Ways to make overseas travel affordable, safe

DALLAS - Foreign travel is expensive and can be intimidating for some, but there are strategies for saving money and staying safe.

International travel by Americans rose about 8 percent last year and is likely to rise again this year, helped by relatively low airfares and the strong dollar.

Deals abound

In recent days, discount sites such as airfarewatchdog.com have highlighted round trips including San Francisco-Copenhagen, Los Angeles-Stockholm and New York-Barcelona for under $400 and New York-Tel Aviv, Chicago-Bangkok and Los Angeles-Manilla for under $650 for travelers who can avoid the peak summer season. Mexico is a cheaper destination than some trips within the U.S.

Travel experts have advice about what to do once you reach your destination, including how to act. Behavior that is acceptable in the U.S. may be frowned upon — or even illegal — in many other countries.

Insurance

Get travel insurance, and check before you go to see what your health insurance will cover if you get sick in a foreign country. Medicare does not cover health expenses overseas, but some Medigap policies and short-term travel medical insurance do. Consider evacuation insurance — an air ambulance can cost thousands of dollars.

Cash or credit?

Cash is convenient for small purchases, but many frequent travelers stick to plastic overseas. If a clerk swipes your card and asks if you would like to pay in dollars, decline. The store probably charges a less-favorable exchange rate than your card issuer.

Matt Kepnes, author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day,” says any commercial bank should offer a decent exchange rate. He stays away from the exchange bureau Travelex and warns that airport ATMs and ATMs in stores like 7Elevens give a less-favorable rate and charge higher fees.

Staying connected

Bringing your own phone is often your best option.

Pauline Frommer, editorial director of the Frommer’s travel-information company, and John DiScala, a travel writer who goes by JohnnyJet on Twitter, both favor T-Mobile, which has a plan that allows free roaming and unlimited data in more than 100 countries. DiScala says he can upload pictures and posts to Facebook and get his emails at no extra charge.

Of course, always keep the phone charged in case of an emergency.

Staying safe

Tourists are frequently targets for pickpockets and scammers of all kinds. You can lower your risk by looking less like a tourist.

“I always try to dress local,” DiScala says. Americans should ditch the shorts, white sneakers and baseball caps and buy clothes that help them blend in. And remember comfortable shoes.

Evelyn Hannon, who edits the Journeywoman.com website, suggests a quick purchase at a local grocer. The bag will help you look like you belong.

Travel experts are divided over whether President Donald Trump’s proposed travel bans and anti-immigrant rhetoric will put Americans in more danger overseas.