10 Ways to Protect Your Finances

It's that time of year. As the school year winds down, the summer travel season warms up.

Whether you're heading out on a road trip or getting on a plane, here are 10 tips for smart travel this summer:

1. Alert your bank and credit card company that you'll be traveling (especially if overseas). Bank fraud departments are more vigilant about unusual activity on customers' cards. If they see an ATM purchase in Seville, Spain, for instance, they typically will call you to verify charges. If you miss the call, your credit card could be frozen while on vacation. Avoid the hassles by notifying your bank before leaving home.

2. Be aware of fees. When booking flights, note all extra charges, such as for checked bags, meals, even blankets. Sometimes the lowest fare you see online doesn't include those extras, said Ed Perkins, contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com, whose "Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide" offers comparison charts.

Same with hotel fees. Many hotels, such as those in Las Vegas and other resort areas, tack on housekeeping or resort fees that can add an extra $10 or $20 a day.

The fees often aren't specified online; if you're calling the hotel directly, ask about those extras.

3. Trip insurance? It's a good idea any time you've paid a large, nonrefundable deposit or there's a hefty cancellation penalty. "You never know what's going to happen. If you have an expensive cruise, vacation rental or tour package, it's recommended," said Perkins. Don't buy travel insurance from airlines or cruise companies, he said, because coverage can be limited. Go to travel insurance sites, such as InsureMyTrip.com, SquareMouth.com and QuoteWright.com. Look for "cancel-for-any-reason" policies.

4. Hold the mail. Have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail and newspapers daily, or have the post office temporarily stop delivery. Papers piling up advertise you're gone and can be a gold mine for identity thieves. "There's no greater magnet for burglars than a...