Scams are at an all-time high—with travellers as one of the prime targets.
When you’ve been looking forward to a vacation for months, the last thing you need is to fall victim to a scam. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
6 Tips for Avoiding Common Scams During Your Family Vacation
Whether you are visiting the Alaskan villages or taking a long overdue beach vacation, here are a few guidelines you can follow to avoid some common travel scams.
1. Think twice about who you book through
Using a travel agent or website is an ideal way to save time and hassle when planning and booking a vacation. However, make sure that whichever site or company you’re using is reputable.
Take the time to read through any available reviews or get a referral from someone you know and trust.
2. Inform your bank
Your bank wants to help you protect your money, so don’t forget to contact them before you leave. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a basic beach holiday or heading to a bustling city, it’s best for your bank to know your plans.
This way, if your cards or credentials are stolen and money disappears from your account, you’ll have the assistance and insurance you need.
3. Be wary of local offers
Meeting the locals at your destination can be the best part of your trip, but keep in mind that not everyone will have your best interests at heart.
Offered a tour or a deal on an activity that seems too good to be true? Rather exercise caution and don’t hand over your money. It’s best to only arrange activities through your hotel, travel agent, or a reputable business at your destination.
4. Check for skimming devices
If you’re planning to shop at local stores or withdraw money from an ATM, keep an eye out for skimming devices—they’re actually more common than you might think!
Don’t use any ATMs that look damaged or tampered with. You should also be wary of keypads that look uneven or soft as well as card readers that look bulkier than normal.
5. Do some reading ahead of time
Even though many scams are universal, there will always be some that are specific to your destination.
Before you pack your bags, do a little reading on some of the most common scams at your destination. Whether it’s pickpocketing or payment disagreements, being prepared is the best way to stay safe. Don’t forget to chat with your kids about what to be aware of, too.
6. Set the price ahead of time
If you’re jumping into a taxi or booking a tour, make sure that you agree on a price ahead of time. It’s not uncommon for locals to jack up the price unnecessarily or for taxi drivers to take you on a roundabout route when the meter is running.
Safe Travels
While it’s not ideal that travel scams have become so common, with a little caution and some background information, you and your family can still have a great time.
Don’t let scammers stop you from truly enjoying a destination, the people, and all the wonderful sites.
