I'm traveling out of the country and would like some quick money advice so I can be sure I'm prepared for my travels.

Bring a small amount of local money with you in case currency exchanges are closed when you arrive. You can usually order foreign currencies from banks, but it may take a few days if it's not a major currency. International airports can usually exchange money while you wait. Pick up some convenient fee-free Visa Travelers Cheques. Then make two photocopies of your travelers check and credit cards serial numbers. Carry one set in a secure place separate from the originals. Leave the other with someone you can reach in an emergency. If you need to have money sent to you while overseas, use Western Union (1-800-325-6000). There are variable fees depending on the amount sent. Exchange only as much money as you think you'll need in a country. If you end up with leftover currency, consider depositing it in charity collection bins found at many airports and train stations, or send it to UNICEF Change for Children (830 Menlo Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025) when you return home.

I want to rent a car and drive while I am traveling overseas. Are there international road signs I should become familiar with?

Many countries use a system of international road signs that rely on icons or graphic designs to communicate their message. That way you can understand the signs even if you don't speak the local language.

Are there special precautions I should take for international travel?

When traveling to a foreign country, always consult your travel agent regarding required travel documentation such as passports, visas and tourist cards. It is a good idea to always carry proof of citizenship, preferably a passport. Pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original. This will expedite getting a replacement if your passport is lost or stolen.

Will I be able to use my ATM card when I travel abroad?

If your ATM card is linked to the Plus® or Cirrus ® systems, you can use it to get cash in several dozen countries abroad. The biggest advantage of exchanging money with an ATM card is that all cash withdrawals are exchanged on the interbank exchange rate. Check with your bank, however, before using an ATM card abroad; some banks add higher transaction fees for overseas use. If you do make cash withdrawals, we recommend you keep them small, and avoid using ATM machines at night. If you plan to rely on your ATM card for transactions overseas, make sure Cirrus or Plus networks are available where you're going. Users can contact MasterCard/Cirrus (1-800-424-7787) and Visa/Plus (1-800-843-7587) for a list of locations worldwide. Many ATMs abroad do not accept PINs longer than four digits. If yours is longer, you may need to change it locally before you leave.

Travel Safety Advice In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorists attacks, new FAA, airport and airline procedures have been implemented to ensure passenger safety. Following are the latest guidelines to help ensure air travel safety and efficient airport check-in. Airport Check-In • Arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before scheduled flight departure for domestic flights (3 hours for international flights). • It is recommended that all passengers check in at the airline ticket counters. • Be prepared to check your luggage at the ticket counter. Curbside check-in may not be available for your airport or airline. • Under new FAA rules, all airline passengers are limited to one carry-on bag per person, plus one additional personal item, such as a briefcase, laptop, or purse. • All passengers must have a government-issued photo ID. • Security checkpoints require proof of travel. Travelers must present either a paper ticket or proof of e-ticketing (see below), along with proper identification. • Individuals without a ticket will not be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled people and those with special requirements who need to be accompanied by health care assistants or guardians, and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medical emergency beyond the checkpoint. E-Tickets Passengers should call the airline in advance. Within certain guidelines, the airlines will determine what ticket documentation (tickets, boarding passes or reservation confirmations) their screeners will allow. Requirements may vary by airline, so passengers should check with the airline in advance if they are holding an electronic ticket. Travel Advisories For the most current aviation update and travel advisory information, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation, or check with the individual airlines for their current policies. What's the best way to deal with money matters while traveling? Do not carry large quantities of cash. Travelers checks provide personal security and can be replaced. In most major cities in the U.S. and abroad, you can use your ATM card just as you do at home (if it is part of one of the major networks) to obtain cash in the local currency. Check with your bank to see where you can use your card and what fees are charged. Carry only the debit and credit cards you will use on vacation. Canceling lost or stolen cards is sometimes difficult and often inconvenient when you are on vacation. I'm going to book a cruise for the first time. Can you tell me the best way to go about getting the cruise that is right for me? Just because your cousin Mary enjoyed her cruise on "X," or your neighbor can't stop raving about the cruise he took with "Z," doesn't necessarily mean either is the right choice for you. Tell your travel agent exactly what you want out of your cruise. Would you like lots of sightseeing, at many different ports? Is dressing up in the evening for fine dining your style, or do you prefer a more casual vacation style? Do you enjoy activities like bingo and dance classes, or is your idea of a perfect day curling up on the sun deck with the latest best-seller? Share your expectations with your travel agent. That way he or she can help match you with the right ship, the right itinerary and the right price.  Whether you decide to head to Mexico or the Mediterranean, taking a cruise can be the best travel experience of your life. Especially when you take time to choose the right one. Happy sailing! How can I get the best deal when I book a cruise? To manage their inventory, most lines have cabins for sale at the lowest price on a first-come, first-served basis. And very often, you can get a guarantee that if the price goes down later on, your price goes down too. So when you've found the right cruise, don't delay - make your reservations. You'll also get the cabin and sailing date you want by booking early. While some very experienced (not to mention lucky) cruisers may land a last-minute deal, most late bookers just get the cabins no one else wanted. And when you select your cruise, don't be guided just by price. Although you may save money, you may also get stuck with a vacation that's less than perfect. It's a good idea to purchase the best cruise you can afford. You may end up paying a little bit more, but from the moment you board your ship, you'll be glad you did.  I'm leaving on my trip tomorrow. How can I cut down on hassles at the airport? The volume of traffic, plus security and check-in procedures at all major airports, adds to the time you need before your flights. Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Many airlines require verification that the person checking in is the person to whom the ticket was issued. Carry at least one government-issued photo I.D. such as a driver's license or passport. A second photo I.D. is required in some airports. What can I do to make sure my luggage arrives with me at my destination? When checking bags in at the airport, be sure the airline agent tags them with the correct city code for your destination. And keep the receipts from those tags in a safe place. You will need them to identify your luggage in baggage claim, and you will especially need them if your baggage is delayed or lost. Mark all your luggage with your name and address (use your business address if possible). Put personal I.D. inside your bags, too – sometimes baggage tags get torn off during handling. In addition, always pack what you will need for one day (underwear, a change of clothes, toiletries, an extra pair of eyeglasses) plus any prescription medications you must have in your carry-on bag and take it with you on the plane. That way if your checked luggage is lost or delayed, you'll still have your essentials. When I'm traveling, I always have a problem with my clothes being wrinkled when I pull them out of my suitcase. How do I prevent them from getting so wrinkled? Put your travel clothes on hangers and wrap them individually in dry cleaners' plastic bags before you pack them. The plastic bags minimize wrinkles, which is why dry cleaners use them. I'm worried about becoming a crime victim in some strange city. How can I keep myself safe during a trip? Use dead bolts and other locks when you are in your hotel room or cruise cabin, and never leave room or cabin keys lying about when you are outside. Drop your keys off at the front desk before you leave for sightseeing, shopping, etc.