Travel scams target consumers under the guise of winning a free trip. The scam begins with a telephone call congratulating the consumer. Once the caller convinces the consumer of their “free” vacation, the only thing left to do is claim the present. To do this, the consumer is told they have to send money to cover fees and taxes associated with their winning.
The universal keys to a successful and safe trip are:
Use common sense
Plan and then plan some more so that all details are “detailed”
Leave a copy of all pertinent documents with someone you trust, at home.
Tips for traveling safely:
1. If you are not a savvy traveler, always travel with a companion.
2. Pack light. You do not need to take everyone you have at home with you. Do not take more than you are prepared to handle yourself.
3. Leave a copy of the front and the back of your credit cards at home, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your credit cards.
4. Leave a copy of your passport at home – but, but also take a copy with you – but, keep it in a different place than you keep your passport.
5. Do not carry all your credit cards. Just take one or two.
6. Notify your credit card companies when you will be traveling – both national and international.
7. Make sure your Will and other legal paperwork are up to date.
8. Carry your proof of medical insurance – confirm that you are covered as you travel.
9. Do not carry big purses and bags. Carry a cross-the shoulder bag or fanny pack.
10. Do not carry all your money in a visible way – keep only a few dollars readily available. Stash the rest.
11. Leave your itinerary with someone at home.
12. Take a “red-eye” flight when you can – the planes are probably cleaner.
13. Don’t plan on arriving in the middle of the night. Schedule daytime arrivals.
14. Know where your embassies and consulates are.
15. Always carry the name, address and telephone number of the places you are staying.
16. Discuss fare before you get into a cab – get information from your hotel as to anticipated costs.
17. Do not take off with strangers offering to act as tour guides or to show you direction.
18. Do you need medical insurance?
19. Do you need travelers insurance?
20. Will you need an international driver’s license.
21. Verify all travel details, in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies, before making a purchase. No information should be ambiguous. You want names, addresses, and telephone numbers for all lodgings, airlines and cruise ship information as well as detailed information on the tour company.
22. Remember when you get that “too good to be true” telephone call or post card telling you that you won a free trip – it probably is not free. At some point you will be asked for money via your bank account or credit card, or other source, such as Pay Pal.
23. Check and double check if VISAs or Inoculations or other special preparations are required.
24. What are the requirements concerning foreign monies?
25. Are credit cards widely accepted – even at hotels? Not always so check.
No comments:
Post a Comment