5 Financial Travel Tips for your Cruise

photo: CCL

You’ve saved your hard earned money, paid for your vacation and it’s time to sail away. Before you head out though, make sure your money’s not going to take a vacation of its own. Here are some tips to keep your bank account safer on vacation.

1. Call your credit card company. Want to use your credit card on your cruise – especially in another country? Give your bank a call before you leave. This lets your bank know not to worry if charges suddenly start showing up from Costa Rica or Jamaica or wherever you’re sailing. If you don’t let them know ahead of time, there’s a good chance the bank will place a security hold on your card rendering it useless until you talk to them to confirm the charges. One phone call can save a lot of trouble!

2. Make copies of card numbers and IDs. If something bad happens to your credit card, passport, wallet or other important docs while you’re on a cruise, it’s super helpful to have a copy with you. If your credit card’s stolen or lost, it’s easier to take care of things if you know the full card number. Having copies also gives you an accurate inventory of what you’re carrying with you.

3. Make and take a list of important phone numbers with you. Very similar to the previous tip, write down and bring with you all the phone numbers for your banks, credit cards and emergency y contacts. Keep this in your cabin in a safe place with the copies of your card numbers. Think about what would happen if your iPhone goes missing too – you lose all your important contacts. If your card is stolen, the number for the card company is usually on the back of the card and not something most people have memorized.

4. Get cash or currency. It’s always a good idea to have some cash with you. I never bring a lot of cash, I do typically use credit cards, but I bring just enough. Make sure you carry enough for each person in your traveling party to be covered. Some merchants and private shore excursions will only take cash. Sometimes you’ll get a cheaper price if you pay in cash. When getting cash for European trips, I wait to get to Europe to get my currency and then I’m not paying exchange rates and fees at a US Bank. Most European ATMs aren’t allowed to charge surcharges either.

5. Pre-paid credit cards. Want to stick to a budget? Or not even bother with the hassle of using your own credit cards internationally? Try pre-paid credit cards. A set amount that’s not tied to your bank account or credit lines. A nice modern version of traveler’s checks gives you freedom and keeps you from overspending too.

Do you have anything you always do before a trip to be financially ready? Have any sage words of advices or stories from your trips? We’d love to hear what you have to say on this!

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