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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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. Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Sky high hacks: how to avoid the jet lag curse like a seasoned traveller
Picture: Dmitry Ganin/Unsplash By Sarah Falson Updated July 8 2025 - 8:27am, first published 8:26am If you want to know how to avoid jet lag, ask a business traveller. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area Flight Centre's Corporate Traveller along with fitness app Sweat have shared tips business travellers use to avoid the dreaded headaches and insomnia caused by flying across time zones. Corporate Traveller's global managing director Tom Walley said the business saw a "significant transformation" in passenger activities at altitude. From stretching in the aisles and being more mindful of snacks and water consumption, more people were considering "mile-high health". And corporate travellers have it down pat. "For business travellers, it's particularly paramount to ensure long-haul flights aren't a barrier to productivity - that's where preparation is key," Mr Walley said. "Setting yourself up before you board, whether that's through hydrating, planning a sleep schedule or packing nutrient-dense snacks can make all the difference." The survey showed younger Australians were the most likely to struggle with jet lag for up to seven days or more, with Millennials affected the most, followed by Gen Z. Move every half hour: Sweat co-founder and head trainer Kayla Itsines said even if it's just a walk to the bathroom and back, moving every half hour helps. "You can also keep yourself moving and encourage circulation by doing exercises in your chair such as foot rotations, heel or shoulder raises, and neck stretches," she said. Hydrate and skip the spirits: Bring a reusable water bottle with you and take regular small sips to stay hydrated. This will also help digestion and boost energy levels. This might mean you have to go to the bathroom every half an hour, but Ms Itsines said it was worth it. You might want to book an aisle seat, in that case. Picture: Shutterstock "Staying super hydrated will also help to reduce swelling on long flights," she said. Also, stick to water on long flights, if you can. Alcohol might give you a feeling of relaxation, but ultimately, it will dehydrate your body and make you feel worse when you land. Sleep at the right time zone: Sweat trainer Kelsey Wells said having the time zone of your destination set on your phone will help you switch your body clock to your new time zone as quickly as possible. If it's time to sleep at your destination, try to get some shut eye. Likewise, if they're awake where you're flying to, try to stay awake, too. Get moving when you land: Stick to your usual fitness routine. This might mean using the gym where you're staying, or packing some portable resistance bands. Ms Wells recommended looking for small windows in your day for exercise "snacks" such as morning stretches, lunchtime walks or taking the stairs. Download an app and try an express workout. Walk outdoors in natural light to reset your body clock. Eat wisely: If you can select your in-flight meal ahead of time, choose one with fruit or vegetables and a serving of protein. Ms Wells recommended taking your own food with you on the plane, such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, nuts, popcorn or sandwiches. "If jetlag has upset your stomach or digestion when you arrive, stick to lighter meals or foods you're used to for a couple of days," she said. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
News.com.au
30-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
St Kilda Rd: Flight Centre's ex-HQ set for new shake-up
Flight Centre Travel Group's former Melbourne headquarters has hit the market with circa $35m price hopes, a sum tens of millions of dollars below its previous sale five years ago. Public records show the 10-storey building at 436 St Kilda Rd last changed hands for $62.15m in 2020. At the time, Flight Centre sold the site to a Melbourne-based property group. Luxe hotel hits market for just $2 — but there's a catch The address has now been listed as an opportunity for investors, owner-occupiers and developers to acquire as a potential residential, build-to-rent or co-living space, subject to council approval. Commercial real estate agency CBRE senior director Nick Peden said the 2322sq m site was close to the new Anzac train station and a spate of planned developments along St Kilda Rd. 'We have definitely had interest from interstate and a couple of offshore groups,' Mr Peden said. Buyers based in Singapore, mainland China and Malaysia have inquired about the property. 'It is about 30 per cent leased and I think there are four tenants,' Mr Peden said. 'It's more of a value-add type of opportunity rather than a passive investment opportunity.' Mr Peden said the reason behind the site's price point was that the market had changed dramatically since Covid. The owners had decided to sell rather than refurbish the tower in an attempt to attract more tenants, he added. The building features 167 at-grade and basement car parks, rear access via Queens Lane, and Melbourne CBD, Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance views. It's 500m to the Anzac train station which is set to open this year as part of the Victorian government's Metro Tunnel. Other projects taking shape or planned for St Kilda Rd include an $800m, 19-storey tower consisting of 200 apartments, proposed by developer the Gurner Group. Cbus Property has 77 apartments across a 17-level building slated for 37 St Kilda Rd with construction set to finish in 2028. And The Muse Melbourne, set for completion in October, will comprise 40 new residences at 409 St Kilda Rd. CBRE's Jamus Campbell, Kiran Pillai and Trent Hobart have the ex-Flight Centre listing alongside Mr Peden. Expressions of interest close on July 17.
Perth Now
28-06-2025
- Perth Now
Aussies rethinking European summer plans
As winter sets in, millions of Australians are packing their bags and heading overseas - many bound for Europe's sun-drenched cities and the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, international travel by Australians has surged beyond pre-Covid levels, with more than 2.5 million people heading overseas between June and August 2023. Many of those travellers use the trip as an opportunity to stop over and explore the Middle Eastern cities of Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi on their way to bask in a European summer. Many Australians stopover in Middle Eastern cities on their way to and from Europe, but are reconsidering their travel plans following the recent conflict between Israel and Iran. Credit: Supplied But many are now rethinking their travel plans and wondering if it is safe to visit the region with recent conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. The situation escalated then de-escalated this week when Iran launched an attack on US' Al Died Airbase in Qatar on Monday night, following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities days earlier. Air traffic movement was suspended in Qatar, resulting in planes travelling between Europe and Australia diverted to other countries or turned around while the airspace was closed. Two flights from Sydney operated by Qatar Airways on the way to Doha were diverted to Oman and India. The Middle East conflict escalated this week when Iran fired missiles at a US military base in Qatar, seeing flights in and out of the nation suspended while airspace was closed. Credit: Supplied Qantas flights were also impacted by the closures - one flight from Perth to London was diverted to Singapore and another flight from Perth to France returned to West Australia. Singapore Airlines also cancelled four flights from Singapore to Dubai. Flight Centre chief executive Graham Turner said their call centre was inundated with inquiries from travellers wanting to rebook their European holiday through Asia rather than travel through the Middle East. He said the problem for travellers reconsidering travel plans, that it was peak season and there was not a lot of availability to change bookings. 'We've had a reasonable number of requests for that,' he said. 'The three major carriers Qatar, Emirates and Etihad really didn't have any significant disruption so things are going ahead pretty much as normal.' Flight Centre was inundated with calls during the week from travellers wanting to change their travel plans to Europe through Asia rather than the Middle East. Credit: istock Mr Turner said there was a lot more activity from concerned travellers. 'Our numbers are telling us there's been no significant increase in cancellations but our call centres are handling lots of calls,' he said. 'With the disruption our travel agents had to change people's arrangements to some extent.'But generally (there's been) no major cancellations and nothing more than normal.' Flight Centre chief executive officer Graham Turner said while their was some disruption flights should be back to normal and he had his fingers crossed that peace had broken out. Credit: Supplied Mr Turner said while some Qatar flights were grounded during the week, services resumed on Tuesday and were expected to be back to normal by Thursday. 'Obviously it had an impact, and our main thing now is that nothing more happens between Israel and Iran,' he said. 'Things look positive at the moment and I would be perfectly happy to fly to London or Europe with Qatar. 'We just have our fingers crossed that peace has broken out for a while.'
News.com.au
28-06-2025
- News.com.au
Aussies rethink their European summer following recent conflict in the Middle East
As winter sets in, millions of Australians are packing their bags and heading overseas - many bound for Europe's sun-drenched cities and the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, international travel by Australians has surged beyond pre-Covid levels, with more than 2.5 million people heading overseas between June and August 2023. Many of those travellers use the trip as an opportunity to stop over and explore the Middle Eastern cities of Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi on their way to bask in a European summer. But many are now rethinking their travel plans and wondering if it is safe to visit the region with recent conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. The situation escalated then de-escalated this week when Iran launched an attack on US' Al Died Airbase in Qatar on Monday night, following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities days earlier. Air traffic movement was suspended in Qatar, resulting in planes travelling between Europe and Australia diverted to other countries or turned around while the airspace was closed. Two flights from Sydney operated by Qatar Airways on the way to Doha were diverted to Oman and India. Qantas flights were also impacted by the closures - one flight from Perth to London was diverted to Singapore and another flight from Perth to France returned to West Australia. Singapore Airlines also cancelled four flights from Singapore to Dubai. Flight Centre chief executive Graham Turner said their call centre was inundated with inquiries from travellers wanting to rebook their European holiday through Asia rather than travel through the Middle East. He said the problem for travellers reconsidering travel plans, that it was peak season and there was not a lot of availability to change bookings. 'We've had a reasonable number of requests for that,' he said. 'The three major carriers Qatar, Emirates and Etihad really didn't have any significant disruption so things are going ahead pretty much as normal.' Mr Turner said there was a lot more activity from concerned travellers. 'Our numbers are telling us there's been no significant increase in cancellations but our call centres are handling lots of calls,' he said. 'With the disruption our travel agents had to change people's arrangements to some extent. 'But generally (there's been) no major cancellations and nothing more than normal.' Mr Turner said while some Qatar flights were grounded during the week, services resumed on Tuesday and were expected to be back to normal by Thursday. 'Obviously it had an impact, and our main thing now is that nothing more happens between Israel and Iran,' he said. 'Things look positive at the moment and I would be perfectly happy to fly to London or Europe with Qatar. 'We just have our fingers crossed that peace has broken out for a while.'
