Bills paid before travel

Before a trip, first I arrange for every bill possible — car insurance, phone, etc. — to be paid by my credit cards. I never, never enter anything in a computer. Then I arrange for my credit cards to be paid by my bank automatically every month. I make sure my checking account has enough in it to cover the bills.

For that one guy who will only accept a check, I take care of him separately before the trip. Then I am carefree for a long trip.

I use two credit cards for travel, because both my MasterCard and Visa have been refused in the past. Near Bø, Norway, my girlfriend purchased a silver bracelet. She proffered a MasterCard, which was refused. My Visa was accepted with a big smile.

In the city of Iloilo on the island of Panay in the Philippines, after my Visa card was refused at two different restaurants in a row I switched to my MasterCard, which was happily accepted.

I also carry an extra Visa card, just in case. The bank pays it also. I use USAA (United Services Automobile Association, a financial services company based in San Antonio, TX; 800/531-2265, www.usaa.com), which combines their MasterCard and Visa statements on one document. Keep things simple.

With my system, I feel I have the freedom to enjoy my travel experiences totally. My backups give me even more security and peace, and it’s all easy and cheap.

R. CASEY HASEY

Cathedral City, CA