Budget Travel

Travel insurance is especially important for senior citizens, who face higher medical risks abroad — but finding the right policy at a reasonable premium takes a little know-how. This guide explains what seniors should look for in travel insurance, how age and health affect cover and cost, the importance of declaring pre-existing conditions, and tips…

If you are applying for a Schengen visa to visit Europe, travel insurance is not optional — it is a mandatory requirement, and your visa can be refused without a compliant policy. This guide explains exactly what Schengen travel insurance must cover, the minimum requirements, how to get a compliant policy and certificate, and tips…

International travel insurance protects you against the unexpected — medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellations, lost baggage, flight delays and more — and is mandatory for some visas. Choosing the right policy can save you from huge out-of-pocket costs. This guide explains what international travel insurance covers, the types available, how to choose a policy, and…

When choosing a rewards credit card, one of the biggest decisions is whether to earn reward points (or miles) or simple cashback. Both turn your spending into value, but they suit different people and goals. This guide compares reward points and cashback on value, flexibility, simplicity and who each suits, so you can pick the…

Withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad is convenient, but it can come with several charges that quietly add up if you are not careful. This guide explains the different fees involved in international ATM withdrawals, how to minimise them, and smarter ways to access cash overseas, so you keep more of your travel money. This…

Booking flights and hotels is where the right credit card can earn you the most — through reward points, miles, cashback, discounts and travel perks on spending you are already doing. This guide explains what to look for in a card for travel bookings, how to maximise rewards on flights and hotels, and the perks…

Air miles and reward points can unlock free flights, upgrades, hotel stays and more — but many travellers let them expire unused or struggle to redeem them well. This guide explains how airline frequent-flyer miles and credit-card reward points work, the best ways to redeem them for maximum value, and the common pitfalls to avoid,…

Foreign-transaction markups quietly add a few percent to everything you spend abroad on an ordinary card — which adds up fast on an international trip. That is why zero or low forex-markup credit cards have become popular with Indian travellers. This guide explains what the forex markup is, how zero-markup cards work, their pros and…

One of the most common questions Indian travellers ask before going abroad is: should I carry a forex card, use my debit and credit cards, or take cash? Each option has real strengths and weaknesses, and the smartest travellers usually combine them. This guide compares forex cards, international debit and credit cards, and cash across…

Airport lounge access turns the often-stressful wait before a flight into a comfortable, productive experience — with free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and quiet. Many Indian credit and debit cards now offer complimentary lounge access, but the rules can be confusing. This guide explains how lounge access works, the difference between domestic and…

If you are an Indian travelling or spending abroad, you have probably heard about the “20% TCS” rule and the LRS limit — and they cause a lot of confusion. This guide explains, in plain language, what the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is, how Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies to foreign travel and spending,…

For international travel, carrying the right kind of money can save you a surprising amount in fees and hassle. A forex (foreign-exchange) card — a prepaid card loaded with foreign currency — has become a popular, secure way for Indians to spend abroad. This guide explains how forex cards work, their pros and cons, how…