Safe & Smart Travel Tips From Baron Financial Group

A 3-minute read by the Baron Team: We are entering the summer-travel season and thought it would be helpful to share some of the travel tips utilized by our Baron Team members. To protect Your Personal Economy^SM, here are some safe & smart tips to consider before you head out.  Note that most of these, but not all, are for international travel.

General:

• For packing and logistics, it’s always helpful to keep a checklist.
• Let family members know your itinerary and flight information before leaving the country.
• Add an Apple AirTag to each checked piece to be able to track luggage.
• Carry important documents, medicines, passports, chargers and other irreplaceable items in your carry-on. 
• Consider adding a change of clothes and essential toiletry items in your carry-on in case luggage gets lost.
• Consider packing small amounts of some OTC medicines, since some may not be available overseas (i.e., Tylenol).
• in case your phone dies, carry a printed copy of  your itinerary, hotel address, flight numbers and emergency contacts.
• If you are over 6 feet tall, best to avoid the middle seat – just ask Victor!

Passport:

• If traveling abroad, check your passport validity and entry rules, as well as expiration status.
• If traveling within the U.S., make sure you have your Real I.D. or passport with you.
• Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates, even if it doesn't expire until after your trip.
• Leave a copy of your passport in your luggage pieces.
• Secure your original passport in your hotel safe and take a printed copy when out of the hotel, unless the country you are traveling to requires you carry the original with you at all times. Check your country of destination.

Monetary:

• For those traveling within the U.S., organize your budget into lodging, food and fun, and remember to include an additional 10-15% for spontaneous spending.
• Take two credit cards with no international fees – one for primary spending and one as a backup – leave one in your hotel and carry only one in case of loss or theft. Same with cash – carry some, leave some.
• Notify your bank and credit card company where you are traveling internationally and understand what options are available.  Although some won’t need to know, it’s best to check.
• It might be best to leave your debit card home.
• It’s best to charge items using local currency and let the credit card company handle the conversion.
• If you are traveling internationally and need cash for miscellaneous expenses, you can order currency from your local bank prior to departure. This alleviates the stress of needing to convert at the airport, where exchange rates are usually less favorable.  You might need to allow extra time for the foreign currency to arrive at your local bank.
• When withdrawing money from a cash machine overseas, make sure to use an actual bank machine, where the charges are not as high.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for anything financial.

Security: 

• We suggest using “theft resistant” cross body bags/purses as pick-pocketing is commonplace.
• Using a lanyard for your cell phone may be helpful to avoid drive by-phone grabs. 
• Be aware of surroundings and avoid interacting with people asking you questions or directions. 
• Consider securing your luggage to racks with simple locks when traveling on trains since “grab-and-run” is a concern.
• Register with the U.S. Dept of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get updates on potential protests and zones to be avoided - also helpful with information if you lose your passport or have an international issue.
• Know how to dial locally for an emergency (like 911 in U.S. – 112 in EU countries)

Insurance: 

• Know your medical insurance coverage and consider supplemental insurance.
• Travel insurance is a must for most of our team, especially when cruising – not just for trip costs but mostly for medical emergencies or even smaller medical issues – international and onboard care is extremely expensive, and U.S. insurance does not cover it. Medical evacuation could cost $15k-$50k.
• If you are renting a car, make sure you understand your insurance coverage.

Cell Phone: 

• Best to get an international phone plan for both phones so as not to go on Wi-Fi. If you are not getting a plan, take your phone off roaming and turn on airplane mode so you don’t incur exorbitant charges. Check with your phone carrier to see what they offer for international travel.  Some plans offer a minimal daily fee.
• Be aware that public Wi-Fi is not secure. 

We hope you enjoy a safe and easy travel experience!
Please reach out to your Baron Team for any questions.

Disclosures: Baron Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser with offices in New Jersey and Florida and serves clients nationally. Every investment strategy has the potential for profit or loss. This is a general communication being provided for informational purposes only. Your Personal Economy refers to the aspects of your financial life that are unique to you.