Tips for planning and protecting yourself while travelling
Winter travel is an exciting way for Manitobans to break up the cold months. But after sunscreen and a hat, here are a few other items to consider as you prepare for your next vacation.
Before you leave:
Choose a credit card with travel benefits
You could save money with the travel benefits and rewards available with your credit card. Some cards offer advantages such as rental car insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. Check out your benefits well in advance to ensure you’re covered. And, if you’re not, consider switching to the Collabria® Cash Back World Elite Mastercard, where you’ll earn up to 4x the rewards!
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Order your foreign currency a couple of weeks in advance
Getting your foreign currency in advance often yields a better exchange rate than if you exchanged your money in your destination country. Plus, with enough cash you’ll be less likely to need an ATM machine while you’re travelling, avoiding potentially high transaction fees, and allowing you to keep your debit card—and your account—safe from being compromised by scammers. Another benefit? Using cash can help you stay on budget while you’re away!
Don’t forget to pack your insurance
Missed flights, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and hospital visits are things you don’t plan on when travelling. It’s a good idea to check what is covered through your employee benefits and credit card insurance—and what isn’t—before you travel. Insurance might not seem important until you need it. Consider your options and do some research to find the best solution for your travel insurance needs.
To help you find the insurance you need, we’ve partnered with CUMIS to provide a complete travel insurance program.
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Inform your Financial Institution (FI) where you’re travelling
If you are planning to use your debit card while travelling, avoid having it flagged or cancelled by letting your bank or credit union know when and where you’ll be travelling. FIs are always on the lookout for scams and if they are not aware that you’re travelling, they might think your card transactions in another country are fraudulent. It’s a good practice to advise your FI of your travel plans so a note can be placed on your account in case your card is flagged for unusual activity.
While you're away:
Manage your debit and credit cards
Did you know that you can easily manage your debit card through digital banking by toggling the on/off button to prevent unwanted transactions while you’re travelling? Choose to lock the card completely, limit or exclude certain types of transactions, or even prevent transactions from occurring outside of Canada. Similar options may be available for your credit card. Familiarize yourself with these options prior to leaving and activate them as needed while you’re away to help keep your accounts safe from fraud.
If you use an SCU debit card, follow this tutorial to help you navigate the menu items.
Split up your cash
It’s common to carry cash when travelling, and that’s what a lot of pickpockets are counting on. When heading out for the day, it’s good practice to bring some cash with you and leave the rest in a safe place in your hotel or rental home. You can also split up your cash with a travel partner, so you’ll still have money if your wallet goes missing. You might also want to consider splitting up where you carry the cash, putting some cash in your wallet, some in your pocket or money belt, or in another discrete location where you’re comfortable carrying it.
Don’t share too much information
In the age of social media, we’re conditioned to share our experiences as they happen. It’s natural to be excited about getting away and want to share daily updates with your friends and followers. However, it’s best to use caution when posting anything while you’re travelling. Thieves know to scan social media looking for people posting travel photos, which is a clear indicator you are not home. As much as you might want to share your adventures, posting about your trip after you return home is a safer option. Plus, as a bonus, sharing photos after your trip will allow you to revisit all the fun you had on your travels!
Being mindful and exercising caution at the outset of your travels can make all the difference to ensuring you have a memorable, stress-free vacation. Wherever you choose to venture, please use these tips to stay safe and have a great trip!