Moms Travel TipsTravel Tips and Vacation Ideas for the Whole Family

Definitely plan to take credit cards with you when you travel.  Even when you travel abroad.  

It may be wise to inform your bank card companies where and when you will be traveling.Because of the growing identity theft problems, some card companies may question supicious spending patterns.  They might block charges on your card to protect you from fraud…  You know, like a lot of charges from London when you live in Des Moines.You don’t have to tell your card company when you travel abroad, but it may be wise to make sure your card can be used.  

Travel with only a couple of charge cards in addition to your ATM card. You shouldn’t take all your cards, too risky if you lose them, but you do need to have more than one type of card.  It’s a good idea because if something happens and one card can’t be used, you’ll have a backup.  

Some places only take Visa; some only take MasterCard.  Pick one or two of each and leave the rest at home.The motto “Don’t leave home without it,” is catchy but AMEX cards are not accepted everywhere.  It’s a good card to have, but it’s also good to know the limitations.

if you travel with someone else, it is a good idea for each of you to carry different types of cards.You will have more alternatives.  

If you rent a car, sometimes car rental companies will put a large charge on your card at the beginning as a deposit, leaving you less on your credit line.  Your back up cards will make sure you always can use a card.Use a card that covers the waiver on collision damage to rental cars… that’ll save you money.

Credit card companies have started adding international transaction fees.  Visa and MasterCard have charged a 1 percent fee for years, but now some banks that issue the card also tack on a 1-2 percent foreign transaction fee in addition to that.Ask your bank or card company.  There are a handful of cards which don’t charge any fees at all.  As of this writing, Capital One Card charges no fees, so you might want to carry one of those.

Don’t let foreign vendors charge that bill for you in dollars.  It seems nice, but you’ll probably end up paying more.  The dollar amount you’re charged may be at a crummy exchange rate (way worse than you’d get with your credit card or ATM), and you’re card company will still likely charge you a foreign transaction fee.

Credit cards are accepted in more places all the time…. most now in fact.  But there are still many little B&Bs that take only cash, some small restaurants too.You may not be able to use credit cards in less developed places and may have to use cash.  If you want to pay with your card, they may add 3-5 percent onto your bill to make up for the fees that they’re charged.  So take those credit cards traveling, but change plenty of money and be prepared to pay cash in many places too.