A few reminders to minimize stress if you are traveling during the holidays…

• Remember to check in for your flight 24 hours before departure
• Make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time – 2 hours for domestic travel and 3 hours for international this time of year
• Gifts should remain unwrapped as TSA may open them to check contents (regardless if in checked or carry-on bag)
• Wear shoes you can easily slip off, and minimal or no jewelry to go through security quicker
• Smile!  You never know who may smile back!

Using Traveler’s Checks has become nearly obsolete for travel today, as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has made it quick and easy to get foreign cash in MOST tourist areas abroad.  Of course, some areas you visit may not have an ATM or the network may be down, and they may not accept a credit card.  In this case, you will need cash – this is where a Traveler’s Check may come in handy.  Due to a lack of popularity, however, some businesses no longer accept them and younger clerks may not even know what they are, so be prepared to cash them at a bank if you decide to use them.