Best Places To Buy Travel Plans For Overseas Trips

Planning a trip abroad can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but there are a few essential things to do before jetting off to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to prepare your travel documents, including applying for a passport well in advance and checking the entry requirements of your destination. Researching your destination is also key – understanding cultural nuances, local laws, currency, and accommodation options can help optimise your trip. It's wise to notify your bank about your travel plans and compare transportation and accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. Booking everything in advance can save you from last-minute stress and scrambling for scarce options.

When it comes to packing, it's important to consider the climate, activities, and cultural norms of your destination. Packing cubes, comfortable walking shoes, quick-dry towels, and a portable charger are just a few essentials to make your trip more comfortable and organised. Don't forget to pack any necessary adapters and power converters!

Travel money cards

The main benefit of a travel money card is that you can preload a set amount of a specific currency at a locked-in exchange rate, protecting you from currency fluctuations. You can also load multiple currencies onto one card, which is ideal if you're travelling to multiple countries.

Another advantage is security. If your travel money card is lost or stolen, you can immediately block it, and your personal banking details are not at risk. Additionally, some cards offer emergency cash disbursement services, where you can request a cash advance on your account in an emergency.

When choosing a travel money card, look for one with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for added security, and 24/7 customer support. You may also want to consider cards with reduced or waived fees for loading or reloading funds, account maintenance, and emergency card replacements. Some cards also offer travel perks, such as airport lounge access or the ability to earn rewards.

You can obtain a travel money card through your bank, an airline, a foreign exchange retailer, or a payment merchant. Popular options include the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard, CommBank Travel Money Card, Qantas Travel Money Card, and the Visa TravelMoney Card.

Travel credit cards

Co-branded cards

Co-branded cards are issued in partnership with an airline, hotel, or travel company. These cards allow you to earn the currency of the travel provider, such as miles with airlines, that can only be spent with that company. Co-branded cards are a good option if you are loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain and want to earn perks such as free checked bags or room upgrades.

General-purpose cards

General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not tied to any specific airline or hotel. These cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for travel expenses with a range of companies. General-purpose cards offer more flexibility but may not offer the same perks as co-branded cards.

When choosing a travel credit card, it's important to consider factors such as annual fees, sign-up bonuses, earning levels, and whether the card is aligned with a particular brand. It's also crucial to pay off your balances monthly, as the cost of carrying debt can exceed the rewards earned.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card offers bonus rewards on travel, dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases. Points are worth more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, and they can also be transferred to partner airlines and hotels.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a flat rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases without blackout dates.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card comes with a high annual fee but offers extensive perks such as airport lounge access, travel and shopping credits, and hotel benefits.
• World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card is a good option for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels, offering a high earn rate on Hyatt purchases and free nights.

When choosing a travel credit card, it's important to consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the rewards and perks that are most valuable to you.

Cash

When it comes to travelling overseas, it's important to be prepared when it comes to money. Here are some tips for dealing with cash on your trip:

Before you go

It's a good idea to notify your bank that you're travelling, so they don't suspect fraud when you start making purchases in another country. If you're taking cash, it's worth shopping around various banks and providers to get the best exchange rate, and ordering your currency in advance. That way, you avoid the higher fees and margins that you'll pay at the airport.

How much to take

It's generally not a good idea to take lots of cash when travelling. You'll find ATMs in most places, so you don't need to carry large amounts. It's safer to only take what you need for the day and keep it in a safe place.

Where to keep it

Some travellers store larger sums of money in a money belt for safety. A crossbody bag or fanny pack can also deter pickpockets. A neck wallet is another option, as these are harder for thieves to access and less likely to be stolen than a regular wallet.

Other options

In some countries, you may not have easy access to ATMs, or card readers at restaurants and businesses. In this case, it's worth carrying enough money to cover your expenses for the day. Traveller's cheques are another option, though they're less widely accepted than in the past.

Paying in cash

When paying in cash, it's a good idea to carry plenty of small bills so that you can pay the exact price. Occasionally, a merchant may claim they can't make change for larger bills.

Getting the best rate

If you're paying on card, it's usually best to pay in the local currency. If you pay in your home currency, the exchange rate offered by the merchant is likely to include a profit margin, and your credit card company may charge a second fee for the transaction.

Traveller's cheques

The cheques are pre-printed and operate like cash, allowing the purchaser to buy goods or services when travelling. They are similar to regular cheques in that they have a unique check number or serial number. When a customer reports a check stolen or lost, the issuing company cancels that check and provides a new one. Traveller's cheques do not have an expiration date, so unused cheques can be kept and spent at any time in the future.

To obtain traveller's cheques, you can purchase them from financial institutions such as banks and credit unions, as well as companies like Visa and AAA. In the US, they are primarily available from American Express locations and the American Express website, but you need to be registered with an account. Additionally, Visa offers traveller's cheques at Citibank locations and several other banks nationwide.

When it comes to cashing traveller's cheques, you have several options. You can deposit them into your bank account, and many hotels or resorts will also provide this service to guests free of charge. Alternatively, you can exchange them for local currency at various exchange locations worldwide, although fees may apply. American Express also provides a service to redeem traveller's cheques that they issue online, allowing you to deposit them directly into your bank account.

While traveller's cheques were once a popular way to carry money while travelling, their use has declined in recent years due to the increased convenience of credit and debit cards, as well as security concerns among retailers. As a result, they are no longer widely accepted or easily cashed, even at the issuing banks.

Travel insurance

Typical travel insurance policies do not cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol, extreme sports, or travel to high-risk destinations where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel. Most plans also do not cover rental car damage, but this can often be added as an add-on.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy

When choosing a travel insurance policy, consider your needs, concerns, preferences, and budget. If you are concerned about medical coverage, look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and evacuations. If you have a complicated itinerary, consider a plan with comprehensive coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions. If you are unsure about your trip, consider a plan with a "Cancel For Any Reason" option, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and recoup a portion of your costs.

Best Travel Insurance Providers

There are many travel insurance providers, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs. Here are some highly-rated providers and what they offer:

• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Offers customizable coverage, including plans for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights, and cruises.
• Allianz Global Assistance: Offers a wide range of plans and customizations for various trip types, durations, and budgets, including international and domestic trips.
• Travel Guard by AIG: Features a variety of plans, including comprehensive coverage, last-minute coverage, and a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver.
• Travel Insured International: Provides several customization options, including coverage for expensive electronic equipment and high-cost ticketed events.
• World Nomads: Caters specifically to adventure travelers, backpackers, and those with active itineraries, covering over 200 adventurous activities.
• Travelex Insurance Services: Offers comprehensive plans, as well as cheaper plans without cancellation coverage but with protections during your travels.
• Seven Corners: Offers several optional add-ons, including a unique "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" option, which allows you to interrupt your trip and receive a refund for unused deposits.
• IMG: Provides a wide range of plans, including annual and single-trip policies, coverage for adventure travelers, and direct billing.
• Tin Leg: Features affordable plans with few customizations, including Cancel For Any Reason and adventure sports-specific coverage.
• TravelSafe: A good option for tight layovers, as it includes missed connection coverage and optional add-ons for business equipment or sports rentals.
• HTH Insurance: Offers single-trip and multi-trip medical insurance coverage, as well as trip protection plans, with a discount for groups traveling together.

Remember to read the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

Frequently asked questions