Tips for Safe Travel with Money

Summer is a popular time of year for people to travel and take a break from their regular jobs and routines. Many people who want to take a summer vacation look for ways to save up for a vacation ahead of time.

They may work overtime at their jobs or pick up a weekend job, like a friend of mine does. Others might side hustle so they can set aside money for their trip.

In addition to saving up, some people search for ideas to travel more frugally so they can vacation more often. Frugal options include staying in an Airbnb rather than a hotel and cooking for themselves instead of eating out.

But the other thing travelers should be thinking about is how to protect their money while they travel. After all, it’s generally easy to spot vacationers in popular vacation destinations. That alone can make them an easy mark for thieves.

Of course, there are precautions you can take for safe travel with money. Here are a few tips you can use when you take money on your travels.

Plan Expenses Carefully

Most people who plan a vacation know exactly where they are going. In fact, the majority make at least one or two reservations ahead of time for lodging or activities.

The more you can book ahead, the better. Use a credit card to secure your hotel rooms as well as other events (making sure you’ve saved ahead so you can pay the bill immediately once you receive it). Or, try to take a trip without paying anything at all.

These tips help you avoid having to pull out a credit card or cash in the presence of other people. The less you have to flash your cash, or credit cards, the better.

Take Less Plastic

For safe travel with money, less plastic is better. Of course you’ll want to take a little extra cash and probably one or two credit cards. You may even need foreign currency if you’re traveling abroad.

However, if you have several credit cards, don’t take them all. Taking fewer cards will make it easier to keep track of them. Chances are you’ll only need one or two forms of currency anyway. Keep your money safe by leaving the rest at home.

Another idea for safe travel with money is to use a prepaid card. This course of action puts a definite limit on the amount of money available on the card. If it’s stolen, there’s only so much money a thief can use.

Dress Down

Obviously you want to look your best while on your vacation. Still, you shouldn’t wear expensive clothing and shoes. Neither should you accessorize with lots of expensive jewelry.

Leave those designer purses at home and wear less expensive sunglasses. Use sturdy, but not pricey, pieces of luggage. If you’re driving, don’t take a luxury car.

Practicing smart travel will make it less likely that you become the target of a mugger or thief.

Store Money Multiple Places

While traveling out of the country a few months ago, I chose to store my money in multiple places. I kept some money in the hotel safe and some on my person.

Other money storage ideas include money belts and money pouches that can be worn under clothing. There are even some articles of clothing with hidden money pockets.

Avoid Risky Situations

Smart and safe travel with money starts by avoiding risky situations. When you travel, try to take a companion with you wherever you go. Don’t go out alone at night.

Guard your food and drinks and stay in well lit, populated areas. Take different routes to and from destinations if you can and avoid predictability.

Password Protect Devices

Lots of online apps now allow you to pay using your phone. Clearly, such apps must have your payment information stored in them in order to work properly.

In general, it’s best not to use these types of apps on your devices. Yes, they’re convenient. That’s the upside. But the downside is that if your device is stolen or hacked, you could be out thousands of dollars.

If you feel it’s necessary to use the payment shortcuts in those types of apps, at least password protect them. At the very least it may delay a criminal from accessing your accounts long enough for you to close them.

Summing it Up

Everybody likes to get away now and then. Traveling to other places can be fun and relaxing. Still, the last thing you want is to have your vacation ruined because you failed to take the precautions for safe travel with money.

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Will you be taking a trip in the near future? What actions will you take for safe travel with money?