Traveling abroad means still higher risk for credit card theft.

The bank is looking out for its interests. If you call ahead you'll be in London, and while you're there you get your wallet stolen and someone buys $2,000 in merchandise, the CC company is the one getting the shaft.

Travel abroad notification isn't, and shouldn't, be an all charges go through free for all.

In the end, the costs of doing business get passed on to the consumer. A more lapse fraud department means more costs passed on to consumers, whether that be in higher interest rates or less desireable points/bonus offers.