Time to Get Away

The hectic pace of everyday life can start to wear on all of us at some point. It's nice to have a break, a change of scenery. Load the kids into the van and hit the road to family fun. Explore the jungles of Costa Rica with an experienced guide. Enjoy a quiet after-dinner gondola ride in Venice with that special someone. Westminster Savings Credit Union can help you save and plan for that special getaway.

Travel Expenses

Travel agencies offer packages that are designed to meet all kinds of holiday desires. This can be a good way to save money, but may not suit your individual needs. Traveling by car provides a lot of freedom, but the distance you can travel is then limited.

The most popular method of vacation travel is by plane. Full-fare tickets offer the most flexibility and fewest restrictions, but they come at a price. If you can travel outside one of the peak seasons, and know the dates you want to leave and return well in advance, discount airfare is available. Seat sales are limited and can't be counted on, especially for large families.

Staying in hotels and eating in restaurants can get expensive. Do some research before you leave. There are a lot of books and websites to help you find the accommodations and places to eat that are right for you.

Insurance

It's easier to relax abroad knowing that you're covered if something goes wrong. There are different insurance packages available that cover everything from lost luggage to health care while in another country. Your Provincial Health Care does not cover all medical expenses, so make sure you're protected.

Traveller's Cheques

The safest and most convenient way to carry money while you travel in a foreign country is to buy traveller's cheques in advance. Traveller's cheques are accepted all over the world and can be replaced quickly if they are lost or stolen.

A great vacation can be had on any budget with a little planning. Let Lake View Savings Credit Union help you get away and have some fun this year.

Interac “How to Protect Yourself”

1. Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or at a point-of-sale terminal. 
2. Keep an eye on your banking card when conducting a transaction at the point-of-sale, and only allow your card to be swiped once.
3. Check your transaction records against your financial statements regularly.  If you detect any unusual activity, contact your financial institution immediately.
4. If your debit card is lost, stolen or retained by an ATM, notify your financial institution immediately.
5. Your PIN is the key security feature, so never disclose your PIN to anyone.  If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, change it immediately.
6. When using an ATM, if you suspect anything unusual do not use the machine and report it to the financial institution immediately.
7. Be alert.  IF someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.

 Interac Communication – What to do if you become a victim of debit card fraud

• if you suspect you have been a victim of debit card fraud, contact your financial institution immediately.
• Consumers are protected by the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services, under which all proven victims of debit card fraud will not suffer any financial losses.