Travel Tips for 2021
As summertime quickly approaches, we are sure that many of our members are excited to finally be able to travel again and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Due to the global pandemic, many of us had to cancel or postpone our trips last year. However, with restrictions being lifted and businesses running at full capacity, it seems that things are slowly but surely returning to normal.
Whether you are looking at traveling internationally or within the U.S., the CDC has some recommendations, to help keep you and your loved ones safe. As the vaccine has become readily available, it is suggested to be fully vaccinated prior to traveling. However, you should prepare based on what you think and feel is best for you but keep in mind all the rules and regulations relevant to your travel destination.
It’s also advised to make sure you fully understand and remain updated with all the changes occurring related to travel. These include the requirements made by all airlines and of course your destination, which will vary depending on where you are visiting. Keep in mind that some places will still require the use of a face mask, and of our course social distancing. If you are in the process of planning or have an upcoming trip the CDC website is your best resource for travel during COVID-19.
While taking health precautions and staying safe should be a top priority we also want to remind our members to please make the credit union aware if you plan on traveling internationally. To protect our members and keep your information safe, we block most foreign transactions from clearing your account. However, we can place travel exemptions on your card, which is why we ask that you notify us ahead of time of which countries you plan on visiting and the time in which you plan on being there. This helps maintain your account and funds secure, all while giving you peace of mind knowing that your funds are safe.
We also recommend that when you plan on traveling, especially outside of the U.S., that you always carry an alternate form of payment. We do our best to make ourselves available for our members. Our call center is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and 9 AM to noon on Saturdays. Additionally, after-hour support is available for debit and credit card-related issues, you will be connected to a Visa support specialist. However, when traveling, especially internationally, there are many incidentals that can occur so having more than one form of payment is always best.
Following these steps will take some stress away and allow you to enjoy and relax during your much-deserved time away.
We wish you happy and safe travels!
The opinions expressed on this page are for informational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or financial advice. The views expressed are those of the author of the article and may not reflect the views of the credit union.