Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, preparation is the key to enjoying your time away from home, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Here are a few safety tips prior to leaving on your next trip:
- Stop mail and newspaper delivery, or ask a neighbor or friend to collect them for you.
- Have someone keep an eye on your house. You should also give this person a copy of your itinerary and a key to access the property in case of an emergency.
- Keep all your travel reservations accessible – whether printed documents in a folder or in a file on your phone or tablet. Your records may prove to be valuable if there is a mix-up with your reservation.
- Keep a list of your debit and credit card numbers in a secure location you can access remotely. This information will be important if your wallet is lost or stolen while on your trip.
- If you’re flying, pack an extra set of clothing and necessary personal items in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost or stolen. Be prepared. Don’t let the unexpected ruin your trip.
- Confirm all flight arrangements before leaving your home or office and leave in plenty of time to get through the security gates with ease. You may want to receive text updates for flight time changes, traffic delays, estimated gate changes or parking status.
- Be sure to fully charge all electronics for your trip. Purchase a portable power charger.
- Don’t pack valuables unless they are absolutely necessary to take.
- Set up Online Banking notifications for quick and easy access to your account information.
- Contact your financial institution where you have the debit and credit cards you plan to use on your trip. Alert them of the dates and places you will be traveling so your cards will not be denied for any unusual activity. If you are a BancorpSouth customer, you can call us at 1-888-797-7711 or you can report BancorpSouth debit and credit cards you will be using during your trip through Online Banking Customer Service.
If you’re traveling to a foreign country, consider these additional precautions before leaving:
- Review the language you will be using prior to your trip. Become familiar with key phrases that will help you get from Destination A to Destination B.
- Learn as much as you can about the local customs of the country you are planning to visit.
- Be sure you have the appropriate vaccinations needed to protect yourself from any infectious disease you may encounter in the foreign country you visit.
- Carry a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport - keep one in a separate (secure) part of your travel luggage, and leave the other copy with someone at home.
- Bring a voltage converter for any electrical gadgets you may need, as some countries have different voltage requirements than the U.S.
To report your cards for use while traveling, click here. To speak with one of our representatives about your travel plans call 1-888-797-7711 or stop by one of our branch offices.
© Fintactix, LLC 2017
