It’s finally here. That magical time of year when the days are hot, the coffee is iced, and the nights are spent dreaming of upcoming vacations and travel adventures far, far away.

We know that dealing with cyber predators and unsafe travel conditions are not on your bucket list, and we also know that dealing with the fallout from identity theft is no fun.

To help keep you safe and informed, here are 5 essential travel tips for wherever your adventures take you :

Make copies of important travel documents.

You should include your travel itinerary, health insurance cards, credit cards and passport. You should then give the copies to someone you trust in case of an emergency. It is also smart to email any important information about your trip to yourself before you leave so it is easily accessible if something gets lost, especially if you are traveling overseas.

Use a credit card that has travel protection

Traveling can come with a lot of uncertainties, which is why it is always important to be prepared. Using a credit card that helps with emergency assistance, car rental insurance and lost luggage can bring you peace of mind while traveling. Our VISA Platinum Credit Card has all those additional benefits and more.  Connect with us before your next trip to get approved!

Don’t use public Wi-Fi to access financial information or make online purchases.

It is very easy for hackers to steal information from public internet servers. Further, you should never leave your laptop or cell phone in a vulnerable position (i.e. at the breakfast table while you run to the bathroom, or beach chair while you take a dip); this might seem like common sense, but it is easy to let your guard down when you are on island time!

Research, Research, Research.

It is important to learn the ins and outs of your destination and so some digging to find out what areas are safe and what areas you should avoid. A good place to start? Read hotel reviews online to see what neighborhoods and destinations other travelers recommend. Remember that if a place seems unsafe or makes you feel uncomfortable, you should leave right away. You can also download the State Department’s Smart Traveler app  and sign up for the State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. citizens who are traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Inform the credit unions of your travel plans

To keep your money safe, we automatically block transactions clearing from countries and merchants that have a high risk of fraud occurring. If you give us a call prior to your travels, we can ensure your cards work while you are away from home, giving you peace of mind.