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The most common holiday scams that 'fool even the savviest travellers'

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. cams-that-fool-even-the-savviest-travellers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 8:14 GMT by HELLO! Magazine
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The Holiday Scams That Even the Savviest Travellers Can Fall Into – A Quick‑Guide

Every year millions of us set out for a well‑planned getaway, confident that our itineraries are flawless and that the only thing that might go wrong is a bad flight. Yet, even the most experienced globe‑trotters are vulnerable to a handful of slick, often overlooked holiday scams. Hello Magazine’s travel team has sifted through the countless tales of travellers who have been ripped off and boiled them down to the ten most common tricks that can trip up anyone, no matter how careful.

Below is a concise recap of the main points from their original article (published on 4 July 2023) and the practical steps you can take to steer clear of these pitfalls.

1. Airport Baggage‑Fee “Extras”

The Scam:
At many airports, especially those in the United States, the check‑in counter offers a “free” check‑in for a certain number of bags. Once you pass through security, a separate terminal counter will then ask you to pay a hefty surcharge for every checked bag. The difference between the two counters can be as high as $50–$70 per bag.

How to Spot It:
- Look for the blue “Check‑in” signs – those are the “official” counters. - The “red” or “grey” counters are usually the ones that pop up a surprise fee.

What to Do:
Book your flight with a carrier that includes checked baggage in the fare, or pay the fee at the original counter (where it’s cheaper) before you pass through security.

2. Fake Travel Insurance at the Airport

The Scam:
A “travel insurance” banner in the departure lounge claims you’re covered for everything. The catch? The policy is overpriced and has an absurd list of exclusions, and the salespeople insist on “signing in the airport” rather than buying online.

How to Spot It:
- Insurance that is only available at the airport is usually not worth the money. - The policy is not transparent: key terms are hidden in fine print.

What to Do:
Purchase coverage before you leave home – online or through a reputable provider – and read the fine print carefully.

3. Overpriced Taxi and “Airport Transfer” Services

The Scam:
After landing, a driver on the street offers a “fixed price” to your hotel. The price is often a 50–70 % markup over the city’s regular meter fare.

How to Spot It:
- Drivers who ask you to hop in immediately or display a logo that is not your city’s official transport authority. - Over‑the‑top “VIP” or “executive” vans with no official license plates.

What to Do:
- Use the airport’s official taxi stand or pre‑book a ride through a trusted service (Uber, Lyft, or local equivalents). - Always confirm the fare before you get in.

4. “Hidden” Hotel Charges

The Scam:
Some hotels add “extra” fees for Wi‑Fi, minibar, or even “late check‑out.” These charges can appear on the final bill after you’ve already paid a sizeable deposit.

How to Spot It:
- Check the contract or the hotel’s website for a list of “Additional Fees”. - A vague “service charge” line on your invoice is often a red flag.

What to Do:
Ask the front desk for a full breakdown before you sign the arrival contract. Make sure that “Wi‑Fi” or “minibar” are listed as optional rather than mandatory.

5. Tour and Activity Overpricing

The Scam:
A local “guide” or travel agency offers a supposedly “all‑inclusive” excursion at a steep price, but the actual cost of the activity is a fraction of the fee. The remaining money is siphoned off as a commission.

How to Spot It:
- The price is significantly higher than comparable tours listed online. - The guide offers to “book you now” with a “no‑refund” policy.

What to Do:
Book tours through reputable platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide, or official tourist office sites). Compare prices and read reviews before committing.

6. Currency‑Exchange “Deals”

The Scam:
Exchange counters at the airport or in tourist hotspots offer rates that look great at first glance, but the real cost is embedded in the exchange fee or a hidden “service” charge.

How to Spot It:
- Exchange rates that are marginally better than the market rate but have a high commission. - The sign says “1 USD = 100 EUR” but the fee is listed on a separate line.

What to Do:
Use reputable banks, ATMs (preferably those with your credit‑card logo), or currency‑exchange services that show the rate and fee upfront.

7. Rental‑Car Insurance Scams

The Scam:
At the rental counter, you’re offered “full‑coverage” insurance that is often a bundle of optional extras. The cost of the “no‑claims” bonus can balloon quickly.

How to Spot It:
- A long list of optional insurances (collision, theft, damage, personal accident). - The discount on “no‑claims” is a fraction of the overall fee.

What to Do:
- Check the fine print; most car rental agencies cover you for damage if you pay the base price plus a small insurance fee. - Consider purchasing a separate travel insurance that covers car rentals.

8. Airport “Security” Fees

The Scam:
Some airports advertise “pre‑check” or “security‑upgrade” services that promise faster lines for a fee that is often inflated.

How to Spot It:
- The service is offered on a single‑use basis at a high price. - The official security line (e.g., TSA) is available to everyone for free.

What to Do:
Enroll in official pre‑check programs (e.g., TSA Pre‑Check, Global Entry) in advance. They’re cheaper and more reliable.

9. Credit‑Card “Deposits” and “Pre‑authorisations”

The Scam:
Hotels and car‑rentals will lock a large sum on your credit card for a “deposit.” Some operators over‑estimate this amount or refuse to release it at the end of your stay.

How to Spot It:
- The pre‑authorisation is higher than the hotel’s advertised rate. - The “deposit” is billed as a “service charge”.

What to Do:
Ask for a written breakdown. If you’re booking online, check the cancellation policy and read the terms for deposits.

10. The “Baggage‑Handling” Scam

The Scam:
A friendly person at the baggage claim offers to “take care of your luggage” for a fee, typically because they claim the airline has lost or damaged it.

How to Spot It:
- The person is not an official airline employee. - The fee is higher than any airline’s official compensation policy.

What to Do:
If your bag is missing, file a claim with the airline immediately. Do not give anyone else a credit card or bank information.

Takeaway

No matter how seasoned you are, a single moment of distraction can lead to a costly scam. The common theme across all of these tricks is the absence of transparency. By double‑checking contracts, booking services well in advance, and relying on official, reputable providers, you can reduce the risk to almost zero.

When you’re on the go, a handy mental checklist can be lifesaving:

1. Confirm fees at the original counter – avoid secondary “extra” charges.
2. Read the fine print – both online and in person.
3. Compare prices – especially for tours, rentals, and exchanges.
4. Ask for a written receipt – especially for deposits.
5. Use official services – taxi stands, airport counters, and trusted booking sites.

Armed with these habits, you’ll keep your hard‑earned cash where it belongs – in your pocket, not in the pockets of opportunistic vendors. Safe travels!