Credit cards are one of the safest ways to pay for items while you are traveling. If you are counting on using credit cards for the bulk of your purchases on your trip, there are a few things you should know. Here are some tips for making sure your credit cards are ready for travel.

First, call your credit card companies several days before departure to let them know that you'll be traveling, your dates of travel, and the destinations that you will be visiting. This is very important. Credit card companies monitor your charges and if anything out of the ordinary appears - such as your card number being used in international destinations in the Caribbean or Mexico - the credit card company will refuse the charges and put a lock on your account. Once this happens, you will not be able to use the card for purchases. By contacting the credit card companies in advance to make sure they are aware of your travel, you can help to ensure that your credit card will be available for use and your purchases will go through. This tip applies to ATM cards as well, as banks will block ATM cards being used internationally unless they have received prior notification.

Second, make sure you have a copy of your credit card numbers and contact information with you, just in case one or all of your cards are lost or stolen. Leave your list of credit card numbers in the safe in your room. If there's any problem with a lost or stolen card, consult your list and call the credit card company so you can immediately have your credit card blocked. If you are planning to bring along an ATM card on your cruise, make sure you have this information as well.

Third, check online to get information on credit card policies in the areas that you will be traveling. In some regions of the world, credit cards are only accepted at very large stores, hotels, and a limited number of restaurants. In some areas, it is quite customary to add a 5-10% surcharge on any items purchased with a credit card. You may also find that some cards, such as Visa or MasterCard, are accepted more readily than others. Sites with large forum areas, such as TripAdvisor.com, can be a good source of information on generally accepted credit card practices in the regions you'll be visiting. It's important to get this information in advance to ensure that you'll be bringing along enough cash and Travelers Checks for your trip.

If you're planning to bring an ATM card along on your trip, check on the safety and availability of ATM outlets as well. Many travelers use ATM cards instead of Travelers Checks to obtain local currency while they are traveling. This is often an excellent idea, but there are some areas of the world where ATM outlets are scarce or using them is unadvisable. Check with your bank and experienced travelers in your destination and know before you go.

Once you've taken all of these steps, relax and enjoy your trip. Many stores and restaurants in tourist areas usually accept credit cards, and they are much safer to carry than lots of cash. In addition, your credit card will often give you a better currency exchange rate than local currency exchange outlets in the area.