Traveling can be an unforgettable experience, but the excitement of a new destination can easily cloud your judgement. It’s no secret that tourists are targets for scammers, liars and con artists because they’re seen as easy prey, especially because they’re so far from home.

You shouldn’t let scammers ruin your hard-earned vacation and leave you penniless in an unfamiliar city or country. That’s why it’s important to understand their tactics and how to avoid falling victim to some of the most common travel scams.

Transportation scams

The most common scam tourists encounter when traveling abroad is transportation, most commonly taxis. Taxi drivers know how to spot a tourist a mile away, and they know how to take advantage of foreigners who don't know how to protect themselves.

Most of the time, they will try to overcharge you by quoting a high price before you get in the car, using a crooked meter, or claiming the meter is broken and asking for a much higher "agreed" price.

Another way drivers try to scam you is by insisting you take a scenic route under the guise of "sightseeing" when, of course, they'll take you a longer, more expensive route.

Here's how to combat taxi scams:

Prepaid pricing. Ideally, you should always avoid taxis that insist on an upfront price, but if you have no choice, negotiate a fair price beforehand, especially with non-metered taxis. But a better and more reliable option is to use a ride-hailing app that offers a prepaid fare. Check the meter. Before you get in the car, double-check that the meter is working properly, starting with the correct base price and increasing at a reasonable rate. Keep an eye on the meter throughout the trip. Know the map. We all have a smartphone in our pockets these days, so make sure you use yours to avoid being scammed. Open the mapping app on your phone to track your route and make sure the driver takes you the most direct way. Report unscrupulous drivers. If you think the driver is trying to scam you, do not get in their car under any circumstances. Not only that, take note of the taxi's license plate and report it to the local authorities or tourist board if possible to protect other tourists. Accommodation Scams

Finding a good place to stay is essential for any type of travel, but the search can sometimes lead to unexpected pitfalls. Accommodation-related scams are increasingly common, especially in popular tourist areas, and they can take many forms:

Fake bookings. Scammers have been known to impersonate hotel staff online. They create elaborate websites that accept online reservations, then disappear with your deposit, leaving you stranded in a foreign country with nowhere to stay. Upselling. Legitimate hotels can also easily take your money. They may lure you in with a great online rate, then claim when you arrive that the room you reserved is unavailable. They then pressure you into paying a high fee for a more expensive room. Hidden fees. Another way scammers try to empty your wallet is by adding extra fees or taxes that weren't mentioned in advance. Sneaky "resort fees" or undisclosed local taxes can add significantly to your final bill. False advertising scams. Premium accommodations always come with a hefty price tag, and some travelers are more than happy to pay a little extra for a wonderful experience. However, you need to be careful, as photos and descriptions of rooms can be deceptive, and the actual accommodations may be far less luxurious.

Here are some ways you can ensure you're not scammed during your stay:

When booking accommodation through reputable resources, only book through reputable travel sites or after verifying contact details with the property directly. Read the fine print. Double-check your booking confirmation for any hidden fees, taxes, and exact room category to avoid ending up paying more than you expected. Check reviews. Check online reviews from other travelers before booking anything. Watch out for complaint patterns consistent with the scams listed above. Tourist Trap Ambush

The main reason people visit popular tourist cities and countries is to see the sights. After all, you wouldn’t visit Paris if you didn’t visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Unfortunately, since these attractions are always packed with tourists, they become popular spots for scammers.

Common tourist traps include:

Fake ticket sellers. Scammers near popular attractions often offer "discounted" tickets that turn out to be invalid, overpriced, or already used, leaving you cash-poor and unable to enter the attractions you want to visit. "Eager" tour guides with ulterior motives. Overly friendly strangers offering last-minute tours or claiming attractions are closed are likely unofficial tour guides who charge exorbitant fees. They may rush you into making a decision or divert you to lesser-known attractions in order to earn a commission. Bait tours. Be wary of super-cheap tours that promise to visit major landmarks. These tours often turn into long shopping trips where the guides collect kickbacks and waste your sightseeing time.

You can enjoy attractions authentically by:

Buy tickets through official ticket offices. Only buy tickets from official ticket offices or trusted online platforms. Verified Tours. Book tours through reputable companies with good reviews, or take advantage of recommendations from your hotel concierge. Do your research. Research opening hours, ticket prices, and popular tour operators in advance to avoid falling prey to scammers trying to spread misinformation. Final Thoughts

Traveling can be a memorable and exciting experience, but only if you manage to avoid the countless scammers who try to take advantage of you just because you are a tourist. The next time you visit an exciting new destination, make sure you leave with fun memories, not an empty wallet because of scammers.