Questions and Answers

Hey OMAAT! I’m planning on traveling to Asia for 6-8 weeks next year. I’ve been planning this trip for years to follow graduation! I’m not quite sure what to do in terms of credit cards on this trip. I’m planning on spending about 4 nights in 10 different cities in Asia. I currently only have a debit card and am 17. (I’ll be 18 next week). I feel like I’ll need a credit card to book hotels with because I understand it’s not a good idea to book using a debit card. I’m not sure if I should take out a credit card and pre-pay all hotels using that or take out a few or take out one and only use my debit card. I’m worried about compiling hotel holds. Also as I said I’m 18 next week and don’t have any credit ( I think). My parents are offering to co-sign on a CC. What is the best way to go in terms of debt vs credit and paying in advance vs at the hotel for a 6-8 week trip? Thank you so much for your help in advance!

Depends on the hotel – some hotels have decent rates where you dont have to pay until check out. Look into various hotel options for all the cities you’re planning to visit. Would be good if you could concentrate the stays into one or two hotel loyalty programs.

I’d get a credit card for yourself, no annual fees, just to start building your credit history but you’ll probably need to have your parents open a card and put you as an authorized user in order to have a card with no forex fees.