credit cards, convenient; and so would you. But first find out how to avoid the common pitfalls with its use. There are numerous ways to prevent you from overspending. Clay Winowiecki of the Thought Catalog shares 7 Smart Ways To Avoid Overspending While Traveling.
Overspending while traveling is a big concern for many people who are sticking to a close budget … There are a few things that you can do, however, to rest a little bit more assured with your purchases.
- Create an Itinerary (That’s Somewhat Clear): A detailed list of your plan, including purchases can help you limit your purchases. The list, however, is just a tool; you need to stick to it as much as possible.
- Research Accommodation Prices: Research before travel will provide you a realistic view of your expenses, including some possible extras. It can also help you plan, check other options and choose cheaper alternatives.
- Avoid fees: If budget is really tight, but you’re going anyway, find out how you can enjoy without paying fees that can bloat your expenses. Research will point you to the right directions.
- Run Away From Tourist Areas: Find where the locals go; touristy areas offer more expensive goods and services.
- Stick to Your Feet And Buses: While the cost of transport on the way to the destination can’t be cut, except by opting for cheaper options (economy flight, lowest-priced cabins on cruises, etc.), once you reach your destination, you can avoid taxis and car rentals.
- Understand What to Expect: Research, again, can tell you the months or seasons to avoid. Find out the lean months/season when the hotels and fees are at their cheapest.
- Stay Budget-Smart: If you were savvy enough to make a list or plan, stick to it. That’s what it is for!
Keeping the Credit Card Safe
Anywhere you go there will always be con artists who will put you in their radar as a target. Be warned! You wouldn’t want your credit card stolen or lost. What can you do to ensure nothing untoward will happen to your credit card? Jason Steele of Credit.com –News Section shares 5 Ways to Keep Your Credit Cards Safe When You Travel.
“If your credit card is lost, you could be left without a method of payment for critical services like a hotel room or a rental car. And if it’s stolen, you may also have to deal with time-consuming efforts to report fraudulent transactions …. Finally, there is always the risk that your credit card issuer will mistakenly assume that your card is being used fraudulently when you try to make charges from an exotic vacation destination.”
Steele has these tips to offer:
- Contact your credit card issuer in advance. Let the bank/s know you are traveling and where so it/they won’t place any security hold on your card.
- Check your activity online. Do this to avoid fraudulent transactions, but be very careful when you are doing it on a public computer that anyone can access. A smartphone or other gadget that you own is the best way to check online.
- Protect contactless transmissions. Certain credit card can be verified wirelessly. While it is useful, it is risky. Know if this is your type of card, and if it is, use a special wallet that can shield it from accessed by frauds.
- Split up your cards. It is akin not to “place all your eggs in one basket.” Having more than one credit card placed in different locations will ensure you’ll not be stranded penniless some place abroad.
- Set your cash advance limit to zero. It is best to bring enough cash when you travel. Withdrawing cash from your credit card can mean paying higher interest rates.
Who wants to be cash-strapped after a wonderful holiday or wander in a foreign place without a credit card after its lost or stolen? If you are smart, go ahead and use a credit card, but know the ensuing problems, risks and how to make the best out of it so you’ll have one fine, memorable holiday.
