Planning for a vacation or finding a good deal for a getaway can be fun, but it can also make you vulnerable to scams.
Wisconsin Better Business Bureau offers a few tips to keep yourself safe from rip-offs:
- Plan ahead. Allow yourself the time to research hotels, flights, and the area where you will be staying. Typically, the earlier you make reservations, the better the deals you will find and the lower the risk of your favorite destination being booked solid. The BBB says making reservations in advance also locks in rates and prevents you from paying higher prices later during prime spring break or holiday seasons.
- Avoid broad internet searches. Try to avoid entering phrases like ‘best deals’ into whichever search engine you use. Broad search terms like that can sometimes lead you to websites that look official, but are designed solely to rip people off.
- Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices that are too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Learn more about travel scams here.
- Do your homework. Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website and visit BBB.org for free Business Profiles. If you are using online services to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you are considering.
- Get trip details in writing. Before making final payment, get all the details of the trip in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels. Also, review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and refund policies, as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or booking site you are using.
- Consider travel insurance. Travel insurance covers things like trip cancellations or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage based on what type of plan you purchase. Ask a lot of questions, and always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not.
- Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.
- Wait to post on social media. We all like to share our vacation adventures with friends and family, but wait until you get back from your trip. Giving too much detail about when you will be away, and your home will be empty, could attract thieves.
- Check your home insurance. If your home will be unattended while you are away, make sure you know your responsibilities under your home insurance policy. Some policies do not cover damage if nobody checks on your for a certain amount of time.
- Share a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend. Include the contact information of someone joining you on your trip.
- Take a map. People rely heavily on smartphones and GPS. Have a hard copy backup in case of technical difficulties or if you are going through an area with poor cellphone reception.
- Check the weather conditions where you will be traveling and pack appropriate supplies and clothing.
- Avoid traveling alone. Use the buddy system and stick with your friends.
- Use hotel safes to store extra cash and keep any valuables under lock and key.
