Same Same But Different-a travel spot.: Rick Steves

Sunday, August 2, 2009

It pays to be a smart traveler.

If you have ever traveled you have encountered one: the travel scam. Most are small and only designed to take money from you. But they can leave you feeling bitter or aggravated about your travel adventures and may overshadow the good moments. Though I can't recall a time that I know I was scammed, I can remember a few instances of someone trying. And I am sure someone out there has taken me for a few extra dollars without my knowledge.

Plain old common sense is the best way to avoid being scammed. Use a travel book as your base for knowledge, wear a money belt or "flesh toned inside the pants fanny pack" in high volume tourist trap areas (or all the time), and stay aware. If you don't feel right about a situation, get out.

Here is an article written for MSN Travel that touches on some of these scams and offers advice for staying safe. The World's Worst Travel Scams by Diane Vadino.

When traveling to Europe I have been a fan of Rick Steves' Graffiti Wall which features a Tourist Scam Alert section written by all kinds of travelers. However, don't live in fear. These scams should not deter you from your adventures. Being aware will only make you stronger, smarter, and keep you from becoming light in the wallet. JJ

Related:
Tour of a Money Belt

About SSBDTravel:

At Same Same But Different-a travel spot, we are all passionate travelers. We go to the same locations all sorts of people all over the world want to visit. We fly the same airlines, see the same sights, enjoy the same activities. Some of us love nature, camping and hiking. Others are urban explorers, we hike from museum to architectural sights to bars. We’re creative types, looking for the galleries and shops of local artists wherever we travel. Some of us are parents, some dedicated childless, gay and straight, couples and singles.

None of us share the same idea of what constitutes the perfect trip. We’ll tell you how to save money if we can and what’s worth the extra expense.

That is the spirit of Same Same But Different-a travel spot. You may read about places it never occurred to you to go, or something you never thought to try. It might even be something that makes your dream trip more affordable, and thus, more obtainable. You might even do the same things we would do, just a little bit differently.

Traveler Bio: Frances P.

Frances loves to eat & rarely says no to tasting new foods, even if made with something she hates. This is sometimes unfortunate. She’s a city traveler who prefers adult activities. Many of her trips within the USA have been to cities where her favorite bands are playing.

Traveler Bio: James J.

James does not enjoy writing; however, thoroughly enjoys traveling and taking pictures. With every trip, he becomes more open to new experiences. So far this James has been met with good traveling experiences. Never been sick in Mexico, never been pick pocketed in Europe, and never been in a bar fight in Canada. Knock on wood, eh!

Three places James would like to visit soon include Japan, Argentina, and Vietnam.

Traveler Bio: Tres G.

Tres has sailed five of the Seven Seas and toured six of the Seven Continents. He has cruised Down Under and flown Up Over. He has been around the world, and is as round as the world. He will go anywhere and do anything, as long as there is first-class transport and five-star accommodations. He doesn't own a backpack and has never stayed in a hostel. He has a filthy mouth and a refined palette, both of which crave bacon above all else. His guilty pleasures include lapel pins and the worst of American pop music. He is the Everyman, yet one of a kind; he speaks for his generation and writes for no one but himself. Tres is our correspondent to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Look for his nightly updates après-ski and post-skate.

Traveler Bio: R.D.

R.D. will rarely say no to a trip opportunity and tends to like it spur of the moment. Food is often her main priority when picking a destination and has found that many of her favorite meals come from street vendors. She has traveled to Philly for a real Cheese Steak, Tokyo for an authentic Izakaya, and Mexico for the most delicious 80 peso Tacos al Pastor that you will ever find.

Besides the food, R.D. loves to visit local museums and monuments, beaches are a plus, and exploring off the beaten path is a must. Her goal is to travel as many places as possible with Ireland and Brazil next on her wish list. Favorite Quote: “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” James Michener

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