Planning a vacation requires careful preparation, including managing your money safely. While traveling is an exciting and rewarding experience, it is also a time when theft or fraud can derail your plans. Ensuring you have enough money for your hotel, transportation, food, and leisure activities can make or break your trip.
These 7 travel tips will help keep your money safe and your vacation worry-free:

NOTIFY THE ISSUER OF YOUR CARDS

Before you travel, it is important to notify your bank and credit card companies of your plans. This can help prevent your accounts from being locked and your transactions from being flagged as fraudulent activity while you are on vacation.

USE CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS OVER CASH

When possible, choose credit or debit cards over carrying large amounts of cash. These cards offer a higher level of security, as they can be quickly locked in the event of theft or fraud, and you can report losses to avoid liability for unauthorized charges. If you notice any suspicious activity, notify your bank or credit card company immediately to initiate the fraud protection process.

SAVE CONTACT INFORMATION

Losing your wallet or cards on vacation is stressful, but proper preparation can prevent it from ruining your trip. Keep pictures or copies of your cards and their contact information either on hand in a secure location or with someone you trust at home. In the event of loss or theft, these copies will provide the details needed to quickly contact the bank or credit card company to cancel your cards before any fraudulent transactions occur. Typically, mobile banking also allows you to freeze your accounts or promptly access customer service contact information for the bank or credit card company.

CARRY MULTIPLE PAYMENT METHODS

While credit cards are a convenient and secure option, it is still wise to carry more than one method of payment. Bringing backup cards or cash in case of an emergency can help you navigate unexpected situations such as a declined, lost, or stolen card, or cash-only transactions

SECURE YOUR MONEY

To avoid pickpocketing or the risk of your wallet falling out unnoticed, keep it in your front pocket. Carry your purse or handbag in front of you instead of behind. Use a secure, anti-theft wallet with RFID-blocking technology for added protection. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public and be discreet when making any payments. Hotel safes are ideal for storing extra cash, important documents, and any spare credit cards.

MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS

Signing up for mobile banking is an excellent way to track and monitor your accounts while traveling. Offered by most banks and credit card companies, mobile banking allows you to access your accounts from electronic devices. Through this service, you can check balances, transfer funds, monitor transactions, and more. Many mobile banking services allow you to set up alerts for account activity, sending real-time notifications to your electronic device.

STAY ALERT

When you are traveling, common sense is your best defense. Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts – your gut feeling is a powerful tool in protecting both yourself and your finances. Before using an ATM, inspect the machine carefully for any signs of tampering prior to inserting your card. Skimming devices can be placed on ATMs to steal personal data and potentially disable or clone your card. If an ATM location does not seem safe, find another. Unattended or freestanding ATMs are more vulnerable to harbor skimmers; therefore, it is safer to use machines attached to banks or well-monitored retail locations.
Traveling should be fun, not a source of financial stress. By doing your research and following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your finances.

Germantown Trust and Savings Bank is here to help customers with any questions they have about safeguarding their funds when on vacation. Come into a branch or call 618-523-4202 between 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, to speak to a representative.

* This is reprinted from the “Neighbor of Clinton County Magazine”, July 2025, Page 20