Thursday, May 22, 2025
18.4 C
London

Vacation Budget Busters: How to safeguard your finances while traveling abroad

- Advertisement -

Vacationing in foreign lands is a dream come true, but it often comes with a price tag. Yet, even the most diligent budgeters can find their funds drained by crafty scams while abroad.

Here’s your guide to avoiding common travel scams and ensuring a smooth and scam-free gateway.

Gift Scams – You’re strolling through the streets of Montmartre in Paris, and suddenly, a friendly street vendor approaches and ties a colorful bracelet around your wrist, insisting it’s a cherished gift.

But here’s the catch: Once the bracelet adorns your wrist, they demand payment. Justin Albertynas, a seasoned travel industry expert and CEO of the hotel booking site Ratepunk advices “Firmly say ‘no thank you’ and keep walking. Don’t let them begin tying the bracelet.”

- Advertisement -

Taxi Scams – Across Asia, unwary travelers find themselves in a taxi, only to discover that the meter remains stubbornly off, replaced by an exorbitant flat rate quoted by the driver. Albertynas advises, “Always insist on using the meter. If they refuse, find another taxi.” Don’t let unscrupulous cabbies take you for a ride.

More travel scams while on vacation

Currency Switch Scam – When exchanging your money on vacation in foreign lands, watch out for the currency switch scam. Albertynas explains, “When you hand a larger note, the person might quickly switch it with a smaller note, insisting you gave them the wrong amount.” Protect yourself by “always being attentive during money exchanges and confirming the denominations out loud when handing money over.”

Photo Favor Scam – While admiring iconic sights, a seemingly friendly local offers to take your photo, and you gladly hand over your camera. However, your smile fades when they demand money to give it back. “Politely decline offers from strangers to take your photo or ask someone whom you approached first,” advises Albertynas.

Fake Police Officer Scam – An unnerving scam involves criminals impersonating police officers. Edmund Jenkins, a travel expert at Time To Backpack, warns that these impersonators may demand to see your passport or wallet, accuse you of fictitious offenses, and even threaten arrest if you don’t comply. His advise is to remain calm, ask for identification, and if they refuse, calmly walk away.

- Advertisement -

By staying alert and informed, you can enjoy the wonders of the world without falling prey to cunning scams. Travel smart, travel safe!

Read More News

How to transform challenges into your greatest assets

The photo above is from Pexels

- Advertisement -

Hot this week

Kate Middleton expecting twins, according to reports

According to news on the Internet, the Duchess of...

Is BTS’s Taehyung colour blind?

The rumour mill online has been speculating that Korean...

Hurley wore ‘the dress’ after being snubbed by top fashion designers

Model Liz Hurley became famous after wearing "the dress"...

Hyun Bin taking legal action against rumours involving Son Ye Jin

While the hottest K-drama screening on-air is undoubtedly Crash...

HK protesters call for boycott of Ip Man 4: The Finale

Hong Kong -- The final instalment of the Ip...

Vertical Institute Unveils Generative AI Course to Meet Growing Demand for Digital Proficiency

The future of work is undeniably intertwined with artificial...

Jimmy Carter: The Nobel US president who lived to be 100

Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who became the 39th...

Manmohan Singh: The leader who transformed India

Manmohan Singh's story is one of remarkable transformation, both...

Why AI ‘hallucinates’: What’s missing in the models

The American writer Richard Powers' latest novel, Playground, delves...

Challenging job market diminishes appeal of postgraduate studies in China

China is seeing a significant decline in postgraduate entrance...

Fatherhood changing in East Asia: Dads get into parenting and housework

A transformation in fatherhood is quietly unfolding across East...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img