J It Pays To Travel (NAPSA)—Your next vacation can keep you on the road to both fun and financial well-being if you heed a few hints: Don’t make vacation another job. In our can-do culture, many of us have lost the ability to relax. This summer, leave a few days unscheduled. If youre traveling with children, remember that seeing the Washington Monument at sunrise may not top their list. And spending a day at the hotel pool provides a bit of relief for the finances as well as the schedule. * Pack light. If possible, try to have no more than 20 pounds in a carry-on-sized bag. Carry-on luggage is less likely to get lost, broken or stolen. You may also save money limiting yourself to a carry-on bag. * Look out for new charges. Chances are, travel perks that used to be free now cost money. Save on checked-bag fees by finding out your airline’s policy and packing accordingly. Bring your own earphones if you plan to watch the in-flight movie. And pack a lunchor satisfying snacks unless you want to pay $10 per sandwich on board. e Plan for emergencies. If you're taking a car trip, prepare a just-in-case kit—jumper cables, flashlight and flares, basic tools, wiper fluid, water, and a first-aid kit including medication, bandages and hand sanitizer. If leav- ing the country, be sure to keep copies of your passport in your checked bags, carry-on and wallet. e Let your travel be an enriching experience—literally. Chase Freed custers can sign up to earn a total of 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases on planetickets, hotels, car rentals and gasoline fr now Se travelers get cash back fr their credit cards. through September 2010. In addition, custers autatically earn a full 1 percent cash back on all other purchases they make, fr the first dollar spent. And this summer, Chase Freed custers can have more fun with their card. Custers can enjoy VIP seating and behind-the-scenes access to concerts, beach parties and movie nights. Makea flexible spending plan, not an oppressive budget. The word “budget” ces fr the French for “small purse,” and nobody wants to go on vacation with a small purse! Instead, plan ahead a spending range that works for you and determine which expenses you'll pay off right away and which onesyou'll spread out. Chase Blueprint gives travel- ers clever ways to pay down larger purchases—hotel, airfare—sooner, and its “Split” plan lets custers choose the numberof paymentsor the monthly payment amount that works for them. Chase does the math and makes it clear on every statement. You can learn more and sign up for the fun and the savings online at www.chase.c/freed.
