Using credit cards while traveling isgood idea fornumber of reasons:

*You haverecord of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business).

*You may getbetter exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card.

*Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or warranties.

*Your liability incase ofstolen credit card is limited to $fivezero.

But, traveling these days is oftenjuggling act of luggage, boarding passes, identification cards, passports andgauntlet of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave you distracted and evenlittle bit addled, perhaps putting you more at risk of being targeted byenterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.

And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor inhassle and increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparentfew preemptive measures can save you fromboatload of heartache.

Considerfollowing tips as guidelines to traveling safely and affordably with your credit cards….

Plan Ahead:

Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies withfriend or family member.

Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification codes and social security numbers.

If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be sure to havecard cancellation numbers frombacks ofcards written down and stashed in your luggage.

LeavePaper Trail:

Save receipts and keep track ofplaces you used your card. Make sure receipts are stored insafe place so they can be checked against your credit card statement to ensure unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.

His & Hers:

When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring different credit cards that are on separate accounts. Whencard is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards onaccount are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from separate accounts will preventsituation from leaving you stranded.

Lighten Up:

Carry onlypersonal information absolutely necessary for vacation, such aspassport or driver's license. The less personal information you have,better off you will be if your purse or wallet is stolen.

When traveling by air, always keep copies of important documents inseparate part of your luggage, such ascarry-on bag.

Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to access while out and about. Considermoney belt or security wallet.

Watch out for fees:

When traveling abroad and usingcredit card, watch out forconversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars, generally one% ofpurchase amount. Some banks chargefee and some do not so, if you have several cards, it's worth checking withissuers to see which one hasbest deal. Even withconversion charge, many times ATM machines will havebest possible exchange rates andlowest fees.

With proper planning, credit cards areconvenient, secure and cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these tips in mind, andnext time you're balancing on one foot atsecurity gate, you'll be glad you did.