Finding cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages can play important roles in planning an affordable trip. However, would be travelers should consider taking steps to minimize their financial risk when traveling.
The following are recommended steps:
Notify your credit card companies when, where, and how long you will be traveling. This will allow credit card companies to catch bogus charges and also ensure that legitimate purchases go through. Credit card companies often will not authorize purchases from cities you do not typically visit if not notified in advance.
Limit what you carry in your wallet. Ideally only take a drivers license and two credit cards. Carry one and lock the other in your hotel room safe to be used in the event your wallet is stolen.
Carry a throwaway wallet with a few dollars and some old hotel key cards. Then if you are held up, you can hand over the throwaway without having to give up your real wallet.
Beware of people who call your hotel room late at night. Sometimes callers pretend to be a front desk clerk trying to resolve an issue with your credit card. Never give your credit card number over the phone to someone claiming to be a hotel representative.
If someone steals your wallet, take the following steps:
Complete a police report and call the issuers of your credit, debit, and medical cards, as well as your drivers license. Request your accounts be closed and new numbers issued. If your wallet is returned, do not assume that a thief has not copied your credit card numbers and personal information.
Closely monitor your account statements for several months looking for any charges you did not authorize.
Contact credit bureaus and request credit reports so that you can make certain new accounts have not been opened in your name.
www.cheapfares.com