From the February 2008 issue.
Before a trip, first I arrange for every bill possible — car insurance, phone, etc. — to be paid by my credit cards. I never, never enter anything in a computer. Then I arrange for my credit cards to be paid by my bank automatically every month. I make sure my checking account has enough in it to cover the bills.
For that one guy who will only accept a check, I take care of him separately before the trip. Then I am carefree for a long trip.
I use two credit cards for travel, because both my MasterCard and Visa have been refused in the past. Near Bø, Norway, my girlfriend purchased a silver bracelet. She proffered a MasterCard, which was refused. My Visa was accepted with a big smile.
In the city of Iloilo on the island of Panay in the Philippines, after my Visa card was refused at two different restaurants in a row I switched to my MasterCard, which was happily accepted.
I also carry an extra Visa card, just in case. The bank pays it also. I use USAA (United Services Automobile Association, a financial services company based in San Antonio, TX; 800/531-2265, www.usaa.com), which combines their MasterCard and Visa statements on one document. Keep things simple.
With my system, I feel I have the freedom to enjoy my travel experiences totally. My backups give me even more security and peace, and it’s all easy and cheap.
R. CASEY HASEY
Cathedral City, CA
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