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My delayed bag gave me an opportunity to make very good money but I decided not to because it was the right thing to do. A few days ago, I wrote about having a delayed bag with United Airlines, making my golf trip not as fun as it could’ve been. Annoyingly, the airline delayed my bag on my flight back! For whatever reason, they must not like my bag. However, since I did not need the bag the next day the second time around, I was not extremely upset with this.

I filed another claim and went home that night, but I had to fly to another city the very next day so as I was in the airport, I went to the baggage claim area and there my golf bag was, just sitting out in the open. Out of worry that my bag would get stolen and frustration that it was just in the middle of nowhere, I took my bag, went back to the parking garage and put in my trunk.

At that point, I could just go on the plane, wait a few days while United tried to look for my bag and then claim a lost bag. This would give me the opportunity to get a brand new set of top of the line golf clubs + shoes + accessories which I could then resell. Conservatively, I can make $2,500 USD from this.

A lot of thoughts went through my head at the time, because $2,500 is not a small chunk of change. Even though it was probably considered stealing, there is almost no way for me to get caught. I know it was bad, but it looked like a very attractive option at the time.

At the end though, I thought to myself that I should do the right thing and set a good example for myself, my readers and future children. I proceeded to the baggage service and let them know that I saw my bag out in the open and I put it in my trunk so they can close the claim.

I felt good making that choice, not to mention that I can write to you about it :). Doing the right thing may not be the most profitable option all the time, but it is definitely the most satisfying way to live life. Now, I can say proudly that I have done the right thing.

PS: I heard that there are many reports of missing golf clubs. I wonder how many percent of those claims are actually owners lying about it!

I’m probably on the plane right now trying to work out my personal budget for this trip so a big “Hi” from the sky! I wonder when they will actually have free WiFi for everyone on the plane but I am satisfied for now to have my Nintendo DS with me while I sit through a 15-20 hour flight to Bali Island!Speaking of traveling, I used to get my money through the currency exchange at the United States airport. After a while of doing this, I realized that it is one of the worst places to get money in foreign currency. Not only are they more expensive than most other places, they also don’t have every currency that I sometimes need.

What I do now is get it when I actually arrive at my destination. It is pretty convenient because they would always have their own currency and offer competitive rates. For an even more savings, the local currency exchanges places found outside the airport offer even better rates. I caution you though because 1) not every country has one and 2) the store is not easy to locate at times.

Another option is to order money through your bank. Believe it or not, banks like Wells Fargo let you order foreign currencies in person, online or over the phone. Check their website for more details. The rates are comparable, but you would need to do this ahead of time so this option is only for the organized folks amongst us.

Some hotels can also do currency exchanges. However, anyone who has ever used ANY services from the hotel will no doubt agree that they charge a premium for everything. So, it is not the best option even though it’s quite convenient.

There is always the option of using a credit card. However, many credit cards charge a service fee every time you make a purchase in foreign currency and then they make money off the exchange rate, a double whammy. Capital One credit cards don’t charge this service fee but again, the exchange rate is not great. The other point to consider is that credit cards are as widely accepted in certain countries than developed ones. Unlike North America where almost every store accepts credit cards, there are many stores in Asia (for example) that only accept cash.

The last tip I have is to ask the cab driver! Never ask him to take you there as you don’t know whether to trust him or not. Instead, talk to him about exchange rates and ask him for suggestions for your next trip.

Do you travel much and can offer some tips for the rest of us? We’d love to hear from you!