Money, passports and safe travels

By Adam Albrecht
The Collegian

When traveling to another country being safe with money, a passport and other accessories is important.

Jody Blosser-Tejeda at Travel Express in Fresno said one of the biggest issues about traveling is how to handle money. “While traveling always carry a major credit car and some cash already exchanged into another currency. Most airports can exchange U.S. currency into other countries currency,” Blosser-Tejeda said.

“I traveled abroad to Europe this past summer with the business program, and I took my credit card and some cash with me,” business major Callie Adams said. “It is a lot easier to use my card than to exchange currencies or to use traveler checks.”

Some travelers worry about their passports getting lost or stolen while traveling.

“Keep your original passport with you at all times,” Blosser-Tejeda said. “Always make two photo copies of your passport just in case your original gets stolen or lost. ”

Blosser-Tejeda said beginning 2007, all travelers will need a passport to travel outside the United States, including Canada and Mexico.

Since the events of Sept. 11, a guideline list of what the travelers can and cannot fly with that travelers should be aware of. However, some guidelines have been relaxed, check with the airlines to see what items are now permitted.

Blosser-Tejeda said, “Some airlines have stopped serving meals during the flights, other than the little pretzel bags.” Blosser-Tejeda recommends bringing non-perishable snacks and bottled water.

Blosser-Tejeda said travelers should pack extra clothing in their carry-ons, in case luggage is misplaced.

She also recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before a flight is scheduled for take off.

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