When you travel, how you manage your money will make or break your plans. Keeping to a budget can be done if you know how. The best way to do this is by knowing how to safeguard your money. If your money is lost or stolen, you may wish you had never left. There are three ways of assuring you won't be totally wiped out if you are robbed or if lose your wallet or purse.

#1 Keep ID Separate from Credit Cards

Don't carry your identification and your credit cards together. This is the most common mistake made and it could cost you dearly. It would be best to carry one credit card (consider a pre-purchased card) along with pocket cash. For example, use a money clip and put it in with your pocket cash. You can find several ways to separate them if you put your mind to it.

Identity theft and a wiped out credit card will definitely ruin your day and your trip.

#2 Have Cash, Credit Cards and Travelers Checks

When you take a trip, you should consider breaking up your means of purchasing items. The three generally accepted means of payment are cash, credit cards and travelers checks.

· Divide your funds and use all three types. Chances are you won't lose all three.
· It would be wise to carry a pre-purchased debit card so you can limit your spending. It also limits how much someone else can get if it were stolen.
· Check before you go, but you will find most hotels and tourist attractions will take travelers checks.
o Remember to write down the serial numbers and denominations. This will help you keep up with your spending.
o The serial numbers will be essential if lost, stolen, or accidentally ruined (dropped in the water).
· Credit card numbers as well as expiration dates should also be recorded. These numbers will be required if you lose them or if they are stolen.
· Keep a separate credit card from your other cards.
o Find a place you can keep it separate from all others you may use.
o Again, remember to record the card number and expiration date.
o A good idea might be to leave all of these numbers at home, and take a copy with you.

#3 Take Emergency Cash

Set aside extra cash for unexpected expenses. Consider this a reserve and should be used only in an emergency. This money should be kept separate and hidden from your other sources. The whole idea is to divide your resources so you won't lose all them at once. As the old saying goes, don't put all your eggs in one basket.

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