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Winnipeg Free Press
22-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.
USA Today
20-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
BTN programming schedule for 2025 Big Ten Football media days next week
The college football season, and the opportunity to watch YOUR Ohio State Buckeyes on the gridiron, is just a little over a month away. And, if we are that close to breaking the seal on the 2025 college football season, it must be time for the annual spectacle that is Big Ten football media days. This year, the conference is taking advantage of its extended footprint out west by holding media days in Las Vegas, Nevada, so if there were ever a reason to cover all of the player and coach interviews, this would be it. Unfortunately for me, I'll be on a Disney Cruise instead, so the coverage will have to be from the view of the ocean with a drink in hand instead (woe is me). But never fear, we'll bring the coverage you deserve to you, and it all starts with understanding what the programming schedule will be. As always, the Big Ten Network will be on-site covering it all, and since there are 18 teams in the league, the event is now spread out over three days. Here's a look at the schedule of events the Big Ten Network will be covering Day 1: Tuesday, July 22: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio State, Rutgers *Note: Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is set to take to the podium at 12:45 p.m. ET Day 2: Wednesday, July 23: Minnesota, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin Day 3: Thursday, July 24: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, USC There are always some interesting quotes, sound bites, and moments during Big Ten football media days, so make sure you come along for the ride with us. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
ITV News
15-07-2025
- ITV News
Police reveal how girl fell from Disney cruise ship before being saved by father
Police have revealed how a five-year-old girl who fell from a Disney Cruise ship into the sea was saved by her father. On the morning of June 29, the girl lost her balance while sitting on a railing and fell through a porthole into the ocean from the fourth deck of the ship into the water. Florida police have now clarified the girl's father was unaware of the accident until the mother alerted him. Officers said he then "jumped into the ocean to save his daughter". Footage filmed by passengers showed the moment a small boat rescued the father and daughter. Police added: "After the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship." Roughly 20 minutes later, they were rescued by an emergency vessel launched by the cruise liner and were taken to see medical staff and the father was later hospitalised. Broward Sheriff's Office said: "The family lives out of state. "For the family's continued privacy, detectives are not releasing their names, where they live, or the details of the father's injury." Police said an investigation into the incident continues, adding: "This family is so blessed. It's great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome." The incident took place on the last day of the cruise, as the ship was returning from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale. Passengers talking to local media after the rescue expressed shock at how quickly the situation escalated. Passengers on board the cruise ship describe what they saw. "The ship was moving quickly, so quickly, it's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them," passenger Laura Amador said. Another said it was clear how tiring the experience was for the father saying: "You could tell that he was really struggling, he'd been treading water for 15-20 minutes." Police released the statement after the speculation online that the father was taking a photo of his daughter against a railing on the fourth deck when she fell into the water. In a statement at the time of the incident, Disney praised the quick work of their crew members in a statement. "The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water," a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson said. "We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes." It is rare for passengers to fall overboard from cruise ships, and data from the Cruise Lines International Association shows the number of incidents is falling. Falling overboard is extremely dangerous, in 2019, 25 incidents were recorded, and only nine of them were rescued.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Going on a cruise this summer? 7 safety tips every parent should know before setting sail
Cruise vacations promise sunshine, adventure, and some much-needed rest—but for moms, they also come with a new mental load. Cruise ship safety isn't just a checklist—it's part of the mental math we do to protect our families in new environments. The good news: cruise lines are designed with safety in mind, and there are concrete steps you can take to protect your family without losing the joy of the journey. Whether you're heading off on your first voyage or you've already got matching lanyards packed, here are 7 expert-informed tips to help you cruise with confidence. Related: These parents are blaming their daughter for getting left behind by their cruise ship The best time to talk about cruise rules? Before the ocean is involved. Prep kids ahead of time on what to expect—especially when it comes to staying together in crowds, using elevators, or knowing cabin numbers. Teens may want independence, but even they should know clear boundaries and check-in times. For younger children, explain why they can't lean on railings or wander into crew-only areas. When it comes to cruise pools, never allow children to swim unattended, and always ensure they wear life vests. Yes, you'll be required to do the official safety drill—but it's worth going a step further. As soon as you board, take 15 minutes to locate your muster station, identify life jackets, and practice how to quickly exit your cabin. If your kids get nervous, frame it like an adventure game: 'Let's see who can find the nearest stairwell fastest.' Along with sunscreen and swimsuits, don't forget: A lanyard or bracelet with your child's name and cabin number Waterproof shoes with grip for slippery decks Small first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies Copies of passports and medical info in a waterproof pouch If you're traveling with little ones, consider bringing magnetic door signs or hanging organizers to make your cabin more functional (and fun). And while cruise ships have medical centers, having basics on hand can save time and stress. Related: How to Survive a Disney Cruise With Your Kids For older kids, especially on bigger ships, always use the buddy rule—whether they're heading to the teen club or grabbing ice cream. Make sure they know how to reach you, and remind them not to share cabin numbers or personal info with strangers. Cruise security is active, but parental oversight matters most. Every cruise ship has an infirmary staffed with medical professionals who can handle everything from stomach bugs to minor injuries. You can also call guest services at any time for non-emergencies. If your child goes missing (even briefly), alert crew members immediately—they're trained for these situations and take them seriously. Pro tip: Take a photo of your child each morning so you have an up-to-date reference if needed. Excursions are often the highlight of the trip—but they also come with crowds, unfamiliar terrain, and less predictable conditions. Choose age-appropriate outings, use child carriers or harnesses for little ones, and always keep emergency contact info in your child's pocket or shoe. Stick to cruise-sponsored excursions when possible for added safety and support. Cruises have strict cleaning protocols, but norovirus and other illnesses can still spread fast. Encourage kids to wash hands often, avoid shared drink stations, and use hand sanitizer after touching elevator buttons or railings. If anyone in your family shows symptoms, report it right away to prevent the spread and get quick care. A cruise can be pure magic for kids—especially when it involves characters, fireworks, and water slides. (Yes, those Disney family cruises book fast for a reason.) But it's your cruise ship safety prep that turns a vacation into a truly smooth adventure. Because when moms feel ready, the whole family can actually relax.
