Traveler’s checks

Safest way to have your travel funds with you

Receive a better exchange rate than cash typically

Get them early and lock in your rate

Denominations (small and large preferred)

Keep a record: city and date or purchase, amount and numbers

Update your record daily, keep better track of your spending, budget, and cash still in-hand

You will need a passport to cash your traveler’s checks

Immediately report any stolen or lost checks

Credit cards

Convenient and safe to use

Postpones immediate payment for transportation, lodgings, purchases and so on

Can assist you to get access to cash

Beware of overspending

Watch the exchange rates

Credit card acceptance varies

Different cards have different perks

Protect your credit cards

Check and keep all your charge slips – these will be used for budgeting and expense consolidation

Red Tape and documents you should take on a trip abroad:

Travel documentation: tickets,  passport and visas

Copy of naturalization certificate

Birth certificate

Driver’s license and international driver’s permit

Travel insurance claims form

Extra passport photos – at least half a dozen

Any membership cards,  like AAA membership, retired, veteran or student cards

Basic medical information, blood type, allergies, doctor’s address, prescription refill and extra prescription medications you may require

Immunization cards

“IF YOU GO ONLY ONCE AROUND THE ROOM, YOU ARE WISER THAN HE WHO STANDS STILL”                                      Estonian Proverb

There are numerous popular and well-read, published, copyrighted materials and even out of print sources and books available on travel in general. Some are general and others deal specifically with budgeting for business, leisure or vacation travel. General references are made to some of the sources used in this summary.  This is complemented by an increasing amount of quality online publications, sources and travel sites, specifically named and credited here for their contributions to the body of knowledge on travel. Through state-of-the-art, budget travel-sites and dollar-saver clubs, they openly share travel insights and offer money-saving options for travelers to explore in the public domain. This proud tradition will continue.