Joan's Travel Tip No. 15

Joan's Travel Tip No. 15:

This is a common-sense tip I'll pass on from something I read yesterday:  DON'T PUT CASH OR ANYTHING NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR HEART IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.  I guess there's a lot of pilfering going on at the airports.  You can use a TSA-approved lock or have your bags shrink-wrapped (more common in European airports).  Carry anything you really value in your carry-on.    Also,  it follows that taking expensive jewelry etc might not be worth the risk (consider hotels, pick-pockets, etc.).

Joan's Travel Tips No. 13 and 14.

1.     

 M   13.    Make a list of all medications (and dosages) you take, your doctors’ name and contact info.  List any chronic conditions you might have.  Keep this list with you at all times.

14.  Take your medications in the containers they come in – with the Rx info.  This can be a pain, but you’ll get through customs faster, with fewer questions asked.  Also NEVER pack meds in your luggage; always have them in your purse or carry-on.

Joan's Travel Tip No. 11 and 12.

1.         11.   Most banks also charge a fee for ATM  withdrawals.  These fees can really add up.

2.   

               12.    Make copies of your credit cards, from and back, ATM card, passport, driver’s license and take 1 set with you in carry-on and leave one set with a trusted person at home.

Joan's Travel Tip No. 10

1.      Check with your credit card company about fees on purchases abroad.  Some of them tack on a surprising 3%.  I am not paid to say this, but Capital 1 has no fees … yet.

Joan's Travel Tips No. 8 and 9

1.      Tip No. 8:

 

1.      Also take a credit card;  notify the card company that you’ll be going to x,y,z countries during a certain period, so they don’t shut you off.  It might be wise to have 2 credit cards, in case one gets compromised, which happens and is a pain, but the possibility exists.  Carry the 2 cards and your ATM card in different places.

       

              Tip No. 9:         

  If     If you carry a purse, use one that is difficult for street urchins to access.  Lots of closed zippers, lots of pockets, lots of secret places are good.  Remember:  DIVIDE UP YOUR MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS, so you don’t lose everything in case of pickpocketing or misplacement of goods.

Travel Tip No. 8

1.      Joan's Travel Tip No. 8:

3.      Also take a credit card;  notify the card company that you’ll be going to x,y,z countries during a certain period, so they don’t shut you off.  It might be wise to have 2 credit cards, in case one gets compromised, which happens and is a pain, but the possibility exists.  Carry the 2 cards and your ATM card in different places.  Keep a copy of your card at home, with expiration date, CRV number and customer service phone #.  Your person at home should be able to access this info for you, just in case ....