Hotel Checkout Mistake #1: Failing to Double-Check Your Bill

Hotels are notorious for tacking on hidden fees. While some are unavoidable, you’ll want to scan your bill for anything that looks fishy—such as charges for snacks or drinks when you didn’t touch the minibar, or a dinner in the hotel restaurant that was charged to the wrong room number. Be sure to dispute these charges and get an updated copy of the receipt before you check out.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #2: Leaving Something Behind

My parents once made it all the way to the airport in Paris before realizing they had left their passports in the hotel safe. Needless to say, they missed their flight—and had a stressful ending to an otherwise pleasant trip.

Their story isn’t uncommon. In addition to leaving things in the safe, travelers often forget about toiletries in the shower and phone chargers in out-of-sight, out-of-mind electrical outlets.

Pack as much as you can the night before, when you’re not stressed for time. Then, right before hotel checkout time, do one last sweep of your room. Peek under the bed for things that might have fallen, pull back the shower curtain, check all the outlets, and open up the safe.

One trick long recommended by savvy travelers: Put one of your shoes in the safe the night before so you can’t leave without opening it. Another option is to bring along your pre-trip packing list and go over it to make sure you have everything before you leave the hotel.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #3: Forgetting to Leave a Tip

Don’t forget your hardworking (and often underpaid) housekeeper in your rush to get out the door. If you don’t have small bills handy, the front desk can make change for you. Consider leaving the equivalent of $2 to $5 each night of your stay, depending on local tipping norms and how messy you are.

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Hotel Checkout Mistake #4: Not Allowing Enough Time

In an ideal world you’d step out of the elevator, hand the keycard to a front desk staffer, and complete your hotel checkout in about 90 seconds. Don’t count on that—especially if you’re staying at a large hotel that caters to conventions and/or tour groups. Such properties often have long lines at the front desk during the most popular checkout times.

If you’ve got a plane or train to catch, allow yourself plenty of extra time to check out—just in case.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #5: Letting the Hotel Call You a Cab

Yes, it’s convenient, but travelers on a budget should order themselves an Uber or Lyft instead. Not only will the fare likely be cheaper, but you’ll also save a few bucks on tips for the hotel staff.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #6: Failing to Reserve a Spot on the Airport Shuttle

If you’re staying in an airport hotel before an early flight, chances are the property offers a free shuttle—but don’t assume you can just show up at 5:30 a.m. and hop on. Shuttle spots can be limited, and many hotels recommend (or even require) that you reserve your place the night before.

Once you make a reservation, be sure to arrive on time. The front desk might give you a courtesy call if you aren’t in the lobby when the van is ready to leave, but with other passengers in a hurry to make their flights, the shuttle might not wait long.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #7: Overstaying Your Welcome

Normal hotel checkout time for most properties is 11:00 a.m. or noon so housekeepers have time to clean rooms for the next guest. Be sure you know the deadline at your hotel so you can plan accordingly.

If you need a little extra time, call the front desk as far in advance as you can and see if they can accommodate you. Don’t just stay in the room beyond the checkout time; you will disrupt the housekeeping schedule and could face extra fees.

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The post 7 Things Not to Do at Hotel Checkout appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Part of the city’s famously-laid back, partying reputation can be attributed to the fact that it’s one of the few destinations in America where you can legally drink on the street, which can contribute to a raucous atmospher that leaves some visitors to wonder, is New Orleans safe? 

According to a study conducted by finance site Money Geek, which analyzed the most recent crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Orleans ranks as the seventh most dangerous city in the country.

Don’t let this deter you from visiting New Orleans—the majority of crime that occurs in the city does not involve tourists. The main crimes tourists need to worry about are petty crimes, such as scams or pickpocketing.

Tips for Staying Safe in New Orleans

The New Orleans tourism board has issued a visitor safety guide, which recommends travelers  “use the same personal safety precautions and to stay vigilant as they would at home or in any metropolitan destination. This means following common sense safety tips, including:

• Traveling in groups and avoiding walking alone on unlit streets at night
• Paying attention to your surroundings
• Not flashing valuables or cash
• Never leaving your drink unattended 
• Not leaving personal belongings unattended

Whether you’re in a packed bar, watching an impromptu street performance, or participating in a festival, you’ll likely find yourself in a large crowd at some point during your New Orleans trip. Make sure to practice anti-pickpocket techniques in these situations, such as keeping your wallet in your front pocket, wearing a cross-body purse, and monitoring your bag. 

Common New Orleans Scams

There are a few (relatively harmless) notorious scams that you may encounter on a visit to New Orleans.

One popular one is a stranger stopping to tell you that they bet they can “guess where you got your shoes.” If you agree, they’ll answer “on your feet” and try to get you to give them money to settle the wager. The best response to this scam, and most others in the city, is to just ignore people who shout random things at you—avoid eye contact and keep walking, or offer a polite “no thank you.”

Another frequent scam that you may see, especially in tourist areas, are aggressive shoe shiners, who may try to shine your shoes (without your permission) and then harass you for money. Again, just say “no thank you” politely, and keep walking. 

Places to Avoid in New Orleans

New Orleans is an eclectic mix of neighborhoods. The most popular ones for tourists to visit are the French Quarter, Uptown (The Garden District), Treme, and the Arts/Warehouse District. All of these neighborhoods are very safe as long as you’re following the same common sense safety tips you’d practice in other cities. 

Central City and Hollygrove are the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, according to GIS Geography, and so tourists may wish to avoid those areas or exercise extra caution when visiting.  

New Orleans Nightlife Safety Tips

New Orleans’ nightlife is famously raucous. Follow the same safety tips here that you would on a night out at home, including:

• Remaining aware of your surroundings
• Watching your drink at all times/not accepting drinks from strangers
• Taking a taxi or rideshare in lieu of walking in unfamiliar areas after dark
• Confirming the license plate and driver photo when being picked up by a rideshare
• Not drinking and driving
• Staying with your group

New Orleans Weather Risks

New Orleans is one of the rainiest cities in the country, experiencing an average of 62 inches per rain each year. The low-lying city has a tendency to flood, and it’s also vulnerable to hurricanes. 

Before traveling to New Orleans, sign up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts from the city. You can choose to be notified for emergency alerts (including severe weather or an active shooter) or seasonal info (with tips on how to prepare for hurricane season). Emergency alertss will be sent via text, email, phone call, or app. 

If you do find yourself in the city during an emergency weather situation, follow instructions from local officials and be prepared to evacuate if needed. 

The post Is New Orleans Safe? Neighborhoods to Avoid and Other Warnings  appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Whenever you travel, you risk falling victim to travel scams. While such scams can affect anyone, knowing what to look for might help you avoid getting ripped off. You’re more susceptible to trickery in unfamiliar settings, after all, and scams usually have been perfected over years of trial and error.

The Most Bizarre Europe Travel Scams

Gelato in hand, you’re strolling down a street in Italy when suddenly, a woman starts loudly arguing with a street vendor. A crowd gathers as he accuses her of shoplifting. To prove her innocence, she starts to strip: Once she’s down to her underwear, the vendor apologizes, the woman leaves, and the onlookers disappear—but so have their wallets, thanks to a team of pickpockets who were working the show.

This is just one of the bizarrely inventive ways that European scam artists operate. The good news is that if you’re wise to their tricks, you can just marvel at their ingenuity. The sneakiest pickpockets look like well-dressed businessmen, generally with something official-looking in their hand. Lately many are posing as tourists with fanny packs, cameras, and even guidebooks.

No matter which country you’re in, assume beggars are pickpockets and any scuffle is simply a distraction by a team of thieves. If you stop for any commotion or show, put your hands in your pockets before someone else does (or, even better, wear a money belt).

Set-up scams are time-tested and popular. On the busy streets of Barcelona, Berlin, and Florence, you’ll find the shell game: Players pay to guess which of the moving shells hides the ball. It looks easy, but the winners are all ringers, and you can be sure that you’ll lose if you play.

The most rampant scams are more subtle, such as being overcharged by a taxi driver. Some cabbies will pretend to drop a large bill and pick up a hidden small one, then tell you that you didn’t pay enough. Others will select the pricier “night and weekend” rate on their meter, even on weekdays. To decrease your odds of getting ripped off, call for a taxi from a hotel or restaurant, or use your phone to order a rideshare instead. If you do hail a cab, choose one with a prominent taxi-company logo and telephone number. Either way, insist on using the meter, agree on a price up front, or know the going rate. If, for whatever reason, I’m charged a ridiculous price for a ride, I put a reasonable sum on the seat and say goodbye.

Whenever cash is involved, it pays to be alert. If someone offers to help you use a cash machine, politely refuse (the person wants your PIN code). If a cash machine eats your ATM card, check for a thin plastic insert with a little flap hanging out—crooks use tweezers to extract your card. Cashiers, and even bank tellers, thrive on the “slow count,” dealing out change with odd pauses in hopes that rushed tourists will gather up the money early and say “grazie.” Also, be careful when paying with large bills in restaurants and stores, and always inspect your change—in Italy, the now-worthless 500-lira coin looks like a two-euro coin.

Some thieves hang out at train-ticket machines, eager to assist you in buying tickets with a pile of your quickly disappearing foreign cash. And skip the helping hand from official-looking railroad attendants at the Rome train station. They’ll lead you to your seat, then demand a “tip.”

In Spain, women offer you sprigs of rosemary (as if in friendship) and then grab your hand, read your fortune, and demand payment. Don’t make eye contact, don’t accept a sprig, and say firmly but politely, “No, gracias.”

Just because someone looks official doesn’t mean they are. In Italy, “Tourist Police” may stop you on the street, flash bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or “drug money.” You won’t even notice some bills are missing until after they leave.

Never open your door to “hotel inspectors.” One waits outside while the other comes in to take a look around. While you’re distracted, the first thief slips in and snags valuables off your dresser.

In Vienna, official-looking women decked out in long velvet capes roam famous sights, claiming to work for the opera house and offering to sell you tickets. The tickets are fakes, and the only seats you’ll be buying are the ones on the bus back to your hotel.

Common Travel Scams in Europe by Country

And there are still more travel scams to know about if you’re visiting Europe. Here are eight of the most common travel scams, organized by country where you’re more likely to encounter them. Study up so you don’t fall victim to “highway pirates” or bogus police officers on your next trip.

Italy, Puncturing Tires: Beware of “highway pirates” in Italy who will puncture your tires in a parking lot and follow you until you’re forced to stop. They will then pretend to help you while robbing you at the same time. If you do get a flat tire, be cautious about who offers to help you—especially around Naples—and never leave your valuables and luggage in your car.

France, False Petitions: Be wary of children who pretend to be disabled and claim to represent an accredited charity. They will ask for your signature—and then your money. Ignore them and report the scam to police. Organized scammers like this receive a 1 million euro fine in France.

Spain, Fake Entry Fees: Scam artists are posing with fake IDs at the Spanish border and asking for an “entry fee” into Gibraltar. There is no entry fee to pass through, so ignore anyone asking for money and keep your valuables out of sight.

Czech Republic, Impersonated Police Officers: In this grand scam, a group of “police offers” will appear and accuse you of committing a crime. They will ask to see your wallet and passport, which is against the law, so you should refuse and ask to be taken to the nearest police station instead. This will most likely make them go away. Be sure to report them to the local authorities after.

Hungary, Counterfeit Money: Taxi drivers and dingy currency exchange booths commonly pass on counterfeit bills to unsuspecting tourists. Make sure to exchange your money only at a bank or in the airport, and double check that the bills you receive are the correct currency.

Netherlands, Distraction Scams: Pay particular attention to this at restaurants in Central Amsterdam. Someone might come into the restaurant and either pretend to look for a friend or cause another distraction. Instead he or she will steal your bag right in front of you. Make sure you keep your possessions in your line of sight, and don’t leave bags or coats hanging on the back of your chair.

Croatia, Extortionate Bills: Some Croatian bars and restaurants—especially gentleman’s clubs—will add an unexplained surcharge to your bill, expecting you not to have enough cash. If you are short on funds, they’ll take you to an ATM and demand that you take out more money. It’s best to research restaurants, clubs, and bars before going, and ask your hotel (rather than taxi drivers, who may be in on the scam) for recommendations.

Poland, Phony Taxis: At airports and major tourist attractions in Poland, many unregulated drivers will pick up unsuspecting tourists and claim their meter is broken. Avoid this overcharge by only using official taxis; check for the name and number of the company on the car. Another way to check their legitimacy is by looking for a rate card.

We don’t mean to paint Europe as a dangerous place. In fact, it’s safer than America. Muggings in Europe are uncommon. Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly. Europe travel scams are easy to avoid if you recognize them. But remember: Even the most vigilant traveler can get conned. If this happens, don’t let it ruin your trip. With the right attitude and lighter bags, you can still have a wonderful time.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It’s been updated to reflect the most current information. Rick Steves, Ashley Rossi, and Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

The post Europe Travel Scams Every Tourist Needs to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What is Juice-Jacking?

“Juice jacking,” as the travel scam is called, targets desperate travelers in need of a charge. Daniel Smith, a security researcher at Radware explains how this works. “Attackers can use fake charging stations to trick unsuspecting users into plugging in their device. Once the device is plugged in the user’s data and photos could be downloaded or malware can be written onto the device.”

Hackers can download anything that is on your phone, since the charging port is doubling as a data port. We’re talking passwords, emails, photos, messages, and even banking and other personal information via apps.

There have been several campaigns to increase public awareness about the scam since 2011, when the term juice-jacking was first coined by investigative journalist Brian Krebs. This past April, the FBI Denver official Twitter account tweeted a warning stating that “bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices” and that travelers should avoid using unknown charging cables and plugging directly into public USB ports. 

Sounds scary right? While it never hurts to be protective of your personal data while traveling, how worried should you really be about juice jacking at the airport?

How Common is Juice-Jacking?

With all the official warnings cropping up over the past decade, it’s easy to assume that hackers are draining your data every time you enter the terminal. However, it seems that anxious travelers can breathe a small sigh of relief. 

“There are no documented cases of juice jacking ever taking place in the wild,” says Dan Gooden, Senior Security Editor at Ars Technica, “Left out of the advisories is that modern iPhones and Android devices require users to click through an explicit warning before they can exchange files with a device connected by standard cables.”

Even though the likelihood of becoming a victim of juice-jacking is low, there are easy ways to eliminate the risk altogether.

How to Prevent Juice-Jacking

If you find yourself always on low battery and relying on public charging stations, there are products out there that will protect your phone data while charging in public spots.Consider purchasing a super tiny data blocker, which is a “USB defender” that protects any data from being stolen off of your phone.

Avoid public charging stations altogether by investing in your own personal portable battery pack. You won’t need to fight for space at the charging station or hunt down an errant outlet in the terminal. You can also charge your phone on the plane, bus, train, car, or while walking around outside where outlets are not readily available. 

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Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

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The post How Worried Should You Be About This Travel Scam? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fake Car Rental Scams

With rental cars in short supply for 2021, desperate travelers looking for any vehicle to rent are particularly vulnerable to scammers. Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network tells us one common scam for 2021 involves criminals creating fake car rental company websites, and then buying ads for their fake pages to show up for search terms such as “cheap car rentals”. The unsuspecting browser would then call the fake customer service number on the page (which appeared to be for a legitimate car rental company) and be told that the cheap rate was only valid if they pre-paid with a store-bought gift card (like an American Express gift card). The victim would buy a gift card and use it to secure their reservation, only to find out upon arrival at the real rental car counter that they were scammed and no car was available. 

“Free” Vacation Scams

If you get a phone call, email, or postcard telling you that you’ve won a free vacation (and just need to pay taxes and fees) or offering you a deal that sounds way too good to be true, walk away, says Nofziger. 

If the deal is coming from a legitimate travel company, look up the information for that company separately (don’t use the contact information that was sent to you, which could be redirected to a scammer) to verify separately. 

One other red flag to watch for—if the company is asking you to pay with a prepaid gift card or debit card, it’s likely to be a scam, because it’s significantly harder to get back stolen funds on those types of cards rather than a credit card.

Vacation Rental Scams

Found a picture-perfect vacation rental online? Make sure to check the vacation rental site’s fraud policies to make sure you’ll be protected in case your booking turns out to be a scam. Nofziger recommends carefully following the booking platform’s guideline’s on accepted payments to best protect yourself and to always pay with a credit card for extra protection.

Common vacation rental scams involve fake listings, inaccurate listings, or renters sending you a fake cashier’s check or money order for more money than they owe you (and asking you to send them the excess amount before you realize the check is fake).

Unsure about the vacation rental company you’re thinking of booking with? Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for complaints, says Nofziger. You can also search the company name plus the words “scam”, “fraud”, or “complaints” to find cautionary reviews online.

Fake Airline Sites

Similar to the car rental scam above, fake airline sites have become prolific lately. If you search for cheap airline tickets and find a ticket reseller that you’ve never heard of, precede with caution. “The red flag is they will always ask you for payment in a gift card, bitcoin, or other non-traceable forms of payment”, warns Nofziger. “Be very careful when on any travel website of pop-ups. We have heard from many consumers that thought they were on the correct website when they entered their payment information when in fact it was a third-party pop-up travel site where the prices were increased and the cancellation policies were different.”

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Scams

Another place to watch out for spoof websites is when applying for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. These fake sites look just like the government ones but will steal your sensitive personal information and money. In the example pictured, the first (paid) result that comes up when you search “Global Entry” is for a third-party Global Entry site, not the actual government website.

If you’re applying or renewing your membership, don’t search for “TSA PreCheck” or “Global Entry”. Go directly to the official government websites via cbp.gov and tsa.gov.

The post 5 Scary Travel Scams to Watch Out for in 2021 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Heard horror stories about booking a bad Airbnb? You can avoid the same fate if you know exactly what to look for and the best ways to make the most of the platform. Read on to find out everything you need to know about an Airbnb listing before you book.

Determining Your Needs in Search

The best way to ensure you won’t be disappointed with your Airbnb rental is to manage your expectations and know exactly what you want to get out of your rental. With Airbnb’s search feature, it’s very easy to do.

After you select your location, use these helpful filters to streamline your search on Airbnb:

• Dates: If your dates are flexible you can leave out that field. Note that if you do filter by dates, only listings that are available on those dates will show up.
• Guests: Select the number of adults, children, and infants in your group. Guests are determined by bed space.
• Home Type: This is the most important section to filter if you’re looking to have a whole house or apartment to yourself. If so, make sure you filter by this search item. Other options are a private room and a shared room.
• Price: You can set your price range and Airbnb will give you the average nightly price for your location.
• Instant Book: Instead of going back-and-forth with your host arranging dates or fielding questions about your trip, select the “Instant Book” filter, which will let you instantly confirm your rental. I’ll expand more on this later.
• Trip Type: Here you can select if you want “For Families” or “For Work Trips”. This will show vetted properties for either category.
• More Filters: This includes everything from neighborhood filters to the number of beds, bedrooms, or bathrooms. If you’re traveling with a group and know you want a specific number of bedrooms, I recommend using this filter. You can also add filters for things like free cancellation, specific amenities or facilities, and even “Unique Homes” like barns, boats, campers, treehouses, etc. 

If you’re looking for Airbnb to do the work for you, check out its Airbnb “Plus” section. These listings are vetted by the company for exceptional quality, consistency, design, and comfort, “All Airbnb Plus homes are visited in person … They are checked for 100+ things that guests told us they love, from must-have amenities to the art on the walls.”

Location

Once you’ve filtered your search accordingly, you can search a specific area on a map for listings. (Just toggle the “Show Map” feature in the top right corner of the search bar). This is great if you know exactly where you’d like to be in a city. However, if you’re unfamiliar with a location, you’ll want to do some more research on your destination before you book.

For safety and privacy reasons, you won’t find out the exact address until you’ve confirmed a booking for the majority of listings, but Airbnb does supply some additional information. Hosts need to fill out a “Neighborhood” section, so make sure to read and verify all of the information here. Most listings have a map of the general area, including a filter for public transit. Hosts will typically list a few local coffee shops or nearby attractions in the listing, so I suggest plugging in one of the mentioned locations into Google Maps and using the street view to get an accurate feel for the area.

If you still need additional information about the location, check the reviews for any red flags or message the host with any specific concerns or questions.

Legality

Airbnb’s legal issues are constantly in the news in regards to zoning and administrative codes, but these issues mostly concern the hosts, not the guests. According to Airbnb’s help section, “Some cities require hosts to register, get a permit, or obtain a license before you list your property or accept guests. Certain types of short-term booking may be prohibited altogether.”

While this issue is the responsibility of the host, you can search by your location in the “Responsible hosting in the United States” section if you’d like to read up on the latest information. Some listings, especially in urban areas like New York City where this is a known issue, will state if it’s a legal or registered listing. You may also see a line item in the price listing for occupancy tax in certain tax jurisdictions, which can also verify the legality. As always, read reviews or message your host for more verification if needed.

Amenities & Sleeping Arrangements

Depending on your type of trip, you’ll need certain amenities over others. Hosts are able to list amenities, so make sure to expand this section and review them. More times than not, you’re booking an Airbnb for some additional amenities, like kitchen access or a washer and dryer, than what you’d get at a hotel, so make sure those are included here. While Wi-Fi is usually included, always make sure to check that it’s listed before booking. You can also check this section for things like access to outdoor spaces, a hot tub, washer and dryer, and to confirm the essentials like toiletries, hair dryer, etc. Also, verify the number of bathrooms and make sure the amount of showers suits your needs.

If traveling with your pet, check for the “Pets Allowed” amenity listing. You should also look if the “Pet Owner” amenity is listed as that means pets may be at or live at the property with the owner.

From my experience, some hosts don’t always include every amenity, so if you have a specific question on whether something’s included, from anything like towels to parking, reach out to the host.

There’s a handy section in each Airbnb listing that displays the bed size and location of sleeping arrangements so you know exactly what you’re getting with your listing. Always confirm that this section meets your expectations as a listing can say “sleeps 6” but some of the sleeping arrangements may be a day bed, pull out sofa, or air mattress instead of a bed. If you need additional sleeping arrangements, ask the host if he or she has an additional air mattress or if you can bring your own.

House Rules & Interaction With Guests

Always verify the check-in process, house rules, and the “Interaction with Guests” section. This section is sometimes hidden in the top listing part, to get to it, make sure to hit the “read more about the space” section. Here you’ll better understand if the host lives near or on the property, if you’ll be able to check in by yourself or via a lock box, and any other specifics about the property. Usually, hosts are open to as little or as much communication as you’d like.

Review the house rules, typically hosts list things here like no smoking, no parties, check-in and -out times, a pet policy, and quiet hours. Make sure you’re upfront with the hosts about any daytime guests you might have or anything else that might go against any of these rules.

There’s also a section in the house rules under “You Must Acknowledge” which allows hosts to mention anything that might not be up to expectations such as a potential for noise. Some hosts may list a security deposit charge here for damages. Be advised that when you book, you’re acknowledging and agreeing to these terms.

Price 

Airbnb does a great job with price transparency, as long as you make sure you enter your dates for an accurate price search. You’ll see line items for the base nightly rate (which is usually what is advertised in your original search) broken down by each date of your stay, plus an Airbnb service fee (between six and 12 percent of the base fare), cleaning fee (determined by the host), and sometimes an occupancy tax and/or conversion fee (if booking in a different currency). If you have guests over the listed maximum number of guests, the host may add on an additional fee per person.

Insider Tip: I’ve heard of guests messaging hosts before to get the cleaning fee waived when they only stayed for one night or a solo traveler. Although I haven’t tried this myself, it’s worth asking.

Cancellation Policy

Hosts determine their own cancellation policy from three Airbnb-standardized policies: Flexible, Moderate, and Strict. The cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the listing, so make sure you note the terms before you book and know what, if any, part of the price is refundable for changes or cancellations. In some cases, a host may grant you a refund outside of the cancellation policy if you reach out to them, and Airbnb has an extenuating circumstance policy.

Your Host 

Some hosts live in their homes when guests aren’t there and others use the space solely for vacation rentals, so your experience will differ with every Airbnb listing. The platform designates some users as “Superhosts”, which means they have a high rating, are responsive, have active listings, and honor all of their reservations. This is one way to add a layer of comfort and trust to a listing.

You can also view your host’s profile which will compile all of their reviews, show the date they joined, whether or not they’re verified, and provide some general information about them. Some also chose to link social profiles, which is another level of Airbnb’s identity-verification process.

Only communicate with hosts on the Airbnb app and never share personal communication information like emails or phone numbers. This allows Airbnb to keep track of all information if there are any issues throughout the booking process or before or after your stay. 

If traveling internationally, check to make sure English is a listed language in his or her profile so you can communicate effectively if need be. You may come across a host that is an inn, hostel, or vacation rental company, especially overseas, take extra care when reading these listings to make sure it’s not a scam. Note: Airbnb does actively remove unauthorized hosts/listings and you can always report a suspicious listing.

Booking

Once you’ve found your perfect Airbnb listing and it’s time to book, make sure you understand the booking terms. You must have an account and get verified with Airbnb before you can book a listing and can read more about that process here. Note that when booking you have two options: Instant Book and Request to Book.

Instant Book: You can confirm your reservation right away.

Request to Book: This means your host has to accept or decline your booking before your reservation is confirmed. Things that help get you accepted are guest reviews and verification on your profile, as well as being upfront with your travel plans and adding a little bit about yourself in the request. Your request might be declined if there are date conflicts or if you have a large group for a small listing.

Note, you do need to enter your credit card (which will only be charged in full once your request is confirmed) to submit a reservation request. Hosts have 24 hours to confirm your request and your reservation is automatically confirmed once they do, so be careful about submitting more than one booking request for the same dates.

If you reach out to a host with questions before booking, they have the option to invite you to make a reservation as a “pre-approval” booking or with a special offer, which lets the host change the price, date, or other details in the listing based on your message.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Airbnb Offers Split Payment Option
• Airbnb’s 10-Year Plan to Rock the Travel World
• 7 Airbnb Problems and How to Solve Them

The post 11 Things to Look for in an Airbnb Listing Before You Book appeared first on SmarterTravel.

When you purchase travel from an airline or another operator, you enter into a contract for a service or goods. And if some unforeseen calamity prevents the seller from delivering the promised goods or services, the seller can claim “force majeure” as a basis for terminating the contract without incurring any liability for breach of contract.

The term is a dubious one taken from the 1804 Code Napoleon, and refers to occurrences beyond the reasonable control of a party to a contract that prevents fulfillment. It’s similar to “acts of God” and “frustration of purpose.” As such, the concept extends back centuries in common law.

It usually refers to natural disasters, and most would consider the COVID-19 pandemic a force majeure. So if the pandemic prevents an airline, hotel, or some other travel supplier from fulfilling a contract with you, you can’t really file a legal claim for breach of contract: That’s a fair and traditional use of force majeure.

But, some dishonest suppliers claim that force majeure means they don’t have to refund the money you’ve paid them when they can’t fulfill their end of the contract. So far there has been nothing upholding that position; if there’s force majeure, you’re still entitled to your money back. Don’t fall for it if some supplier tries to get out of refunding your money by claiming force majeure, but also don’t assume you have any right to the service or to file a claim against an airline.

As we recently reported in our guide to canceling a trip during the pandemic: The airline companies are not directly liable for disruptions caused by COVID-19; therefore, passenger-rights groups like AirHelp have said they will not be pursuing additional compensation for affected flights.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Cancel for Any Reason Insurance, Explained
• 14 Booking Sites’ COVID-19 Cancellation Policies
• Travel Insurance Coverage: 17 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

The post What ‘Force Majeure’ Means, and Why You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The idea of a “travel club” covers a wide range of organizations and activities, from scam-like timeshares to legitimate memberships that can save you money. All are certainly not equal.

Many are legitimate low-risk operations, such as AARP, AAA, and other independent travel promoters. The most reliable ones are those you’ll recognize the names of. Some resort chains call themselves “clubs,” like Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts. Membership to these is mostly harmless marketing hype, but can offer real discounts: The more exclusive organizations may be exempt from agreements that prohibit third-party agencies from slashing their rates.

Membership fees, if any, are usually nominal—often under $50 a year—and you can easily opt out if the club doesn’t deliver real value. All you have to lose is the minimal initial fee. The discounts they claim may be no better than you could get through other sources, but they’re usually not worse, either. For well-known travel brands like these ones, the scam risk is minimal.

How to Spot a Travel Club That’s a Scam

Others, however, pose a big financial risk. Some require stiff membership fees up front—usually several hundred up to thousands of dollars—and they may commit you to big annual fees indefinitely. They can certainly be honest in that they deliver what they promise; many travelers are happy with their memberships despite the risks and limitations. Others, however, ask you to pay big up front for some promised future benefit. These may or may not be honest; some are clearly outright scams, and others simply inflate the benefits and disguise the drawbacks.

According to law enforcement officials, oftentimes the promised “discount” and “savings” never materialize: The promoters provide prices that are no better than travelers can buy openly, through a wide range of discount sources, and the promised “dream” vacations never seem to become available. They’re selling pie in the sky, and Marie Callender is better at making pies.

The big-dollar travel clubs are the ones should be subject to your scam scrutiny. Although no approach is foolproof, you can usually find out what you need by asking and fact-checking a few specific questions. Here’s what you need to consider:

The Timeshare-Based Travel Club 

Many large travel “clubs” are nothing more than conventional timeshare operations, operating as clubs to avoid the unsavory reputation of timeshares. What they sell is guaranteed annual occupancy, in multiples of weeks, at a vacation area—typically a beach destination, maybe with rights to vacations in a string of different areas. And the questions you need to ask about them are the same as for a timeshare:

What Do I Actually Get?

Examine the offer in detail to find out exactly what it promises, in specific terms. Does it promise a guaranteed specific interval at a specific location? Does it promise enrollment in a recognized exchange system? Check the fine print on the exchange, especially for limitations on how you can use your exchange “points.”

Is There a Switch to the Bait?

Is the asking price the full price? Does the featured buy-in include everything you have to pay up front, or are you subject to additional fees and charges? Does the promotion say or hint that you’d be better off with a higher-level membership? 

What Is My Ongoing Obligation?

In most property-based clubs, your buy-in is only the start. You’re also on the hook for various monthly/yearly “maintenance” payments and assessments. And the operator typically reserves the right to increase these payments without your approval or right of refusal.

Is There Any Asset Value?

Some very high-end vacation clubs actually own a string of vacation properties; members share in the ownership of these properties, and the club operator agrees to repurchase for a reasonable price. But most mass-market vacation clubs offer no asset value to back up your initial “investment.” At best, you own your “membership” and can sell it or pass it along to your heirs. However, some deals are for the term of your life only and revert to the owner on your death.

Is There an Escape Clause or Resell Limitation?

Club promoters may not accept a return, even for a reduced price, and some timeshare-based clubs may limit your ability to resell. The travel literature is full of horror stories of people who just want to get rid of ongoing payments, even if it means giving the interest back to the promoter with no return.

The “Big-Discount” Travel Club

Other clubs promise they have access to large discounts on airfares, hotels, cruises, rental cars, tours, and just about any other travel service you can name. The ones that charge minimal fees are no more than a nuisance; if they don’t work out, you won’t have to refinance your house. But some ask for big membership fees, and those can be a big risk. As with timeshare clones, you have to ask some questions before you buy into one of them:

What’s My Exposure to Risk?

As with a timeshare, you have to check what you actually get, your future ongoing obligations, and, perhaps most importantly, your cancellation options. Check the fine print to make sure that the discounts are guaranteed. “Subject to availability” doesn’t cut it. 

Are the Claimed Discounts Real?

Challenge—and verify—all claimed “discount” deals. Don’t be gullible: Ask to see a list of currently-available deals, and check them through conventional search systems before you accept any broad claim that it will save you money.

Are the Posted Discount Prices Honest?

One hotel-discount membership organization I recently checked out posted some really attractive original prices. But when I went through to the final buy-it page, I found the initial prices did not include mandatory resort fees, taxes, and fees imposed by the travel club. The all-up total prices were about the same as I could get through Tripadvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) search links.

What Do Others Say?

The club’s promotional materials probably highlight gushing testimonials. Don’t take them at face value—promoters can easily satisfy enough travelers to elicit a few genuine rave reviews, which the company will then highlight. Instead, check with review and complaint sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google reviews (which usually now appear simply by Googling a business), and any other online review source you like. Also, Google the club to see if it has generated any serious complaints—or, even worse, law enforcement actions.

Scam Rules to Know for Any Kind of Travel Club

Make sure any club you’re considering can pass an easy scam test. Often, you can answer the scam-or-not question before you even see the details of a club promotion. Initial claims often can offer some early scam clues:

Scam Clue 1: The promotion is claiming that you’re getting something “free.” No travel service of real value is ever free. The club promoter is making a profit somewhere along the process. Nothing is free. Repeat this to yourself as often as is necessary.

Scam Clue 2: A promotion claiming you’ve “won” something. If you didn’t knowingly sign up for a sweepstakes run by some outfit that had terms and conditions you agreed to, any out-of-the-blue “winner” notification is almost surely a scam.

Scam Clue 3: A promotion claiming you’ve been “specially selected” for membership. A lot of robocalls are currently making this pitch. The only outcome you’ve been selected for is a fleecing.

Scam Clue 4: A promotion demanding that you “act now” or lose the deal. If a deal is actually honest, it will still be there after you take a day or so to check it.

Scam Clue 5: A promotion that poses as an investment. Some property-based clubs claim, or at least imply, that your membership is an investment. That’s just false for anything that’s not outright property ownership. Fractional ownership such as timeshare may be a good way to vacation to the same place every year—but it’s a lousy overall investment.

I can’t guarantee that following these guidelines can totally shield you from a scam (no one can). But they’re a good start to protecting yourself.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It had been updated to reflect the most current information. Prior reporting by Calvin Hennick contributed to this story.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Avoid Counterfeit Money While Traveling
• 6 Cruise Scams You Should Never Fall For
• Europe Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

The post How Can You Tell If a ‘Travel Club’ Is a Scam? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You’re at the gate. You’ve got your boarding pass. You’re heading somewhere exciting and you just can’t wait until you get there to share the news with your friends on social media. So you snap a picture of your boarding pass and post it to Facebook. Harmless, right?

Maybe not.

Because the information printed on your boarding pass actually reveals a lot more than you think.

Boarding Pass Don’ts

As explained by KrebsonSecurity, there are websites that can read the barcodes on your boarding pass and provide someone else access to your travel information—your phone number, frequent flyer number, and information not only about the flight in question but also all future flights booked through the same number.

With access to your boarding pass, someone could even change your seat on the plane, cancel any future flights, and reset your account PIN.

You may love your friends, but would you trust everyone you know on Facebook or Instagram with your private travel information? Didn’t think so.

The takeaway here: Don’t post pictures of your boarding pass on social media.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Reasons You Smell Bad When Traveling
• Your 11 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The One Thing You Should Never Do With Your Boarding Pass appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You’re winging your way across Europe, having the time of your life, when you make a simple mistake. You set your bag down as you slurp an extra-large gelato, and before you know it … your bag is gone. Unfortunately, today’s the day you tucked your passport, credit cards, and extra cash in your bag instead of in your money belt. That sinking feeling is the realization that—except for the euro or two in your pocket—you’ve lost everything.

Odds are this won’t ever happen to you. But if it does, these tips can make even this worst-case scenario a minor bump in your European adventure.

Don’t Panic

First of all, take a breath. Panic clouds your judgment. And don’t beat yourself up: Even the most careful traveler can get ripped off. I once met a family in Amsterdam who managed to lose all their bags between the airport and their first hotel, and went on to have a very successful trip.

Ask for Help

If you’re in a country where little English is spoken, enlist the help of a local English-speaker to assist you in making phone calls or explaining the situation to the police. Try your hotelier or someone at the tourist office. Fellow travelers you’ve met can also be sources of help.

File a Police Report

Find a police officer and report the theft or loss. Having a police report may help with replacing your passport and credit cards, and is a must if you file an insurance claim for a lost rail pass or expensive travel gear.

Use the Internet

Get online at your hotel (if they don’t have a public Internet terminal, explain the situation and ask if you can use their reception-desk computer). If you’re between hotels, look for free Internet access at the tourist office or a library. Use the Internet to find contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy and your bank, retrieve the information you have stored online, or solicit help from folks back home.

Replace your passport

This is your top priority. Without a passport, you can’t leave the country, and you’ll find it difficult to check in to a new hotel or receive wired funds. To replace your passport, you’ll need to go in person to the closest American embassy (usually in the capital city) or consulate (in major towns). A helpful list is at www.travel.state.gov, or check a local phone book.

A replacement passport costs $145 and can generally be issued within a few days, or faster if you make a good case that you need it right away. If you don’t have the funds, the embassy will help you contact someone at home who can wire money directly to the embassy.

Cancel debit and credit cards

Within two days, cancel your lost or stolen debit and credit cards (limiting your liability to $50) and order replacements. Their 800 numbers don’t work overseas; call the global customer-assistance centers collect. Store these numbers on your phone in case you find yourself in this situation. You’ll need to tell them the name of the bank that issued the card and the type of card; it helps if you can also provide your credit card number and identification-verification details. Your bank can generally deliver a new card to you in Europe within two to three business days. Also, notify your mobile phone carrier if your phone was stolen.

To avoid losing it all, be prepared

Wear a money belt. Keep a few $20 bills in a separate bag or hidden somewhere on your person. If you’re traveling with a partner, carry photocopies of each other’s passports and other important documents; store important documents in a password-protected account online; and/or leave copies with loved ones who can fax them to you if needed.

Shop Our Favorite Money Belt

Keep track of your stuff

You’re more likely to inadvertently lose your bag than to have it stolen. I’ve heard of travelers leaving passports under pillows, bags on the overhead rack on the bus, cameras in the taxi, and once even a backpack under a bush beside a hiking trail. You’re especially vulnerable when you’re tired, confused, or using public transportation. Don’t absentmindedly set a bag down next to you while you wait in line at the train station; always be in physical contact with your stuff.

Nowadays, you can purchase small GPS-tracking devices for your keys, bags, etc. If you have lost your phone, follow these steps; nowadays you have even a better chance of getting your stuff back with location services.

Shop Our Favorite GPS-Tracker

Whatever happens, try to make the best of the situation. Be flexible and patient. It may not help at the time, but try to remember that your loss will make for a good story when you get home. Like a friend of mine says, “When it comes to travel, Tragedy + Time = Comedy.”

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling
• How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
• 10 Things to Pack That Will Save You Money

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2011. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Bag, Wallet, Everything appeared first on SmarterTravel.