Page 9 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

TRAVE
Money Matters When Traveling
L
A Spending Strategy for Traveling Abroad
You’ve probably set a budget for your upcoming trip, but have you considered how you’ll access those funds while traveling? Don’t let international payment modes catch you off-guard; use these tips to pack your wallet as carefully as you pack your suitcase.
Credit Card
Travelers tend to rely on their credit cards for travel expenses because most vendors accept major credit cards. The exchange rate charged may be better as the market fluctuates, but most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee as high as
3 percent, so check your accounts to find the best offer. This is a safe solution for major purchases like hotels and restaurants.
Cash
Even in today’s electronic world, you’ll need cash for outlets that don’t take plastic. The “chip and PIN” technology prevalent in Europe can be an issue for magnetic-stripe card use at a self-service kiosk like train stations or vending machines. Shop around before you leave to get the best exchange rate on currency; bringing cash covers you until you can find a proper exchange source.
Prepaid Card
Wildly popular, these reloadable cards give you secure access to your funds and also help you stick to your budget. Buy prepaid cards before you leave and use them to make purchases and ATM withdrawals. Plus, they come with all of the protection of your credit card.
Alerts and Back-ups
Avoid frozen accounts by notifying your bank of your travel plans. Sudden expenses that are out of character can trigger a security shut down, leaving
you without access to your account. Also check the bank’s emergency procedures: How long would it take to get a replacement card if yours was lost or stolen? Record the international toll-free number for your bank, and have a back-up plan to cover expenses in an emergency.
Most travel experts recommend you carry a prepaid card, a credit card, and a small amount of local currency. A little research will help you find the best options; or, simply stop by your local AAA office or visit AAA.com for all of your travel currency needs.
THE CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN
VANCOUVER • JASPER • COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS • LAKE LOUISE • BANFF SPRINGS • CALGARY
May 24, 2017
10-Days
Philadelphia to Vancouver $4,489* per person, double occupancy
INCLUDES:
• Round-trip airfare
• Round-trip transfers
• Tour escort (with 16 travelers)
Travel
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Vancouver city tour, including Stanley Park, Chinatown, the waterfront and Gastown
• Rail to Jasper with views of Monashee Mountain, Pyramid Falls and Albreda Icefields
• Glacier Experience or Glacier Skywalk at Lake Louise
• Visit a local ranch in Alberta with traditional barbecue and wagon train ride
For more information and reservations, contact Cathy Baldigo at (570) 622-4991.
*Rates are per person and subject to change. Single and triple prices available upon request.
AMERICAN COWBOY COUNTRY
8 Days from Philadelphia to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
July 25, 2017 • $3,489* per person, double occupancy
LOCALES VISITED: Jackson Hole • Grand Tetons National Park • Yellowstone National Park • Cody • Sheridan • Deadwood • Rapid City • Wall • Badlands National Park • Custer State Park • Mt. Rushmore • Crazy Horse Memorial
INCLUDES:
• Round-trip airfare
• Round-trip transfers
• Tour escort (with 16 travelers)
Travel
For more information and reservations, contact Cathy Baldigo at (570) 622-4991.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Welcome dinner and covered wagon ride
• Relaxing wildlife float trip or whitewater rafting
adventure on the Snake River
• Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
• Visit to the Buffalo Bill Center
• Deadwood, a National Historic Landmark
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Jeep ride and traditional chuck wagon dinner
in Custer State Park
• Badlands National Park and Mt. Rushmore
Join us for a special presentation on January 10 at 6:00 p.m.!
*Rates are per person and subject to change. Single and triple rates available upon request.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
9
Now!
Hurry! Space is limited.