How to Travel Without a Big Credit Card Bill at the End
Written by Octavia Ramirez

Thursday, June 7th, 2018

Enhanced financial technology, new online platforms, and mobile apps have made it possible to travel the world without incurring any credit card debt. Here's how you can avoid coming home from the trip of a lifetime to a credit card bill of a lifetime…

Book Everything Online and Immediately Pay It Off

Flights, hotels, and other accommodations usually come with the heftiest price tag. If not approached or managed correctly, these expenses can cause you to rack up huge debt on your credit card, and get dinged with lofty interest charges if the debt carries over.

Avoid this by pricing out exactly how much your flights and accommodations of choice will be, and save up that cost before you book. When you make the purchase on your credit card, pay off the balance in full before the payment due date.

Consider Car Shares Instead of Traditional Rental Cars

Car share companies like Turo and Maven can be great alternatives to traditional car rentals. These platforms allow you to book local individuals' cars through a mobile app using your credit card. Payment is due in full at the time of booking, which is helpful when budgeting and saving for the transportation costs of your trip.

For those who prefer to be driven around once they arrive at their destination, rideshare apps are available in most major cities across the globe. Avoid the difficulty of having to navigate or negotiate fluctuating cab fares in foreign countries. With car sharing apps, input your destination yourself, and the cost is regulated and clearly listed on the app, removing the anxiety of getting lost in translation.

Cash as an Alternative for Food and Entertainment

Depending on the country, paying for food and entertainment with a credit or debit card may be difficult, particularly with street food vendors. Carry only as much cash as you'll need for that day, leaving the rest in a secure place or safe at your hotel.

For meals or entertainment where you end up using your credit card, make sure you don't forget about the charges when you get home. If you can pay charges off through online banking while you're there, go for it.

Many people consider travel to be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend their money. When paid in full, without any lingering debt whatsoever, seeing the world becomes that much more amazing.

Share now

Spend and save at the same time with the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card.

Learn about Tangerine’s options for spending that put you in charge.

Related posts

Lauren, 23, is taking on inflation — and winning
Lauren, 23, is taking on inflation — and winning
September 1st, 2022 | Robin Taub
Student aid: Tips to keep up with the costs of education
Student aid: Tips to keep up with the costs of education
August 19th, 2022 | Ethan Rotberg
Tips from a Retiree Travelling the World
Tips from a Retiree Travelling the World
August 11th, 2022 | Anne Papmehl
Legal Stuff
This article or video (the “Content”), as applicable, is provided by independent third parties that are not affiliated with Tangerine Bank or any of its affiliates. Tangerine Bank and its affiliates neither endorse or approve nor are liable for any third party Content, or investment or financial loss arising from any use of such Content.
The Content is provided for general information and educational purposes only, is not intended to be relied upon as, or provide, personal financial, tax or investment advice and does not take into account the specific objectives, personal, financial, legal or tax situation, or particular circumstances and needs of any specific person. No information contained in the Content constitutes, or should be construed as, a recommendation, offer or solicitation by Tangerine to buy, hold or sell any security, financial product or instrument discussed therein or to follow any particular investment or financial strategy. In making your financial and investment decisions, you will consult with and rely upon your own advisors and will seek your own professional advice regarding the appropriateness of implementing strategies before taking action. Any information, data, opinions, views, advice, recommendations or other content provided by any third party are solely those of such third party and not of Tangerine Bank or its affiliates, and Tangerine Bank and its affiliates accept no liability in respect thereof and do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any information in the third party Content. Any information contained in the Content, including information related to interest rates, market conditions, tax rules, and other investment factors, is subject to change without notice, and neither Tangerine Bank nor its affiliates are responsible for updating this information.
Tangerine Investment Funds are managed by Tangerine Investment Management Inc. and are only available by opening an Investment Fund Account with Tangerine Investment Funds Limited. These firms are wholly owned subsidiaries of Tangerine Bank. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.