Cash, Credit Cards and Traveling

Just before our last cruise, or CC notified us that we didn't need to contact them about our trip as they knew where that we would be traveling as it was all on our charges. They monitor our account and call when there is an unusual charge. Like the time we bought some baby things... it was a legitimate purchase, but we appreciate they keep tabs. I usually take one card and the DH take another. That way we a have a back-up. We take some cash so that we are able to buy things in port without pulling out the credit cards. We don't usually buy much.

A lot of good advice here already. I am most like DVCruise. We seem to modify our behavior when something bad happens to us. Reading and heading the advice here could prevent our own misfortunes down the road. Thanks to the previous contributors.

BTW - I let my CC company know where I am traveling, carry cash in different locations, photo copies of passport/license, and only take two charge cards with me.

We each take a credit card from different banks, some cash and debit cards. Banks are notified and we get notifications on each transaction just when we are away. I also leave a copy of everything Like drivers' license, passports, etc with my son in case of theft or loss.

I take one credit card, one debit card, and some cash when I travel. I've stopped carrying more than one credit card in my wallet. In the military when ever I was in a high risk area and out on liberty I'd put my wallet in my sock with a small amount of cash in my front pocket.

As far as cyber attacks, I keep my alerts at a very low threshold and make sure to look at them when they come up. Only had one false charge in the last several years and that's because someone put their FedEx account number wrong and it just happened to be my number. That one is still in dispute. But other than that have been very fortunate. (Knock on wood!!!)

I also review my different accounts several times a week.

We call our bank and credit card company when we are travelling. Also, we each take a credit card from separate accounts. If one of us loses our card, we can report it lost or stolen and still be able to use the other account. We also split up the cash we take.

I always carry "emergency cash" whenever I travel. Prior to boarding the ship, I keep it in my pocket in case my carry on / purse go missing. I put it in the safe upon boarding.

I've gone to the Princess Visa Credit Card as my main source of payment mainly because of the 2x point benefit I get when on a cruise and their excellent customer service IF there is an issue. I've stopped using my bank debit card period when traveling.

I also have a Brinks prepaid Mastercard that I can load at a local CVS Pharmacy with cash for whatever amount I want. I use that in ports for small purchases.

If I traveled with children, I would get them each visa or mastercard gift cards to use on shore. I gift myself onboard credits ahead of time (again using the Princess Visa for points)

I prepay EVERYTHING including the gratuities before the cruise and I pay off the Princess Visa the day before I leave for the cruise.

Last but not least, I set the alerts on everything down to a small amount ($25) so I see every single transaction going on while I'm away.