Seventeen percent of US consumers plan to take an international vacation this summer, according to
a recent survey from the Royal Bank of Canada, and if you’re one of them, you’ll need to know more
than simply how to adjust to a strange culture (though that’s important as well). More
specifically, traveling abroad is expensive, and there are some surefire ways to make things easier on
your bank account.

1. Save on Currency Conversion

You’ll need a way to turn US Dollars into the currency used in your vacation destination, and card
networks (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) automatically provide some of the
lowest currency conversion rates. According to Card Hub’s currency conversion study, consumers who
use Visa and MasterCard cards to make purchases abroad save 15% compared to those who trade in
cash at an airport kiosk and save 8% relative to those who do so at a local bank prior to departure.

To score such dramatic savings, you’ll need a no foreign transaction fee credit card on either the Visa or MasterCard network.
After all, more than 90% of credit cards assess surcharges of 2-3% for transactions processed outside of
the United States (which means foreign fees could come into play even before you leave), and Visa and
MasterCard are the most widely accepted networks internationally.

You won’t be able to use a credit card for every purchase made abroad, however. The cheapest and
most convenient method of procuring cash while abroad is to bring a debit card with low foreign ATM
[Read more…]

Traveling can be a blast, and at the same time, exhausting. Jet lag, a lack of proper nutrition, and being
somewhere completely new combine to make it tough to stay healthy while you’re away from home.
That’s why the following provides five ways to stay healthy and comfortable when traveling.

First thing’s first: Get a nice pillow and blanket

Whether it’s that long bus ride or lengthy flight to your destination, a go-to pillow and down blanket can
be your best friends. You never know when a hotel’s pillows are going to be wonky, and gimmicky travel
pillows prove one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

Slip-on shoes

Another tip for the bus, train, or plane: Keep your feet comfortable. Slip-on shoes can do just that, plus
you’ll be even more prepared for airport security.

Carry a week’s worth of medication, cough drops, etc.

Depending on where you’re traveling, there can be an increased chance of getting sick.

And nothing ruins a business trip or vacation faster than being under the weather. No matter the length
of your stay, bring at least a week’s worth [Read more…]