Using A Credit Card To Save Money While Traveling
Saving money and traveling don’t seem to be a likely pair,
but the two can go hand-in-hand quite nicely. Perhaps traveling is not a way to
save money in the traditional sense, but it is possible to save money while
traveling. The use of a credit card when traveling makes saving money much
easier.
How you use your card, what you use it on and even what card
you are using will all play a role in how much you can save on your next
vacation. Many credit card providers offer small incentives that can really add
up during a big trip, especially if you’re bringing the whole family along. One
of the most important factors to consider is what credit card you are using.
Avoiding Foreign Transaction Fees
Not all credit cards are designed for travel to foreign
countries. Many of them tack on extra fees for transactions in foreign
countries. These fees can range anywhere from 1 to 3 percent. That fee is added
on when you book a hotel, when you go out to eat, when you buy something from a
store or when you attend an event.
It makes sense to use a credit card specifically for
traveling if you’re traveling to a foreign country or if you travel often. That
means reviewing the fine print and making sure there is no foreign transaction
fee. Even the smallest fees start to add up after only a few days of vacation.
Foreign transactions are not the only fees that can really hurt the wallet if
you aren’t prepared.
Reducing Fees for Flying
Choosing a card that gives great reward miles is smart, but
what about all of the extra fees you encounter when flying? There are fees for
checking bags, for accessing the lounge, for having a meal and even, for
watching movies. These fees vary according to the airline but you can be sure there
are going to be some fees.
Many credit cards designed for travel include credits that
can be used against these fees. Even if you don’t acquire enough credits to
eliminate the fees entirely you can still make a noticeable dent.
There will likely be some restrictions, whether it is using
a certain airline, booking during a certain time, or using your credits before
a period of time has elapsed. Familiarize yourself with the restrictions on the
card and then plan accordingly. While you are looking at this information take
a moment to review any shopping incentives offered by the card provider.
Take Advantage of Incentives
Most cards offer incentives for spending your money at
certain places. This may include restaurants, events, or shops. You might not
normally spend your money at these places, but if you are trying to save money
while traveling, it can be a real help.
You won’t be saving money if the discounts are offered at a
store or restaurant that is already overpriced. Review the prices first and
then decide if the savings are enough to warrant shopping from that location.
You might even have fun exploring new restaurants or stores
that you didn’t know about. You will need to check with the website for your
credit card provider to see if they offer any such incentives and where they
want you to go. The locations may change on a monthly basis so don’t plan too far
ahead for a specific store.
You Have To Do the Research
The credit card companies aren’t going to call you and list
off all of their “hidden” benefits. You will have to do the research and
discover for yourself just what a particular card has to offer. If you don’t
have a travel card already, then you can compare benefits and choose the best
card for your future trip.
If you have already settled for a card and don’t want to
change, then it’s up to you to find out what discounts your card offers and
then take full advantage of them. Likewise, you will want to learn about all of
their fees, especially relating to foreign travel and transactions.
Thomas Gunner is a successful entrepreneur and business
owner. He operates ReviewFilter.com,
which is a cloud based tool for Hotel And Restaurant operators that engages
with recent customers via email or SMS and invites them to give feedback on
their recent experience of your business.
Hotels Etc. offers a superior membership service that allows
consumers to cut their travel expense in half. To learn more visit www.hotelsetc.com