Protecting Your Finances While Traveling

August is a popular travel month for Americans, despite inflation rates that can make FUN feel almost prohibitive. Last August, outbound departures from the United States by U.S. Citizens saw a 53% increase compared to August 2021.

Traveling offers us all the opportunity to unplug from daily routines. So, unplug! But not before you take care of a few action items that can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.

No one likes the buzzkill of being in a foreign country, handing over your card for a purchase, and being informed that the transaction was declined. Thankfully, avoiding this scenario is easy. Simply inform your financial institution and credit card providers about your travel plans before your departure. Advance notice will prevent them from flagging your transactions as suspicious activity. While you’re at it, ask about any foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal charges so you can plan accordingly and avoid surprise expenses.

Well before you pack your bags and hit the open road (or skies…or seas…), carve out some time to make a realistic budget. Doing some preliminary research on your destination can give you a ballpark estimate of lodging and food, tourist attractions, and transportation costs. Decide on a realistic amount for each category—or at least the maximum amount you’re willing to pay—with the understanding that sometimes the unexpected happens and it can help to have some financial buffer built in.

Travel insurance is likely one of those irksome expenditures you’d rather ignore (since you’re already shelling out in every other category), but don’t overlook it! It’s an investment that provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or flight delays. The peace of mind and financial safety net of having travel insurance far outweighs the cost inconvenience. Look for a policy that suits your travel needs and provides adequate coverage based on your destination and desired activities.

Most of us have heard horror stories about—or experienced firsthand—the loss or theft of vital travel documents abroad. Prior to departure, make copies of essential documents such as your passport, visa, driver’s license, travel insurance, and credit cards. Store these copies in a secure location, separate from the originals. It’s also a good idea to have digital copies stored in a secure cloud service. In the unfortunate instance that your documents are lost or stolen, having backup copies will expedite the process of replacement and minimize potential disruptions to your trip.