Planning your next vacation should fill you with excitement. That being said, there are plenty of unsavory characters both online and at your destination looking to make a quick buck off enthusiastic tourists. To ensure your travel adventure goes off without a hitch, here’s some information on common scams and how to avoid them. 

Top 3 Travel Scams & How to Steer Clear of Them

1. Bogus House Rentals

While there are plenty of legitimate vacation home rental websites, an online search can also pull up several unknown classified websites boasting great deals on stunning homes. In this case, a deal that’s too good to be true most likely is. To avoid this scam or having to stay in sub-par accommodations, work with a trusted travel agency who can secure excellent rates at a well-reviewed hotel. 

2. Complimentary Amusement Park Tickets

While research activities to do on vacation, you may start to notice ads on social media and other websites offering free amusement park tickets. Unfortunately, these are rarely real offers. Instead, it’s a scam by another organization hoping to secure your personal information. Before plugging your name, address, and other details into a form, check the spelling and imagery on the advertisement. If anything looks suspicious or out of place, move on. 

3. Broken Taxi Meters

Once you reach your destination, odds are you’ll need transportation to the hotel or to see the sights. Taxi drivers, particularly those stationed around airports, are known to fib to tourists about rates. They may claim their meter is broken and charge you an inflated fee. To avoid this trick, always discuss the rates when you get into a taxi and check to make sure the meter is running. If, during this initial interaction, the driver seems suspicious, exit the vehicle and find another ride. 

DiMaria Travel Agency, based in the heart of Rochester, NY, has been helping clients plan exhilarating travel experiences for over 40 years. If you’re looking for an honest, passionate travel agent, call today at (585) 271-0100 to discuss your upcoming plans. To read up on some countries you’d like to visit, review the information on their website.