Thursday, September 15, 2011

AMT/AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL OFFERS FINANCIAL TIPS FOR VACATIONERS

September 12, 2003

&194;“With a little financial foresight and planning, travelers can maximize their vacation dollars and make their trips hasslefree,&194;” said Frank Morgan , CFO, of AMT/ American Express Travel &194;“In a tight economy, everyone wants to be sure they are stretching their vacation dollars, managing their spending and safeguarding their cash while traveling. What may seem like common sense actions can sometimes be overlooked in the excitement of planning a getaway.&194;”

In addition to an array of travel products and services, AMT/American Express Travel is now offering fee free Travelers Cheques. &194;“We want to be a complete one-stop shop when it comes to vacation travel and helping our clients safeguard their money is important,&194;” [said Frank Morgan.] &194;“Even better is that our affiliation with American Express allows us to offer Travelers Cheques with no fee to our customers.&194;”

AMT/American Express Travel offers the following tips for managing and safeguarding your vacation dollars:

Before you go

Consult a Travel Professional

Consult a travel agent. Let a professional handle your trip and take the hassle out of vacation planning. It will save you time and money and you&194;’ll have someone to assist you if plans go awry. By purchasing a trip from an American Express travel agent or carrying an American Express Card, travelers have access to American Express&194;’ Worldwide Care program. If anything should happen along the way, American Express travelers can visit anyone of more than 1,700* Travel and Foreign Exchange Service locations worldwide for free assistance.

Reap Rewards

Purchase your vacation with a card tied to a rewards program. That way you can start earning your next vacation while enjoying your current trip.

Protect Your Investment

Consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard your trip. Ask your travel agent which insurance plan is right for you.

Schedule Payments Online

Pay your bills electronically before you go to avoid late fees or returning to a pile of bills. Through online banking services and direct deposit, travelers can schedule payments and eliminate financial worries while on vacation.

Limit the Cash You Carry

Instead of carrying lots of extra cash and to ensure that you stick to your travel budget, carry Travelers Cheques on your next trip. American Express&194;&174; Travelers Cheques are accepted around the world.. They can be easily replaced if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours. [Your agency] offers fee free Travelers Cheques to American Express Cardmembers. As an added benefit, American Express Travelers Cheques customers can now receive passport and credit card replacement assistance.

Traveling to Europe

Consider purchasing Euro-denominated Travelers Cheques prior to your trip. Avoid having to exchange currency or frequent visits to the ATM by carrying sufficient Euro Travelers Cheques. You can cash them at your hotel or a retail outlet without having to pay a high conversion rate. Twelve European countries now use the Euro so you can travel from country to country with the same Travelers Cheques.

Unpack Your Wallet Before Leaving Home

Leave your local department store credit cards and other unnecessary items behind.

Copy Your Documents

Give copies of passport, airline ticket, credit card and Travelers Cheques numbers with someone you trust at home. In the event of a loss, replacement will be expedited if you can quickly provide critical information.

Pack a Variety of Forms of Payment and Two Forms of Photo ID

&194;&183; Include major credit card(s); Travelers Cheques and a small amount of cash

&194;&183; Only carry as much cash as needed

&194;&183; Leave excess cash and one form of Photo ID in the hotel safe

At your destination

Change Money Fee Free

American Express Travelers Cheques are welcomed around the world and can be exchanged for local currency free of charge at thousands of locations. You can exchange your Travelers Cheques for local currency fee free and receive travel assistance and other valuable services at more than 1,700 American Express Travel Service locations worldwide.

Use a Charge Card for Vacation Purchases

Travelers should consider using a charge or credit card for vacation expenses. A charge or credit card can help travelers keep track of spending and provide a record of all purchases. Plus, cards tied to membership rewards programs earn points on vacation purchases.

Distribute Your Risk

&194;&183; Don&194;’t carry all forms of payment and other valuables in one place

&194;&183; Carry wallets in front pockets or keep pockets securely fastened with a pin or velcro if necessary

&194;&183; Wear handbags with the opening next to the body

Avoid ATMs that are not Well-lit and Secure

Remember that cash is &194;“muggable money&194;” and that ATM cards may not be easily replaced if lost or stolen. Put cash away immediately and don&194;’t carry large amounts of cash.

For more information on managing your money while traveling, contact AMT/American Express Travel. Frank Morgan. American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the largest global travel agency networks. The company has more than 1,700 Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations worldwide in more than 130 countries.

For more information, AMT/American Express Travel, call 1-800-999-2599 or visit anttravel.com.

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