Avoiding Scams During This Travel Season
![travel scams](https://www.articlecube.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/adaptive-image/public/field/image/3865/travel%20scams.png?itok=uAU4RcFX)
Traveling helps us explore the world, enjoy life a little more, inspire us to achieve our desires, and overcome difficulties. Our need to discover new things and make connections drives us to travel, but it can also be used against us.
No matter how much you enjoy your trip, it takes only one scam to ruin your vacation. With the rise of cybersecurity threats, tourists and travelers have even more to worry about during their journeys. Now, it’s easy to get scammed by accessing the wrong Wi-Fi or not paying attention to what ads display.
It’s not just your surroundings that you need to be aware of anymore. Fortunately, you can prepare for most things by staying informed. Here is what you should know about avoiding scams during this travel season and in the future.
False Advertisement
That Airbnb with the enticing swimming pool that caught your eye as you were browsing for an online stay? It may be a sham. Deceptive advertisements can be incredibly subtle. A property might showcase stunning photos of certain amenities, but in reality, the accommodation may not provide these services.
They might have pictures of the swimming pool, but when you get there, it may not work. That is why checking for reviews beforehand and paying attention to the listed services is crucial. If you find yourself in such a situation, report it to the platform, demand a refund, and search for another place. Keep in mind that there are also fake booking websites that use addresses similar to those of legitimate booking sites.
“It’s Not Working” Scam
Some rental properties subtly scam people by informing them that some facilities are not working and need to be fixed. For example, you might not have access to hot water, and the host lets you know some work on the pipes has to be done. This may or may not be accurate, but it isn’t your responsibility. If they can’t provide you with an exact time for when the issue will be fixed, get a refund and move on.
Fake QR Codes & Unsafe Wi-Fi
QR codes have many uses but can also be used for scams like phishing. You may scan them to view a menu, hotel offer, or something else, but you might be redirected to a fake website that can steal your personal information.
To prevent this, check for any signs of tampering. A fake QR code might be placed on top of the original. See who the source/sender is and preview the URL, but do not open it. If the URL and brand coincide, it might be safe.
Similarly, beware of public Wi-Fi. This type of connection may be unsafe, and you never know who is behind the network. To make your connection more secure and to gain anonymity, use a personal VPN. Moreover, some VPNs also come with antivirus features.
Overpriced Services
Getting your money's worth is one of the most significant issues you will face when traveling. Often, services might be overpriced, especially in popular tourist destinations. For example, some touring services are legit and informative, while others might be scams. To be safe, ask for some offers through a travel agency to visit certain places. If you are already traveling with an agency, you can ask for a tour offer at your hotel.
However, are plane tickets or accommodations always the best price you can get? You can check hotel and flight prices before reserving them to get an idea of what you are about to spend. Yet, these websites can collect your data via cookies and capitalize on your traveling needs by raising prices. You can use a VPN to change your geo-location and check flights at possibly different price tags. If your travel agency or hotel offers you touring services in nearby areas, that too can be overpriced. It may be wise to have a few options to compare the prices and what you get for your money. Esim comparison can also help in ensuring you get the best deal on mobile connectivity, potentially saving you money while traveling
Sources
Similar Articles
Embarking on a journey to explore new destinations is more than just a simple act of movement from one place to another; it's an exhilarating plunge into the unknown, a canvas awaiting the strokes of your adventurous spirit.
Embarking on a long-term travel adventure or living can truly enrich your life. Bring about transformative experiences. However, it's crucial to approach it with planning, adaptability and the courage to venture outside of your comfort zone. In this guide, we'll delve into aspects of long-term travel and living abroad offering advice to assist you in embarking on this thrilling journey.
If you and your soulmate have finally decided to make your relationship official, your thoughts will be focusing on a honeymoon destination, among other things. Of course, the big focus is the wedding, which can be a real challenge, even for a professional event planner, and once you book your honeymoon, that’s one thing you can cross off your list of stuff to do.
When it comes to traveling to and from Frankfurt Airport, there are several transportation options available, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Finding the right vacation rental for your needs and goals takes a little planning. Here are 6 things to look for when choosing and planning the perfect vacation rental destination.
Travelling in today’s world can get quite hectic, messy, and fast. However, to truly take in the experience of going to another country, we need to take a step back and see what it’s like to travel more slowly, purposefully, and selectively for a much better travelling experience.
Scotland is a beautiful country with countless wonders to offer locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a fellow Scot looking to explore somewhere new in your home country, or you’re a tourist looking to see what Scotland has to offer – there’s something for everyone.
The city is renowned for its pizza, in particular the distinctive deep-dish pies which all got started when Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo achieved their dream of creating a pizza unlike any other with the opening of Pizzeria Uno in 1943.
A tourist guide is the one who provides you through his knowledge all the important aspects about the route that will be followed, in these cases what is suggested is to become aware because for you it represents comfort to have a tourist guide