You’ve booked your accommodations, set your itinerary, and are ready for your vacation. Before you enter vacation mode, have you thought about how you’ll pay for dinners, gas, and other necessities on your trip? How you pay for your vacation expenses can impact your experience, safety, and even your budget.
Here we’ll explore tips to help you spend wisely and securely while traveling, whether you’re headed to Deep Creek Lake, flying out of BWI to Europe, or splashing in the surf down the ocean.
Why credit cards are a safer bet than cash
Carrying large amounts of cash is risky. If it’s stolen or lost, you can’t get it back. Credit cards are a safer choice. With the tap of a button, most cards can be canceled or frozen immediately if they’re misplaced or stolen.
There are many benefits to using a credit card.
- Added security: Many cards offer fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorized charges.
- Smart savings: Depending on your card’s perks, you can earn points or cash back on necessary expenses like dining, hotels, gas, or tours.
- Peace of mind for travel hiccups: Travel cards typically include flight delay or cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, rental car damage waivers, and roadside assistance.
Always read the fine print before your trip to understand what’s covered and how to file claims if needed.
How to use credit cards on vacation
- Take two credit cards with you.
- Keep your second card as a backup, and store it in a different spot from your primary card.
- Set up travel alerts with your card providers to avoid declined charges.
- Use the card with the best perks to maximize your point accumulation.
Pack your credit card for international trips
Cards are ideal when you travel outside the United States.
- Major credit cards, like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted across the globe.
- They typically offer competitive exchange rates, sometimes better than what you’d get converting cash.
- You can choose to make purchases in the local currency, not USD, and avoid hidden “dynamic currency conversion” fees.
Know when and where to use cash on vacation
In some situations–small markets, local vendors, tips, or remote areas–you may still need cash.
Plan your cash use ahead of time to avoid surprise fees.
- Use your bank’s ATM locator tool before you leave to find surcharge-free ATMs near your destination.
- Withdraw local currency from reputable ATMs, ideally at banks, for lower fees.
- Avoid airport exchange counters where rates are typically unfavorable.
- Limit fees by only withdrawing cash once per destination.
- Use all your foreign currency before you get home.
Tips for safely carrying cash while traveling
- Divide your cash into small amounts and stash them in separate spots.
- Only carry what you need for the day.
- Use a zippered pocket or cross-body bag for extra security.
Ready to travel smarter?
The right credit card gives you security, rewards, and helpful travel protections. SECU’s Visa® Signature credit card offers more than just points. It gives you the travel protections, rewards, and peace of mind to enjoy your trip from start to finish, including:
- No annual fee, cash advance fee, or foreign transaction fee***
- Travel and emergency assistance services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
- Trip cancellation and interruption benefits
- Hotel theft protection
- Personal identity theft reimbursements
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
See all the credit card options SECU has to help you make the most of this, and every, summer vacation.
