10 dangerous travel myths you should ignore

Savvy travelers know better than to believe what novice globetrotters often accept as common knowledge. Sometimes, such “wisdom” will not actually help you land the best travel deal.

So, it is important to educate yourself about the facts before needlessly purchasing a money belt, scouring the web for rock-bottom room rates, or leaving your wallet stateside during an all-inclusive resort vacation.

Indeed, experts say a little research goes a long way in preventing yourself from falling for travel tall tales. Here are the some of the most common money-related travel myths that can be dangerous to your wallet, or to your reputation as a world-wise explorer.

Myth No. 1: Bring Cash or Traveler’s Checks to International Destinations

Keeping your money safe during travel does not have to mean getting a stack of traveler’s checks, or hiding a fattened wallet under your clothes, said Benjamin Glaser, features editor with DealNews, which offers discounts, coupons and other money-saving tools online.

“Your bank probably has domestic and international partners that allow you to use their ATMs for low or no fees,” he said. For example, Citibank offers access to more than 45,000 ATMs in 30-plus countries. It also offers other services, including foreign currency delivery and free phone access to a home-country customer service representative.

Glaser suggested taking out only as much cash as you need at any one time. Also, avoid freestanding ATMs, which thieves can tamper with more easily, Glaser said.

Myth No. 2: Never Use a Credit Card on International Trips

Many credit card companies offer attractive exchange rates, so you can do well if you find the right credit card to use overseas. Several cards, such as the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card, do not charge foreign transaction fees or annual fees. Some even offer their users points that can be applied to travel purchases.

When using the card at international retailers, take the same precautions you would stateside. “Use your credit card at legitimate retailers and keep an eye on your statement. If any fraudulent activity appears, report it immediately,” Glaser said. “You are not responsible for any fraudulent charges.”

Myth No. 3: Lower Cost Means Lower Quality

Glaser said one of the biggest travel-related money myths is that saving cash always means sacrificing quality. But that is not necessarily so. For example, travel to places when they are less popular, and you will both save money and enjoy other perks.

“Visiting destinations during off-peak seasons means fewer crowds, better accommodations and maybe more interactions with locals,” he said.

Myth No. 4: Never Book a Room With Free Breakfast

Breakfast is usually one of the most affordable meals of the day. So opting for a bare-bones hotel that doesn’t offer eats in the morning might be your best bet in some cases. But in other situations, early day dining options are few and far between. In that case, booking a hotel that offers free breakfast can save travelers time and money.

Elizabeth Avery, founder of the travel site Solo Trekker 4 U, often has opted for “breakfast included” accommodations when other dining options were not within walking distance.

“When the transportation costs were added, there was no benefit to foraging at a distance,” she said. That has been especially true when Avery has visited resorts, which she said typically have not had good breakfast alternatives nearby.

Myth No. 5: Splurging on a Taxi Is Always the Safest Option

Public transportation can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to cabs. Some destinations, such as Mexico City, also operate subway train cars and buses exclusively designated for female passengers during peak hours. Mexico City also has a system of officially registered sitio taxis for tourists.

Avery recommended doing your research, no matter where you are traveling. Take steps such as booking reputable airport transportation in advance of your arrival, and ask hotel staff for advice once you get to your destination.

In her own travels, she can recall at least two countries where she was concerned about taking a taxi randomly. “In both countries, the hotel concierge offered recommendations of two companies to consider,” she said.

Myth No. 6: Travel Rentals Are Always Cheaper Than Hotels

Online rental marketplaces such as Airbnb boast some great properties, and some spots allow travelers to cut costs by doing a few loads of laundry or cooking meals. Such booking sites do not always offer the best bargains, though.

Pauline Paquin, a personal finance and travel expert who founded the website Reach Financial Independence, recommended evaluating both traditional hotel rooms and online rental offerings.

“In Las Vegas, for example, the cheapest rooms start around $25 a night for two queen beds, while rooms on Airbnb are rarely under $40,” she said. “The same goes for end-of-season deals. I booked a hotel room in Lake Tahoe for under $25 with breakfast for a week at the end of the ski season.”

Myth No. 7: Third-Party Sites Always Offer the Best Hotel Room Rates

If you opt for a traditional hotel, don’t just check Hotels.com, Priceline.com and other third-party travel sites for the best room rates. If you find a great rate online, check the hotel’s website. Doing so may help you book a hotel at the best rate.

According to The New York Times, a number of hotel chains now offer a lowest-price guarantee for guests who book directly through the hotel company’s site.

You can also call the hotel to check for special promotions not being touted online, or perks such as free parking, which often are not offered by third-party sites. You might even consider calling competing hotels nearby to request a better rate or room upgrade.

Myth No. 8: Never Offer Individual Tips on Cruises or at All-Inclusive Resorts

Employees at certain all-inclusive resort chains, including Sandals, are instructed not to accept tips. Other resorts tell guests tipping is appreciated, but not expected. So check the property’s policy when budgeting for and booking your trip.

Likewise, cruise line policies differ, although many include a gratuity charge as part of the fare. So it pays to check in advance. Finally, USA Today writes that cruisers can always negotiate their daily gratuity charge up — or down — to more accurately reflect and reward the level of service they receive.

Myth No. 9: Duty-Free Shops Are Always a Bargain

Media outlets such as Budget Travel have found travelers can score deals on some items at duty-free shops, including cigarettes and alcohol. But the savings are not standard for every item on the shelves at these airport attractions. For example, travelers might actually pay a premium at duty-free stories for luxuries such as perfume and watches.

Myth No. 10: Travel Insurance Never Pays

People typically buy travel insurance to protect themselves against a large financial loss if they unexpectedly have to cancel an expensive trip, or in case they have an accident or suddenly get ill while traveling.

Should you buy travel insurance? If your trip is not expensive and your health insurance offers adequate coverage where you are going, travel insurance might be an unnecessary expense.

But, for big-budget trips and remote adventures, it can be worth putting out an extra 5 or 6 percent of your trip’s total cost for an insurance policy, said Rachael Taft, content manager for the travel insurance review and comparison site SquareMouth.

“Travel insurance can cover medical bills if you are traveling somewhere that you don’t have health insurance coverage, or your coverage is limited,” she said. “Travel insurance can also help in the event you need to be evacuated to a medical facility, which can be costly, particularly for cruisers or travelers in remote locations.”

From GoBankingRates.com: 10 dangerous travel myths debunked