Globe Aware volunteers know that while planning a trip can be exciting, it’s easy to overlook the financial side of pre-travel prep. Before you jet off, take a moment to learn how to protect your money and avoid scams, theft, or costly mishaps abroad.

Avoiding travel fraud: 6 tips to keep your money safe on vacation

Make sure you have the proper safeguards in place before you go OOO.

By Ivana Pino
Yahoo! Finance
July 16, 2025

When planning a trip, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of booking flights, accommodations, and excursions. But some travelers may overlook the financial side of pre-trip preparations.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or relaxing at a beach resort, the last thing you want on vacation is to lose your money. Traveling can make you an easy target for scams, theft, or financial mishaps, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the local customs, currency, and language. But a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your money safe.

So before you jet off, learn how to protect yourself and your finances while traveling.

How to keep your money safe when traveling

According to a report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the travel industry is one of the sectors most susceptible to fraud. The study found that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons.

When you’ve put time and money into planning a trip, the last thing you want is for a financial mishap to spoil your vacation. If you want to keep your money safe, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.

1. Keep your financial institution in the loop
Before you leave, take the time to inform your bank, credit union, and/or credit card companies that you’ll be traveling. For one, this will ensure legitimate transactions aren’t flagged for fraud, which can be a major hassle to clear up while traveling.

Additionally, notifying your financial institutions of your travel details (including where you’re going and the dates of your trip) can also help detect fraudulent activity that may occur once you’re back home. For instance, if your debit or credit card information is stolen while you’re traveling, the scammer may not try to use it until weeks later. However, your bank will know that you’re back in the U.S. and can stop suspicious transactions from going through.

2. Set up account alerts for suspicious activity
Though many banks have fraud detection services in place, they’re not foolproof. You can add another layer of security by setting up bank alerts that help you spot suspicious activity right away.

For example, you can enable text or email alerts for transactions over a certain dollar amount or when your account balance falls below a certain threshold.

3. Avoid non-bank ATMs
When you need cash in a pinch, you may be tempted to use the first ATM you can find. However, pulling money out of a privately owned ATM, especially a standalone machine in a dark or low-traffic area, puts you at higher risk of ATM skimming.

Instead, plan ahead and withdraw cash from ATMs located inside reputable banks, airports, and other well-lit, high-traffic areas. You can also consider purchasing foreign currency before you set off for your trip (but don’t carry the full amount on you once you reach your destination).

4. Keep your wallet close
If you’re out and about, keep your wallet close to you and secured at all times. Don’t walk around with your wallet in your back pocket or in an unzipped purse, especially if you’ll be walking through crowded areas or tourist attractions.

You should also avoid carrying around large amounts of cash. Consider keeping enough cash in your wallet to cover your expenses for that day and storing the rest in your hotel safe.

5. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing online banking
Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept unencrypted data between your device and the Wi-Fi router. Plus, scammers can set up a rogue Wi-Fi network with a name similar to a legitimate one (like “Hotel_WiFi_Free” vs. “Hotel_WiFi”) so that when you connect, they can monitor everything you do.

So, when you use a public network to log into online banking platforms, you’re putting your sensitive information at risk of falling into the wrong hands. If you absolutely need to log on to your account while abroad, it’s best to rely on your mobile data or a VPN to keep your information secure.

6. Have a backup payment method
If your primary payment method is compromised while traveling, carrying a second credit card or extra cash can ensure you always have access to your money. If possible, carry your backup card or cash in a separate, hidden area from your primary payment method.

Nancy’s Volunteer Adventures Around the World

In this episode of the Globe Aware podcast, summer intern Santiago López sits down with former volunteer Nancy to learn about the many adventures she’s experienced while participating in nearly every program Globe Aware offers! From unforgettable moments abroad to valuable travel tips, Nancy shares her stories, insights, and advice for future volunteers. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and what keeps her coming back for more.

Globe Aware volunteers and all other travelers will no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. This confirmed change began July 8th, officially ending the long-standing TSA policy.

TSA ends shoe removal rule nationwide effective immediately

Zach Wichter
USA TODAY
July 14, 2025

Passengers are no longer required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, announced in a news conference July 8 that the long-standing policy requiring most passengers to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints is no longer in effect.

Summer travel can present added challenges for parents of children with autism, from disrupted routines to sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar settings. Globe Aware volunteers and families can benefit from these tips to help make travel more enjoyable for everyone involved.

10 summer travel tips for families of autistic children

Journal Record
July 8, 2025

Summer has arrived, and families are taking to the roads and the air for vacations. Most parents know well the typical trials of family travel — children seem to become needier and more easily bored when they are removed from their natural habitats.

For many retirees, leaving the workforce can lead to unexpected questions about purpose and connection. Globe Aware volunteers discover how volunteering can bring fulfillment, community, and renewed meaning.

5 Compelling Reasons to Volunteer in Retirement for a Richer Life

By Beverly Bird
June 30, 2025
Investopedia

Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area.

The monsoon season is beautiful but can be unpredictable. Packing the right items can keep your Globe Aware volunteer vacation safe, dry, and stress-free.

Don’t forget these 10 things while packing for a monsoon vacation

The monsoon season is beautiful but can be unpredictable. Packing the right items can keep your trip safe, dry, and stress-free.

A monsoon trip is special: fresh green views, cool breezes, and light showers can make your holiday memorable. But rain also brings muddy roads, wet clothes, and sudden weather changes.

This Fourth of July is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods, with over 72 million Americans expected to hit the road or skies. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s how you can make the most of the long weekend when it comes to travel.

Flying or driving for July 4? Here’s the best time to leave and how much it’ll cost

Kathleen Wong
USA TODAY
June 23, 2025

A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation, but air travel is also expected to hit record numbers.
Travelers can find tips on the best and worst times to drive to avoid holiday traffic congestion.
Summer travelers, gear up. This Fourth of July is going to be a busy one.

With the 2025 hurricane season underway, experts warn it could bring some of the strongest storms yet, which could be a concern for Globe Aware volunteers planning to travel. Here’s what to know.

NOAA Warns of an ‘Above-normal Hurricane’ Season This Year With 19 Projected Storms—What Travelers Should Know

This season’s hurricanes could reach the “strongest” categories of storms.

By Michael Cappetta
June 9, 2025
Travel + Leisure

With the 2025 hurricane season officially kicking off, experts are sounding the alarm that this year could bring the “strongest” of potential storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently published its annual forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and the data shows a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season. As part of the forecast, the agency predicts as many as 19 named storms, including five major storms that are category three or higher, according to the report.

Numerous factors can disrupt your digestion while traveling. Globe Aware volunteers aren’t alone if their stomachs act up on the road; here’s what a recent survey reveals.

This Is How Long Travelers Hold Their Bowels and Bladder While Traveling, Survey Finds

A new survey reveals 51 percent of travelers experience “digestive changes” while traveling.

By Stacey Leasca
June 6, 2025
Travel + Leisure

There are a lot of things that can throw off your digestion while traveling. From the airplane ride itself to eating new foods in your destination that are far from your typical meals, it’s no surprise when our tummies get a little upset. The key thing to know here is that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, a new QS Supplies survey shows that 51 percent of travelers experience “digestive changes” while traveling. But that’s not the wildest stat it found.