A wise traveler once said: “Take half the clothes and twice the money!”

Try to resist the urge to pack everything “just in case” and all but the kitchen sink.

The secrets to selecting and packing well: pack light, adaptable and comfortable clothing, do not buy an all new wardrobe prior to traveling, comfortable shoes, cotton or wool socks as you will be doing a lot of walking, underwear, avoid expensive clothes that you are sorry for, washability, durability and color, mix-and-match, accessorize to bring variety, layer and adjust to the climate.

Other money considerations when traveling:

Foreign exchange - Changing money

Look for the best rate and be aware of banking hours.

Familiarize yourself with how the process and exchange rate actually works.

Clarify any fees associated with the transaction.

Know the local currency and be able to tell them apart.

Bring a small pocket calculator to assist you with quick conversions.

Save all your receipts.

Combine your monetary instruments and travel funds.

Cash, credit cards and traveler’s checks, preferably carried on-person, in a money-belt.

ATM systems

Available, accessible, convenient and expensive.

Transaction fees for cash withdrawals.

Set Dollar limit daily on what you can withdraw.

Credit card withdrawals will require a PIN code - get this by calling the toll-free # or your local bank prior to your departure.

Bring Visa and Master card - not all machines accept all cards.

You will receive local currency, not dollars. You will be billed accordingly to the exchange rate on the day the charge clears at home, not the rate in effect on the day of the transaction.

Traveler’s checks

Safest way to have your travel funds with you.

Receive a better exchange rate than cash typically.

Get them early and lock in your rate.

Denominations (small and large preferred).

Keep a record: city and date or purchase, amount and numbers.

Update your record daily, keep better track of your spending, budget, and cash still in-hand.

You will need a passport to cash your traveler’s checks.

Immediately report any stolen or lost checks.

Credit cards

Convenient and safe to use.

Postpones immediate payment for transportation, lodgings, purchases and so on.

Can assist you to get access to cash.

Beware of overspending.

Watch the exchange rates.

Credit card acceptance varies.

Different cards have different perks .

Protect your credit cards.

Check and keep all your charge slips - these will be used for budgeting and expense consolidation.

Red Tape and documents you should take on a trip abroad:

Travel documentation: tickets,  passport and visas.

Copy of naturalization certificate.

Birth certificate.

Driver’s license and international driver’s permit.

Travel insurance claims form.

Extra passport photos - at least half a dozen.

Any membership cards,  like AAA membership, retired, veteran or student cards.

Basic medical information, blood type, allergies, doctor’s address, prescription refill and extra prescription medications you may require.

Immunization cards.

“IF YOU GO ONLY ONCE AROUND THE ROOM, YOU ARE WISER THAN HE WHO STANDS STILL”  Estonian Proverb

There are numerous popular and well-read, published, copyrighted materials and even out of print sources and books available on travel in general. Some are general and others deal specifically with budgeting for business, leisure or vacation travel. General references are made to some of the sources used in this summary.  This is complemented by an increasing amount of quality online publications, sources and travel sites, specifically named and credited here for their contributions to the body of knowledge on travel. Through state-of-the-art, budget travel-sites and dollar-saver clubs, they openly share travel insights and offer money-saving options for travelers to explore in the public domain. This proud tradition will continue.