Don't Get Played While You Play: How to Avoid Vacation Scams

Andrea McEachron
Jun 11
2 min read

You’ve booked the flight. Your bag is packed. Your sunglasses are on. Nothing can ruin this trip—except maybe that “too-good-to-be-true” island tour that turns out to be, well... not a tour. Scammers love tourists, but Let’s Get Packing travelers don’t go down easy. Here’s how to dodge the shady and stay in vacation mode.

1. If It Sounds Like a Steal, It Might Steal from You

That $10 “VIP boat party” sold by a guy with a cardboard sign and a cooler? Yeah, probably not legit. Be wary of deals that seem way too cheap—real tours usually have real websites, clear info, and professional reps.

Pro Tip: Before booking anything, do a quick search: “[Tour name] + reviews,” or check if they have a TripAdvisor or Google listing.

2. Trust Your Gut (And Your WiFi)

If something feels sketchy, it probably is. Don’t get pressured into buying fast—scammers love urgency. Take a breath, check the details, and see if anyone else around you is booking too.

Red flag phrases:

“Cash only.”
“My cousin’s the driver; he’s just over there.”
“No receipt, but don’t worry! ”

3. Use Official Booking Channels When You Can

Hotels, hostels, and official tourism booths usually work with vetted operators. Even if it costs a little more, the peace of mind (and not getting stranded in a tuk-tuk in the middle of nowhere) is worth it.

4. Ask Other Travelers

Backpackers, tour groups, digital nomads—they’ve seen it all. Ask your hostel mates or fellow explorers who they booked with. A quick conversation could save you from a scam and point you to something even better.

5. Watch for the Old Bait-and-Switch

You book a waterfall hike… and end up at someone’s cousin’s souvenir shop for 3 hours. Classic. Ask for a detailed itinerary up front. If they won’t give one, or it’s super vague? Hard pass.

6. Keep Your Payments Smart

Pay by credit card when you can—it’s easier to dispute charges if something goes sideways. If it’s cash only, at least get a receipt or photo proof of your booking (and the person who took your money!).

7. Know the Local Scams Before You Go

Each destination has its signature hustle—fake police, taxi meter tricks, broken-meter rides, or “your hotel burned down; come with me instead.” A five-minute Google search before your trip can be game-changing.

We’re all about saying yes to adventure. But part of traveling smart is knowing when to say no thanks. Don’t let a scammer rewrite your itinerary—know what to watch for, trust your instincts, and keep it moving. You've got better places to be.

Let’s Get Packing. Smart.