Travelers should be careful: From vacation scams to insurance to personal safety, industry experts say some important considerations can make a big trip or break it.
Here are four things to keep in mind when planning your next vacation:
Not all travel agents and vacation packages are legal
If you think a vacation package or timeshare transaction is too good, then that’s probably true.
Flying passengers say the major airlines have provided thousands of dollars to travelers trying to give up their seats
Federal Trade Commission data shows that a considerable number of people are victims of vacation package scams.
A considerable number of people excited about their next vacation have been scamended by fake websites and actors pretending to be travel agents. (istock)
Fake websites and AI can create anonymous internet scams, but some are run by bad actors posing as experts ready to steal your money in exchange for a perfect trip.
“One of the things we see in our industry is scams from people pretending to be travel agents,” Erika Richter, vice president of communications at the Virginia-based American Society of Travel Advisors, told Fox News Digital.
Flight passengers were asked to switch seats three times by three different people on one trip
Richter said travel agency employment projects have grown by 3% each year from this year until 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Travel advisors have been increasing recently as the industry continues to grow every year. (istock)
“So, I’ve seen a lot of people come into the industry, but the barriers to entry are really low. You need more time and licenses to cut your hair to book a trip for someone else.”
In December, an Atlanta-based travel agency was arrested for making fake travel arrangements for the George Mason University men’s basketball team after receiving more than $100,000, according to the U.S. Lawyer’s Office.
“This travel advisor looked very legal, but he has been scamming the entire team and their families and facing felony charges. I’ve been with the organisation for 10 years. I’m increasingly seeing uncruel and careful actors who pretend to be a travel advisor and rip people apart,” Richter said.
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Richter recommends doing your research to make sure you work with a true expert.
To protect yourself from the possibility of hacks and scams, the best thing you can do is find a verified travel advisor. (istock)
“Make sure you’re working with a verified travel advisor,” she said, adding that travelers can try Verivacation.com, which shows their travel advisor certification.
“The people who experience our program are vetted and prove their sales. They have to prove their sales track record. They have to take our course and pass the ethics course.
Safe travel destinations may not be as safe today
Terrorism, political instability, civil unrest, and even environmental factors constantly change the landscape of tourists.
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In many countries currently on the State Department’s “not travel” list, the US government has limited ability to support citizens who have been mistakenly detailed or in need.
It is important to check the safety condition of the place you want to be and ensure it is safe for travelers. (istock)
“The US Department of State has a higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens overseas,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“We take our commitment to providing US citizens with clear, timely and reliable information about every country in the world seriously.
All countries have travel advisories issued by the State Department, ranging from level 1 to 4.
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“The levels assigned to countries for travel advisory are based on established risk indicators such as crime, civil unrest and other potential risks,” the spokesman said.
“We update our advisories on a daily basis to reflect the latest ground conditions.”
Being familiar with the laws and customs of your destination, make sure you don’t get completely lost when you arrive at your destination. (istock)
According to the State Department, getting used to the laws and customs of your destination should be a top priority.
Travelers can get all the facts of a particular country by visiting travel.state.gov.
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Richter also advises you to consider your risk tolerance before booking a trip.
Consider risk tolerance before booking that flight or international tour. (istock)
“Are you traveling with your family? Are you taking kids? Are you traveling solo women? There are so many considerations to consider when it comes to safety,” she said.
When reading national travel advisories, consider that it is a certain area that is sometimes considered unsafe, Richter said.
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“When you look at all the data from the State Department, do you look at it overall or in the area?” she said.
In the event of an emergency, you will need to register with the embassy as an additional layer of protection before traveling abroad. (istock)
Citizens traveling abroad can register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Registration Program (step.state.gov) to obtain alerts and other information from the US embassy overseas, allowing the US embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Richter always recommends registering with the embassy when traveling abroad as another layer of protection, just in case the situation arises.
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Travel insurance can save you money
Check your health insurance status and see if it covers possible accidents or illnesses while traveling. (istock)
Whether you are climbing in the Alps or a Thai kayak, will your medical insurance plan cover accidents and illnesses?
Finding the answer before you travel is your number one priority.
“Most health plans aren’t like that,” Thomas Stefaniak, executive director of the American Travel Insurance Association in Maryland, told Fox News Digital.
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“If you get serious illness or need emergency procedures or overseas surgery, most US health plans do not cover them internationally,” Stefaniak said.
Another important step when preparing for your vacation is to look at travel insurance options. (istock)
Checking the travel insurance box on the front end is a way to cover any costly costs you may have incurred unexpectedly.
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According to Stefaniak, medical expenses such as cancellations, delays in air travel, missed connections, illness, accidents and even deaths are all items that can be covered by travel insurance.
Protect yourself from canceling trips, missing connections, and even lost bags. All of these are covered with excellent travel insurance. (istock)
Stefaniak said adding insurance is a nominal fee compared to the costs of some trips.
“The cost of a master plan can cost anywhere from $250 to $500,” he said.
“If you’re booking a $5,000 or $6,000 trip, the $400 or $500 cost is still a very good sense of security.”
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Costs are also based on the level of coverage required.
Even if your obstacles get in the way, find out you’re financially protected and feel safe when traveling. (istock)
“If you’re doing something like rock climbing, that might not be covered by traditional plans,” Stefaniak said. “That might be something you want to add to your policy.”
Stefaniak said many travel insurance providers have an app that can provide additional support and travel information to subscribers.
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“As many people are traveling alone more and more, I want to make sure the places you explore and have dinner are very safe.”
It’s more important than ever to stay safe while traveling, especially as more and more people travel solo. (istock)
Many of the plans provide 24-hour assistance.
“Let’s say you’re on the other side of the world and need to get a career.
Richter said he tells travelers that protecting travel is protecting their investments.
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“I really want to make sure that, especially if you’re on a honeymoon or a big bucket list trip,” she said.
Protect your personal data
Be aware of the possibility of a data breach while on vacation or waiting at the airport. (istock)
According to the annual data breach report published by the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of data breaches increased by 78% compared to the previous year.
People are often more vulnerable to attacks on personal data due to exposure to tactics called “Juice Jerking” when people use public Wi-Fi networks and thieves install malware via basic USB charging stations and use it to steal information.
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“Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself,” she said. “There’s nothing innocent.”
Check out VPNs (Virus Private Networks) to see how technology can create secure, encrypted connections. (cyberguy.com)
One of the biggest ways data can be compromised is password protection, or lack of it.
A recent survey by ExpressVPN, a virtual private network (VPN) provider, found that 81% of Americans share their passwords with their spouse or important others.
A VPN is a technology that creates secure, encrypted connections over the Internet that covers your IP addresses and protects online activity.
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Before booking your next vacation, do your research before taking off to avoid these scams. (istock)
This allows you to browse the web more securely, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
However, if your password is compromised, your VPN won’t be able to protect your data.
Richter suggested traveling with a battery pack, so he didn’t have a mobile phone connected at the airport.
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“I’d also be aware of the Wi-Fi networks that I’m participating in. There are portable Wi-Fi devices that are useful not only for the level of safety and security, but also for those in places where there is no Wi-Fi.”
