Credit Card Guide to Spring Break: 4 Things You Should Know Before You Go

Written by Beverly Blair Harzog
Posted On: March 12, 2010

College students may have been the ones to put spring break on the map, but these days, entire families look forward to it. Here are four things to know before you and your credit cards hit the road:

#1: Protect yourself

Before you leave home, make a list of your account numbers and your card issuers' phone numbers. Keep it in a safe place. If your card is stolen, you'll have your card issuers' contact information at your fingertips. Reporting a stolen card immediately helps limit your liability.

If you're worried about other mishaps while traveling, there are cards that offer premium travel protection--for a price. For instance, you can get rental car protection against theft or damage. Or if you're traveling with something valuable, paying for baggage protection might be a good idea.

#2: Just say no to foreign transaction fees

Travel is expensive enough without having foreign transaction fees denting your wallet. These fees can range from 1% to 3%. If you spend $100 (American dollars) on dinner at a lovely café in Paris, foreign transaction fees could jack up that price.

So if you're traveling outside the U.S., choose your credit card carefully. Take a look at Capital One credit cards because this issuer is not currently charging these fees. Pentagon Fedferal Credit Union also offers a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

#3: Take advantage of reward programs

Choose a card where you earn rewards that fit in with your itinerary. Going on a road trip? Check out gas cards. Flying somewhere exotic? Compare airline rewards.

Many cards offer a combination of travel-related rewards. CardRatings.com has a huge database of rewards credit cards, and you can even sort them by reward type.

#4: Don't come home in credit card debt

It's easy to feel wild and free on vacation and suddenly decide you can eat filet mignon even though you're on a hamburger budget.

Here's the solution: If you don't think you can keep yourself from splurging, consider using a prepaid credit card. These cards are recommended for those with poor credit, but you can use a prepaid card as a budgeting tool. Fund the card and tell your family that when the money's gone, vacation is over. Just make sure you leave enough money for the drive home.