Visa International reveals the secret of a stress free holiday.

To celebrate Visa's summer promotion which offers cardholders the chance to win their entire travel expenses up to $5,000 by simply using their Visa or Visa Electron cards while on holiday, Visa has put together the 'All You Need' safety travel tips to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

'The better prepared you are before you leave the less disruption and stress you will experience should the worst happen overseas,' said marketing communications, Visa International, Stephen Coakley.

Make a photocopy of your cards and keep the document somewhere safe: Just in case the worst should happen overseas having a copy of your card will help when reporting the loss and make the whole process a lot less stressful.

Bring backup cards: Don't put all your faith in one card to see you through your whole trip. Pickpockets, card-eating cash machines, and misplaced wallets do happen and make sure that your cards don't expire while on holidays.

Do not keep cards and cash in the same place: That way you will not lose everything. In the event you lose your purse you should always have some extra money in a separate pocket. In busy tourist areas hold bags or wallets close to your body and use a money belt if possible.

Make use of the hotel's safety deposit box: Keep your valuables, money and passport safe by storing them in the hotel's safety deposit box.

When you pay with your credit card, check the information on the sales voucher: You are liable for the amount written in the box marked Total, so make sure it is filled in before you sign. Different countries have different ways of dealing with customer payments so don't be caught out.

Memorise your personal identification number (PIN) on the key board: If you plan to get local currency from a cash machine make sure nobody can see your details when you are withdrawing money.

To find out more about card safety visit www.visamiddleeast.com for more information.Trade Arabia News Service