Graduation season is upon us, and many new graduates will be heading abroad to seek new experiences before starting new careers. There are a few important things to know about money before heading off that will reduce your stress as a parent/guardian, and increase their confidence as they head out on their own for the first time.

1. Alert your bank and your credit card companies. Let them know when you will be travelling, and where you plan to travel. This will help avoid the frustration of finding out your bank has frozen or cancelled your cards once you are already out of country.
    
2. Pre-order some local currency for your intended destinations. Allow 1-2 weeks for your bank to have sufficient time for your money order to arrive before your scheduled date of departure.
    
3. Make sure your PIN is an appropriate length to be accepted overseas. Some ATM machines and foreign banks limit your PIN to 4 numbers, so if you have a longer number, you may need to update it before you go.
    
4. Your debit card may only work in certain ATM machines. There are symbols on the bottom of your card (ex. Cirrus) that indicate bank card compatibility. If any of the symbols on the bottom of your debit card appear on the top of the ATM, your card should be compatible.
    
5. Does your credit card charge foreign transactions fees? What are their fees, and does a different bank offer a credit card with zero transaction fees? Check with your bank to find out your options.
    
6. Make sure your credit and debit cards have EMV chips (the rectangular chip that you insert into the card reader). Many foreign merchants may not be able to process your payment without it.
    
7. Pack an extra credit card! Whether it has a low limit, pre-paid, or a second card you already have, make sure you have a back-up source to access money. It is very difficult for a bank to send you a new credit or debit card while you are travelling, and they will not re-activate a card that has been suspended or cancelled due to suspicious activity.
    
8. Keep your cash and cards spread out in more than 1 location. In the case of pick-pocketing, you will have access to a second card, or stashed cash. Pick locations that are difficult to access, and you will remember the location of. Keep less valuable items in your easily accessible wallet or purse if you are planning on shopping, and your larger amounts of cash and credit cards in a money belt, hidden pocket, etc.
    
9. Take a photo of your credit cards, debit cards, and passport. Email it to yourself and leave a copy with a family member or friend at home. You will have easy access to your important card and document numbers should any issues arise.
    
10. Keep a low profile, and don’t draw attention to yourself with flashy jewelry, electronics, or displays of cash. Pick-pockets look for targets in touristy areas, so do what you can to reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Our agency is filled with women – women who travel a lot! We like to think we have gotten packing down to an art based on where and how you are travelling. Here are 10 of our all-time best packing tips:

1. Choose your luggage appropriately for the type of travel you will do – wheels are great for airports and cruise ships, but not so great for that trek into Peru. Consider where you will be carrying your bags and decide what will provide the most ease. Don’t forget to distinguish your bags using a little flair! Colored ribbons, stickers or scarves make it much easier to spot your suitcase as it rolls by on the baggage carousel.
    
2. Always pack these essentials in your carry-on: toothbrush, prescription medications, valuables, deodorant, ear plugs, pyjamas – and anything you can’t/don’t want to live without! A few items to freshen up and hit the bed or beach when luggage is delayed will get you off to a good start while waiting for the rest of your luggage to arrive.
    
3. Bring a small first aid kit (ibuprofen, NyQuil, band-aids, hand sanitizer, travel Kleenex, etc) These types of things are great for that sudden headache, scratch, airplane washroom, catching a cold, or when you are having trouble sleeping. Toilet paper isn’t always a given in other countries, so a package of Kleenex is great to have on-hand for bathroom breaks.
    
4. Try matching the majority of the pants/bottoms you are taking with all of the tops – don’t take anything that doesn’t contribute to 2 or 3 outfits. Never pack something you haven’t worn before, or that you hate wearing at home – it will take up valuable space in your luggage and frustrate you when you pull it out to wear it and find it doesn’t fit the same as you remember it.
    
5. Don’t pack clothes that require ironing. Finding an iron can be difficult, and even more difficult is guaranteeing the quality of it. Low maintenance clothing will make for easier travel and less stress.
    
6. Pack your runners – at some point your feet will get sore and comfort will reign over fashion. You can also stuff your socks into your shoes to save space, and help your runners keep their shape!
    
7. Always pack a hat. It helps keep you warm in the cooler areas, cool and protected from the sun in those hotspots, and comes to the rescue on that dreaded bad hair day!
    
8. Pack a re-usable water bottle to fill at your convenience (collapsible is even better!). This makes airport/airplane travel much more comfortable and affordable. Staying hydrated is key while travelling.
    
9. Don’t forget your electronics AND their accessories - forgotten charging cords, extra memory cards and batteries for your camera can lead to some missed photo opportunities.
    
10. Bring a couple of large zip-lock bags. They are great water-proof, air-tight sealed bags for dirty shoes, wet bathing suits, and dirty clothes. You won’t have to worry about getting your clean clothes dirty when it is time to pack up and head to the next destination!