Tags: formula 1, prepaid travel cards, travel, travel money

The Formula 1 Championship is nearing its conclusion and trips to both North and South America could prove pivotal in the race for the driver’s title.

While Mercedes have already wrapped up the constructors’ championship, their two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, are still locked in a battle for pole position.

British racer Hamilton has now won four races on the spin – the second time this season he has achieved such a feat – and victory in the United States would move him a step closer to the title.

He is currently 17 points ahead of his German rival after victory in Sochi, but with double points available in Abu Dhabi, there is still plenty to race for.

The US circuit

Racing returned to the US for the first time in five years in 2012, but at a new venue – The Circuit of The Americas – in Austin, Texas.

The first purpose-built F1 facility in America, located in Wandering Creek to the southeast of the Texan capital, took inspiration from the world’s best circuits, creating a race with plenty of twists and turns.

The landscape of the region also means elevation changes of up to 40 metres affect the circuit, meaning drivers have to be at the very top of their game.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel claimed victory in 2013 and will undoubtedly be looking to replicate victory to add a little positivity to an otherwise disappointing season.

Around 120,000 fans can attend the race while a number of other functions can also be found across a 900-acre site – including space for music and various driving clubs.

Party time in Brazil

Brazil is notorious for its samba-style party atmosphere and the Grand Prix in Sao Paulo does not usually disappoint.

There is, of course, also the potential for a bigger part to ensue in Brazil, should one of the Mercedes pair clinch the title with a race to spare.

Fans in Brazil have continued to flock to watch F1, even though the last Brazilian to claim victory was the late Ayrton Senna, a figure who proved instrumental in racing retuning to Sao Paulo from Rio.

Interlagos first held a Grand Prix in the early 1970s and was renamed in honour of Carlos Pace, following his untimely death in a plane crash – his first and only Formula 1 victory occurred on the circuit.

The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace features long straights, long slanted corners and some tight hairpins, designed to keep every driver on their toes.

This provides a tremendous spectacle for fans, while the delights of Sao Paulo are right on the door step, providing a stunning mix of culture, architecture and stunning landmarks.

Funding trips to Texas and Sao Paulo

Travelling with a prepaid travel card can provide money to spend without the need to carry lots of travellers’ cheques or foreign currency.

With a prepaid card you can only spend the amount which is on it at any given time, making budget management possible, although it can be topped up if you so wish.

Additional security exists on these cards, while the exchange rate seen will be the one when the original transaction took place – providing protection should the exchange rate vary dramatically during a trip.