| Backpacking is a popular holiday choice for those of | | | | number of things you should check about the card |
| us who want to get out there and see the world. With | | | | before you go: |
| such a variety of destinations in all four corners of the | | | | - Is it covered for use abroad? Check for the |
| world, there is no end of choice for the adventurous | | | | Mastercard or Visa logo before you apply, as these |
| traveller. | | | | are globally recognised brands and the most likely to |
| When preparing for a backpacking trip, it is important | | | | be accepted in many establishments around the world. |
| to ensure that you have a number of aspects in place | | | | - Is there a pre-pay option on the card? Debit cards |
| - ranging from medical to monetary - and one of the | | | | can be useful for short holidays as they provide you |
| most crucial of these is making sure you have money | | | | with a budget, so you can prioritise payments and also |
| available during your trip. | | | | think about just how much you want to spend on |
| For many backpackers, carrying money is one of the | | | | souvenirs. |
| main worries of their journey. Being in an unfamiliar | | | | - If you're taking a debit card issued by a bank, do they |
| environment can be quite daunting, but not having the | | | | have outlets in the country you are visiting? If not, you |
| money to get by is a scary thought should you run into | | | | must ensure that they allow you to withdraw money |
| any trouble. Because of these risks, many | | | | at cash machines in other countries, and how much |
| backpackers choose to take cards with them on their | | | | would you be charged for such a service. |
| trips in order to minimise the chances of losing money | | | | As well as ensuring that you find out as much as you |
| on their excursions. | | | | can about the cards and what they offer before you |
| Credit cards offer the chance to spread payments | | | | travel, it is important to inform your bank or credit card |
| over a period of time, and can come in very handy for | | | | company that the card will be used abroad in order to |
| emergency situations, whilst debit cards allow the | | | | ensure that any balance transfer that you put through |
| chance to set yourself a budget through the use of a | | | | won't be halted due to suspicion of fraud. |
| balance - usually accumulated during employment | | | | By taking the time to research the options available to |
| before travelling. | | | | you before your travels, and by watching your |
| Research is key when it comes to deciding the | | | | spending limits during your travels, you can ensure that |
| financial route you want to take while you travel, not | | | | you get the most out of your backpacking experience, |
| just about the best deal on a card before you go but | | | | remaining financially safe along the way. |
| also your limits for using the card abroad. There are a | | | | |