Credit cards to make travel a pleasurable experience

There were close to 59 million Americans who traveled to foreign shores in 2011. This is a 3 percent increase compared to the number of people who traveled in the year 2010. This number is sure to increase this year. Considering the surge in the travel industry, credit card issuers are now offering cards that make financial transactions simpler and faster abroad.

Major credit card lenders all over the country are designing exclusive credit cards for people traveling to various parts of the world. While some cards can get you great deals in Europe, there are others that can bring in special offers in Asia. If you are planning international travel this year or in the near future, here are a few credit cards worth signing up for.

If you are planning to travel to Europe, then you will need to have a ‘chip and pin’ technology credit card in your wallet. Credit cards with magnetic strips are no longer accepted in many European countries because of the frauds associated to it. Therefore, before you depart to Europe, here are two credit cards you can consider signing up for. The first is the British Airways Visa Signature Card which has been designed by Chase for travelers. This card not just works on the chip and pin technology, but also entices customers with bonus flying miles and zero dollar foreign transaction fees. If you are planning a visit to the United Kingdom, this card will be a valuable addition to your wallet. The Globe Trek Visa credit card from Andrews Federal Credit Union is another card for American travelers to Europe. This card offers a very low interest rate and foreign transaction fees of just 1 percent. Any person willing to apply for this credit card should first become a member of this credit union by donating a certain amount of money to American Consumer Council.

If you are planning to travel to countries in Asia or Africa, then the Platinum Card from American Express is highly recommended. This card offers features such as zero foreign transaction charges, international airport lounge access and even luggage fee reimbursement. This credit card can also be used in the Bank of China to get travelers check in their currency. The Citi Executive credit card from CitiGroup Inc. is also another card that can get you unparalleled benefits when traveling to Asian and African countries.