Your Travel and Holiday Money Options
With summer finally getting into full swing, many of us will be looking forward to travelling abroad for a well earned holiday. Of course, you’ll need access to cash while you’re away, so what are the best and safest ways of arranging your travel money?
1) Local Currency
It’s a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel, if only enough to last you for your first few hours. You’ll probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example, and local currency is the easiest way to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive, so buy some currency before you leave and you’ll get a much better deal.
The drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced. For this reason it’s best to use another form of travel money for most of your funds.
2) Travellers Cheques
These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange, where the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.
This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered, so if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.
3) Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted virtually the world over, and may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. As well as using them for shopping, they can be used to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your travel money option though, check your card’s small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use – it will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you’ll probably have to pay exchange charges too.
4) Cash Machines
There are now several international cash machine networks in operation, for example the Cirrus network, and it’s likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal, and the exchange rate you’re charged may not be the best available.
5) Prepaid Cards
These are a relatively new kind of plastic card, which are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards, with the big difference that you have to ‘load’ the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost, and as it can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it’s difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commissions payable when you use the card, and also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.
The main thing to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice is not to rely on a single kind of travel money, but to take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and plastic or cheques, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!
Vacationing with the Kids
You’ve picked out a destination that it seems everyone in the family will enjoy. You’ve planned the trip – how long you’ll be gone, where to stay, what to see while you’re there and maybe some neat places to check out on the way to your intended destination.
Oh, the anticipation! Everyone is so excited! Thirty minutes (maybe an hour) into the trip you hear “Are we there yet?”
If you didn’t plan on ways to keep the kids occupied, as in not bored to tears (literally), this trip is going to be very, very long. As with anything in life, planning is the key to success.
Remember that a child’s world can be pretty small by adult standards. Two hours can seem like an eternity and anything outside the car is of little interest to young children. Watching the trees go by or the traffic on an interstate highway isn’t going to cut it for very long. There just aren’t enough cows, horses, and giraffes to look at.
Take a few minutes to consider your child’s personality as well as his age. Does he play well alone? Or does he require some interaction? Will he sleep during a lot of the drive? Is this really a good thing, or does it mean he will be fully charged when you’re trying to get some needed rest at night. Do you want him on a “sugar high” from snacking on junk food the whole trip, or even worse, with an upset tummy?
So what are your options? Take a look at what interests your child at home. Obviously, simulating the swing set in the backyard may be a little out of reach, but what does he do when he’s indoors? Really young children can generally play with the same toys they would play with at home. You know, all that brightly colored plastic you pick up every day and still manage to trip over when you get up at night.
When they’re a little older, it gets more challenging. Some children will play with crayons and paper as long as the paper doesn’t run out. If your child’s not a budding artist what about video games? These are great for the more energetic kids. You know, the ones who think silence is some form of torture created by adults to make their lives as miserable as possible. Then there are the children with vivid imaginations that can take a single toy and create an entire world in the space surrounding a booster seat. And last but certainly not least, what about the kids who prefer to stay glued to the TV? With today’s portable DVD players, even if you don’t have this nifty feature already built into the family vehicle, these children can watch their favorite videos and forget that they will soon be visiting Yellowstone, Disney World, or Uncle Bob and Aunt Louise’s ranchette in Arizona.
Have a great vacation and Drive Friendly!
What And How To Pack For A Safe Holiday
Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress so as to mark yourself as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention.
Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them in various places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit or debit cards instead of cash. Debit cards are much preferred over credit cards.
Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you go. If you have an unlocked, tri-band or quad-band GSM phone, you will be able to buy a SIM card and use it locally. This will be much cheaper than using your home service and international rates or roaming fees.
Check with the TSA web site to see what the latest rules and regulations are for carry-on baggage.
Treat yourself to a luxurious beach holiday
Each year I put my all into my work and each year I decide ‘this year I am going to treat myself to a decent beach vacation’. Unfortunately, for some or other reason when it’s close to the end of the year and I need to work out all my plans I end up not having money or find some or other reason why my holiday must be delayed.
It’s 2010 and this year I decided things will be different. Work all the time and no play are just not on anymore! This year I am going to have my special beach holiday- filled with summer sun, cocktails, beautiful sunsets and of course partying till the sun shines its first rays over the beach in the early morning.
As I’m discussing my plans for my beach vacation, everyone questions me on where I want to go. I answer that question with my needs: 1. I want to be close to the beach- it’s a beach vacation afterall! 2. I want to be able to walk to the clubs and restaurants 3. I want to be able to actually see the beach from my balcony.
After going through all the hotspots in the Western Cape, I finally decided on Camps Bay close to Cape Town. My friends always go on about Camps Bay and after some thorough research on the Internet, I quickly concluded that Camps Bay is exactly the place that would suit my every whim.
Cape Town is the playground of the rich and famous, but along with that comes picture perfect beach vacations, people bronzing in the summer sun and long stemmed cocktails infused with colours and flavours!
The apartment I found is perfect for my beach vacation- even better it’s laced with a romantic vibe so I can take the love of my life with and have an absolute blast!
Beautiful Camps Bay ocean views, a private balcony, air-con, pool area, barbeque facilities- you name it they’ve got it. Best of all it’s one street away from the promenade where the streets buzz with people, the café’s entertain and the azure blue waters of the beach paint pictures on the sand.
Because Cape Town is so full in December, I decided to book AND pay early- ensuring there’s no way for me to postpone yet another year. I can’t wait to go and explore the beautiful Cape and have lots and lots of summer fun!
Isn’t it time you rewarded yourself for all your hard work too?
What You Need to Know About Your Health in Advance of Travel
All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.). While some of this information may be found in the documents listed above, the key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
The CDC website also provides general guidance on health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection. The CDC also maintains an international travelers’ hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or, by fax, at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299).
General guidance on vaccinations and other health precautions may be found on the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation
Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad
A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled.
Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.
If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a “medical alert” bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.
Doctors and Hospitals
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. (Note, however, that payment of hospital and all expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.)
