money

As the old saying goes 'money doesn't grow on trees', you know you can never have enough of it but make sure that whatever you do have, it is budgeted and kept in a safe place! Whilst your planning your travels you'll need to think about how much money you'll need, and what format you're going to take it in.

The following tips should help you when thinking about cash on your travels:
Work out your budget before you go and try to stick to it. Think about how much you'll need on a daily basis such as food, accommodation and any additional activities - and then work that out for the number of days you'll be away for.

Have at least two forms of payment - take a mixture of cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards. Don't keep them all together in one place in case you lose them or they are stolen.

Check the validity, expiry dates and cash available on your credit or debit cards ahead before you leave, it's best to know your spending limits before they run out!

Check with your bank prior to going abroad whether you can use your debit/credit card in the countries you are visiting. Remember if you plan to get the bulk of your money in this way you need to factor in bank charges into your budget for withdrawing money abroad.

Try and withdraw the maximum amount each time as you will be charged the same if you withdraw a small amount.

Take at least two cards, making one your emergency reserve and make sure you know the PIN numbers for both cards. Keep both cards separate from each other.

If you are taking travellers' cheques jot down the cheque numbers and an emergency telephone number for them should they get lost or stolen. Keep these details separate from the cheques.

Once you've cashed a cheque in cross the number off from your details. If you do have your cheques stolen, you can see at a glance which cheques you have cashed in and which ones were stolen.

Always have some local currency in small bank notes for when you arrive. If you arrive late you may find the bureau de change may be closed at the airport.

When carrying money around with you, use a wallet for loose change and your day-to-day spending and wear a secure money belt under clothing for your valuable documents and money. If you go in the sea use a waterproof wallet or container and hang it around your neck.

If you're going to be away for a long time make sure you've made arrangements for any credit card bills to be paid otherwise you may find your bank has stopped your card.

Remember if you do run out of money no one is going to send you home for free. Have a return ticket, or enough money to buy one. It's worth noting that if you don't have a return ticket, many countries will refuse you entry unless you can prove you have enough money to buy one.

If you want, give a member of your family the power of attorney to look after your financial affairs while you're away.

Lastly make sure you have some funds for when you arrive back home.