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

What are you going to do with your gas savings?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

With gas prices on the decline Motorist can rack up big savings throughout 2015. Gasoline prices have not been this low since 2009. This trend is expected to continue through the new year resulting in a average saving $550.00 per household.

So - what are you going to do with the lower gas prices? Maybe THIS is the year that you take that long-awaited car trip.

7 Jan 2015

Tips for choosing a hotel for business

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Proximity to business or hotel

There are a few crucial things to keep in mind when selecting a hotel for your business travels. No, it is not the proximity to a thriving downtown with lots of fun bars. One of the most important factors to consider is the proximity of the hotel to the client's office and airport (if you are flying in). You don’t want to be spending the majority of your trip in the car or a taxi.

2 Jan 2015

We, as travellers, are totally wired

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

In our growing age of information and the constant use of technology, travelers rely on a variety of technologies for a range of purposes–from keeping in touch with family members back at home, to mapping their destinations and routes on their travels, to searching for hotels, flights, and restaurants. This is causing travel companies, like Expedia, to come out with apps that make is easier for the wired customer to find hotels.

1 Jan 2015

Tips for traveling by car in winter

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Driving during averse weather conditions can be a challenge. The following articles gives in depth, step by step instructions on how to drive safely during icy/wintry conditions and the various pitfalls to avoid during your journey. However, if it is not possible to drive safely, it would be ideal to simply stay at a nearby hotel for a short duration.

1 Jan 2015

Should you travel off-season?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

I make a point of traveling off-season, as it helps to keep my hotel bills under $50/day. For example, I have gone to the beach in January and February. The weather was cooler - but, I didn't mind. You can put a sweatshirt one for hikes up and down the beach. And, although fewer shops and restaurants are open - there are usually enough shops and restaurants to satisfy all.