Exchanging your foreign currency back to U.S. dollars is the worst option.

When you’re packing for your trip, you may be thinking about the best ways to get foreign currency to spend while you’re traveling, but you’re probably not thinking about what to do with your leftover bills and coins when you come home. The last thing you want to have to do is exchange back to U.S. dollars and lose 2 to 5% (or more) on the exchange. Here are some ideas for what to do instead.

Save it for your next trip. If you think you might take another trip to a country using the same currency in the near future, hang onto it. You can use it to pay for things when you’re back in the country, and that means you won’t have to worry about having some cash on hand before you travel again. It’s great to land at the airport, hop in a taxi, and then worry about getting cash (without paying ATM fees) after getting a good night of sleep. Keep in mind, however, that with high inflation in many countries right now, it may not be advisable to hold on to every currency.

Load it onto a transit card. If you want to save the currency for your next trip but you’re worried about remembering it or losing track of it, consider loading it onto a city’s transit card. For example, in Istanbul you could load your leftover currency onto the city’s public transit Istanbulkart and be ready to go for your next trip.

Donate it. If you don’t want to keep the currency, consider donating it to a local school or charity. Many organizations are happy to accept foreign currency, and it can be used to help those in need. Similarly, many airports and airlines have some kind of donation program so you can donate at the last minute as you exit the country.

Sell it. Some currencies will sell for above the value of the coin or note due to people wanting to complete various collections. Check out the going rates on eBay to see if it could make sense to sell some of your foreign currency.

Trade it or give it to a friend. If you know somebody who is going to be traveling to the country where your leftover currency is from, offer to trade it or give it as a gift. This way, you can avoid having to exchange the currency back into USD and losing money in the process.

Keep it as a memento. If you want to keep the currency as a memento of your trip, that’s perfectly fine! You can put it in a frame or scrapbook, or simply keep it in a drawer somewhere safe. It can be fun to have a collection of bills or coins from all of the countries you’ve visited.

Spend it on souvenirs. If you’re not planning on taking another trip anytime soon, and you’re not interested in any of the other options on this list, consider trying to spend whatever you have left. You may be able to find unique gifts for friends or family members for the holidays or bring home a favorite food item to enjoy.

Exchange it for cash. Of course, if all else fails, you can exchange your foreign currency for cash in another currency. You’ll have to pay a fee to do so, but if you want to get rid of your leftover currency as quickly as possible, you can exchange it for cash at a local bank or currency exchange office. Just be aware that you might not get the best rate possible, so it’s worth shopping around before making a decision.

Want to use your mobile phone abroad and avoid astronomical bills when you get home? Read our top tips to get your phone prepared.

When you plan a big trip overseas, the cost of your mobile phone might not be your first consideration. But once you’ve booked your tickets, hotel and activities you probably won’t want to add any unnecessary expenses.

If you’re travelling in the EU, some providers still let you use your airtime deal like you would at home, whereas others have introduced small extra charges. If you’re heading further afield, making a few calls to family or looking up information online can be pricey. So, before you head to the airport, read our tips to make sure you don’t come home to an unpleasant bill.

Check charges before you go

This might sound obvious, but roaming charges can be fairly complicated. They vary widely by provider – and destination.

Depending on where you’re off to, you may find that roaming won’t cost you any extra. Providers such as Giffgaff, Smarty, Tesco and O2 offer free EU roaming, whereas others charge extra to allow you to access your usual calls, texts and data.

If you’re with a provider who doesn’t offer free roaming – or heading to a destination that’s not covered – you may be charged by the minute, megabyte or message. We’ve found that some providers can charge as much as 90 times more than others for the same thing, so it’s really worth knowing where you stand – data can cost as much as £18 per megabyte, while a single text could set you back £6.

Get your phone set to travel

Once you’re clear on how much you’ll be charged, it’s worth making a decision about how you want to use your phone while you’re abroad.

If you don’t want to use your phone the same way you usually would back home, take a look at your settings – you have a few options.

Restrict your phone to wi-fi only

If you want to be sure to avoid daily charges by only using your phone when it’s connected to wi-fi or off network (i.e. you don’t want to connect to a local phone network), switch your phone to Airplane Mode but turn wi-fi back on – this will have the added benefit of keeping your battery use to a minimum.

Connect to a network – but turn data roaming off

This is standard safe practice, and you should find roaming controls in the Mobile Data or Network & Internet settings on your phone. Keep in mind you can still get charged for texting or calling, though. This is particularly worth noting if you pay a flat cost to roam each day, you may get charged simply for having your phone connect to a local network.

If you’d rather use your phone a bit more as you would at home, or prefer to have immediate access to the internet, or make calls in case of emergency, you’ll need to take a closer look at the apps you use to avoid unexpected charges.

Stop apps from using data

You can do this by turning mobile data off for non-essential apps. Check which apps are using mobile data via the Mobile Data, App or Network & Internet settings on your phone.

Or just optimise it instead.

On Android use Data Saver mode to help prevent apps from using data in the background, and for cutting down how much they use when active. You’ll find this in your phone’s settings.

Watch the wi-fi

On iPhones, also ensure Wi-Fi Assist is off – this setting means your phone will use data if wi-fi connectivity is poor. You’ll find this at the very bottom of your Mobile Data settings (under the data settings for each app).

Optimise your apps

It’s also worth checking settings within apps themselves, especially those you use regularly. In particular, consider any apps that can be used to stream, download or upload media content like music, video and photos.

For example, Spotify has a setting called ‘Download using cellular’, which if enabled, will use your data connection to download music. It’s turned off by default, but best to make sure it stays that way if you’re travelling. Another setting to look out for is Offline mode, which means you’ll only be able to listen to music you’ve downloaded – no chance of accidentally streaming in an expensive roaming area. There’s even a Data Saver mode that uses a lower music quality to save on data usage. Look for similar options on other apps that are used for audio and video streaming and downloads, and adjust accordingly.

Consider what photo apps you use as well. For example, Samsung Gallery, Google Photos or iCloud Drive can automatically upload any photos you take to the cloud. By default this is usually set to work over wi-fi only, but do double-check – this could end up costing a lot of money in a country where it’s expensive to roam.

Check other apps such as email, newsfeeds and social media aren’t automatically syncing and updating in the background. These might have similar individual controls to only sync over wi-fi, or to sync manually, which are best turned on if you have to pay for data while roaming.

Download the best travel apps

Lastly, it’s worth making sure you’re set up with apps that will make your life easier on the road. There are plenty of handy travel apps that can be accessed offline so you don’t have to worry about data roaming. Then, while you’re away, take advantage of free wi-fi to update or add to them.

• Download Google Maps offline. This is fairly easy to do – simply open the settings menu and choose Offline maps. You can then select your own map to download, and ‘pinch-to-zoom’ the map that appears to find the area you want to download. Alternatively, offline mapping apps like Maps.Me could be even more convenient.
• Don’t speak the language? Download languages using Google Translate or Microsoft Translator so that you can use them offline while you’re away.
• Download important travel documents (for example, your itinerary or travel insurance policy) to an app you can view offline – examples are Google Drive, Google Trips or TripIt.
• Seen articles about your destination you’d like to come back to? Apps like Pocket let you save entire webpages to view offline, so you can do your research in advance and make sure all the useful information you’ve found is available to read without using precious data.
• Watch or listen on the go by downloading playlists, programmes, music and video from apps like Spotify, iPlayer and Netflix for offline use before you travel.
• If calling on your mobile is expensive, you might be tempted to use Wi-Fi Calling instead. Don’t – your provider will still count this as making a phone call, with the associated fee. You’re better off using Skype, Messenger, Whatsapp or another calling app using wi-fi instead.
• Most mobile providers have an app you can download to manage your bill. Helpfully, this can also help you keep an eye on your usage, something that’s useful both home and abroad.

Ready to venture on your post retirement adventures? Here are 10 travel tips to plan a safe and enjoyable trip! From health considerations to destination choices, check tips for smooth travel.

Setting out on a trip during your golden years can be a truly special adventure for senior citizens. Planning your journey with a focus on health and safety is key to making it enjoyable and memorable. From selecting destinations with senior-friendly features to ensuring accessible transportation, we aim to help seniors create cherished memories during their trips. It’s all about making the most of your travel while prioritizing your well-being and safety.

Here are several ideas to ensure a more enjoyable and memorable trip for seniors:

1. Accessible Accommodations: Choose accommodations that prioritize accessibility, with features like ramps, elevators, and spacious rooms. This ensures a comfortable stay without physical limitations.

2. Cultural and Historical Tours: Plan visits to destinations that offer cultural and historical significance. Guided tours with knowledgeable guides can provide valuable insights, making the journey both educational and enjoyable.

3. Senior-Friendly Transportation: Opt for senior-friendly modes of transportation, such as cruises or trains. These options often come with amenities catering to the needs of older travelers.

4. Healthcare Considerations: Research healthcare facilities at your destination and carry necessary medical documents and prescriptions. It’s essential to be prepared for any health-related concerns that may arise during the trip.

5. Leisurely Pace: Plan the itinerary with a leisurely pace, allowing for breaks and relaxation. Avoid overpacking the schedule to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable exploration of each destination.

6. Culinary Experiences: Explore local cuisine and savor culinary delights. Choose restaurants that offer a comfortable ambiance and cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.

7. Connect with Fellow Travelers: Consider joining senior travel groups like SilverWings. Connecting with fellow travelers of a similar age group can enhance the social aspect of the journey, fostering new friendships and shared experiences.

8. Technology Assistance: Embrace technology to assist in navigation and communication. Mobile apps for navigation, translation, and emergency assistance can be valuable tools during the trip.

9. Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. This provides peace of mind and financial security throughout the journey.

10. Flexibility in Plans: Be open to changes in plans and embrace spontaneity.

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences happen when deviating from the original itinerary. By incorporating these ideas, senior travelers can embark on a journey that not only caters to their unique needs but also creates lasting memories of exploration and discovery.

While snow may be one of the highlights of winter, wet roads and ice can make for dangerous driving conditions. Cold temperatures and slick roads can wreak havoc on vehicles, making even a short commute across town a hazardous trip.

Before you step into the driver’s seat this winter, pay special attention to the safety of your vehicle and consider these tips from the experts at your local Discount Tire to ensure you’re ready to hit the road.

Install Winter Tires

Built for the cold and designed for better traction in winter conditions when temperatures drop below 45 F, winter tires can provide better traction on slippery, wet and icy roads, which can lead to striking curbs and other objects that scratch, dent and scuff wheels. Changing wheels and tires each season can ensure you have the best traction possible and protect summer or all-season wheels from the harsh effects of snow, ice and road-clearing chemicals like salt.

Keep Traction on Winter Roads

Tread depth determines a vehicle’s safe stopping distance, which is vital during winter weather when all-season tires can take an average of 110 feet to stop at 30 miles per hour compared to 81 feet in the same conditions for winter tires. You can check the tread depth by sticking a penny upside-down in a tread groove – it’s time to replace your tires if President Lincoln’s head is visible.

Check Tire Pressure

Tires lose air due to impacts and pressure of bumps and turns. Colder temperatures can also impact air pressure. For every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature, tires lose one pound of pressure (PSI). At least once a month, especially before long trips, check the pressure in your tires or stop by a Discount Tire location. Low pressure can lead to poor handling and gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle to ensure each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation level and add air as necessary.

Update Your Wiper Blades

In cold and icy winter weather, wiper blades can stiffen and become damaged. While your wiper blades’ lifespan will vary based on where you live and the weather you deal with, experts recommend replacing them every six months. If your wiper blades squeak or leave streaks on your windshield, it’s time to replace them.

Know the Age of Your Tires

The older a tire, the higher its risk for failure. As tires age, the rubber becomes harder and brittle, losing elasticity and strength. Check the DOT number stamped on your tires’ sidewalls to see if it’s time for replacement. If you’re not sure what tires are right for your vehicle, a tool like Treadwell allows you to easily input vehicle information and driving habits to receive a personalized recommendation.

Rotate Tires Often

Regular tire rotations help ensure proper traction. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, or earlier if uneven wear develops. One easy way to remember: Have your tires rotated every other time you have your oil changed.

Check for a Spare Tire

Many newer vehicles have replaced spare tires with tire inflation kits that include puncture-coating sealants and air compressors or run-flat tires. Check to see what your vehicle has and consider adding a roadside assistance plan in case you experience any issues during inclement weather.