12 Aug 2016

Traveling to another country? Watch out for additional credit card fees!

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

U.S. citizens should be aware of the additional fees their credit cards may rack up when used in another country (including Canada and Mexico). The two major types of fees are foreign transaction fees and currency conversion fees.

A foreign transaction fee is assessed by the credit card issuer and is usually charged as a percentage of each purchase, generally around 3%. A currency conversion fee, on the other hand, is assessed by the card’s payment processor and is, therefore, less obvious. To find out the full currency conversion fee, a traveler might have to compare their store receipt to the transaction cost on their statement.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these additional costs. Some credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, and some credit card issuers pay the currency conversion fee to the payment processor for the customer. Travelers should consult their credit card company about these fees before making international purchases. And, if you will be in another country for quite a while - be sure to shop around for a "foreign-friendly" credit card before you leave!

Read the full article here:
What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee? #wanderlusting

Travel Tips

Miniature golf - in a hotel?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

The Hudson Hotel in New York City has a special surprise in it's courtyard this spring. For $10 a game, you can enjoy a go at their Putt Putt Park! It is a miniature golf course, complete with all the traditional mini golf attractions, such as the ever popular windmill. Guests can also enjoy a round of delicious food and beverage unique to the Putt Putt Park. The park's hours range from 2 pm-10 pm, and various deals through their hotel packages can help gain you access.

13 Apr 2015

Will you get the Apple Watch for your travels?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

The world is anticipating the launch of Apple's new wearable, the Watch, which will launch on April 24, 2015. Airlines, hotels and booking sites have already been busily developing apps, compatible with the new wearable and each brand is adding unique features, such as IHG's Dick Tracy-style translation app, which is similar to a successful iPhone app. Starwood has developed an app, allowing the Watch to be used as the room key.

12 Apr 2015

Will virtual travel replace real travel?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

For most of us, our desire to travel exceeds our budget. Can virtual reality replace the real thing? It would be pretty nice to paddle through a mangrove swamp or stroll along the Great Wall of China without having to negotiate time off work. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen any time soon. The smell of a tequila distillery or the fireworks at a local festival won't be coming to any headset.

11 Apr 2015

What do the Millennials want in travel?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Hipmunk, an online travel company, recently polled 1400 participants, asking about their travel habits and preferences. They noted several interesting facts about Millennials in particular.

10 Apr 2015

Don't let those old suitcases go to waste!

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Suitcases for Kids was an idea by a ten year-old foster child which is based on a simple idea: people have an attic full of unused suitcases, while foster children have a high need for suitcases, since they are constantly moving.

So, donate your old travel bags to foster children - or, women's shelters, homeless shelters or the Goodwill. Or, if the suitcases are just too old for anyone: you can recycle those old suitcases into items such as dog beds and organized storage.