Travel Tips and Travel Scams (audio)

**GroovyTakeOn podcast is part of #HiMomProject. Helping Older Adults to get ready-stay safe-online and offline.**

Summer is almost over and most of the trips are over. Or maybe not, maybe the next trip is just around the corner? In case you want to plan your new adventure we decided to share some TRAVEL TIPS and talk about TRAVEL SCAMS. Any time is a good time to talk about vacation trips.

This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and also on most of the podcasting platforms, just search for GroovyTakeOn.

Travel Scams

  • “Luxury vacation” for a very low price or even for free – that unsolicited call about you winning luxury vacation might not really be a real deal.
  • Travel agency – before you pay, make sure travel agency you want to use is a trusted company.
  • International Driving Permits – “An international driving permit (IDP) translates your government-issued driver’s license into 10 languages. Although your U.S. driver’s license lets you drive in many foreign countries, the translations in the IDP are intended to minimize language barriers when you drive in countries where English is not widely spoken or understood. That’s all an IDP does. It’s not a substitute for a valid, government-issued license. It can’t be used in place of a suspended or revoked license or as a government-issued identification card. And it won’t protect you from traffic tickets or “points.” (source: Federal Trade Commission)
  • Timeshares – before you get into it or in case you want to get out of it check Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information website for more details
  • Taxi overcharge – not sure about the route (obviously not, you are in a new city). Negotiate the price beforehand or, at least, check on Google Maps (or any other maps app) the route.
  • Pre-paid or wire payments for the trip – before you make a payment check if you can pay using your credit card
  • “Come in for a tea and help me to write a letter” – don’t go anywhere with strangers. At some point, they might want you to buy something you don’t want.
  • Free jewelry that can be put on you – “free stuff” is most of the time (never?) not free. Scammers will try to put pice of jewelry on you and then expect money.
  • Pickpocketing – unfortunately, it’s hard to notice anything, especially when on vacation. Keep all valuable items (documents, money, etc.) close to you and safe. The external pocket of your backpack might not be the best choice.
  • Wrong change – make sure to get familiar with the currency of the country you are visiting. Check the currency exchange, check online how the currency looks like so you are not surprised.
  • broken/stolen bike or scooter/motorcycle – don’t leave your passport as a deposit, take pictures/video of the scooter before you leave the rental place. Be careful, this is one of the more popular scams (more info at TripAdvisor)

Travel Tips

  • Google Maps – by car, motorcycle, public transportation, or by foot Google Maps is a great source of useful information on how to get around. In case you won’t have access to the internet use offline access to selected maps.
  • Google Translate – in case you don’t know the language, this app might be very useful. Don’t forget about the option with offline access to selected languages.
  • Passport Health – check your destination for health concerns and get proper vaccinations if necessary (by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
  • Wheelchair – in case you need it, make all necessary arrangements (airports, hotels, etc.).
  • Travel insurance – in case of illness, injury, theft, cancellations, etc.
  • get US Embassy contact numbers and other important contacts
  • Travel details – share travel details with your friends/relatives.
  • Social media – share whatever you want about your trip AFTER you get back home.
  • Make copies – of your passport, IDs, important documents, etc. in paper and digital version so you have easy access in case you can’t find the originals.
  • Credit cards – have an extra credit card with you in case something happened to the first one.
  • at your local bank – ask if there are any additional fees you will have to pay using your credit cards abroad.
  • Assembly small first aid kit (by Cleveland Clinic).
  • if something is too good to be true – take a step back and give yourself time to think.
  • Check TripAdvisor app (or other travel apps) to learn more about new locations you are going to visit.
  • Hotels – after you book your stay at 3rd party app or website, call your hotel directly to confirm the details (cancellation policies, etc.)
  • Water bottle with the filter – bottled water might be pricy depends on the location, having your own one with the filter might save you so money.
  • Small flashlight – and if you don’t want to pack it then remember that you have a flashlight feature in your smartphone
  • Emergency cash – just in case
  • Take pictures/videos – take those selfies, take pictures with your friends and other people you travel with. Collect those photo and video memories.
  • Discounts – ask for senior discounts or any other discounts that are available.
  • Pack light – if possible
  • Enjoy your trip!

Additional Resources:

Question of the Day: What’s your favorite trip? (so far)

GroovyKlaudia

Social Media for Older Adults & Non-Techies Helper by day and Groovy Photo Chaser all the time

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