Reality Matters

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There are conmen who prey on vulnerable individuals in every industry, and the travel industry is no exception. While you shouldn’t let this prevent you from going away and enjoying yourself, you should be aware that there are unscrupulous people out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting people. Whether it’s outright fraud or marketing practices that are somewhat deceiving, it’s important to know what to watch out for during your next vacation.

The Surprise Hotel Bill

You’ve booked a hotel you’re absolutely delighted with. It’s in the center of all the action, there’s an on-site spa and fitness center, and the price is right. You should be aware, however, that many hotels have a sneaky practice of adding tons of surprise charges to their bills. When you go to checkout, you may find you’ve been charged for everything from newspaper delivery to picking up your phone. The best way to protect yourself against this scam is to ask about extra charges before you go ahead and book your room.

The Airline’s Fine Print

Wow! A flight to Montreal for only $79. You’ll see these outrageously low airline prices advertised in newspapers and in the windows of many travel agencies. Most times, however, the advertised price is not what you’ll actually pay. With fuel surcharges, charges for luggage, taxes, and other miscellaneous fees, you can expect to pay a lot more. Always look for the fine print, and ask for a total cost that includes all those extra fees upfront.

The "Free" Offer

It’s often been said that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and this certainly applies to the "free" offers you may be presented with before or during your vacation. You may be offered a dinner, tickets to attractions, or even a free trip, but you’ll typically have to do something in return, whether it’s sitting through a lengthy sales presentation, purchasing a product, or paying a membership to join a travel club. Remember, there’s almost always a catch.

The Bait and Switch

This tactic is used by travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants. It usually goes something like this: you’re offered a great deal that you feel is too good to be true. Let’s say a travel agency sells you a five-night, all-inclusive trip to Cuba for $1,000. You are understandably delighted. Once you get there, however, you’re pressured to upgrade your hotel room. Perhaps you may even find out that the type of room you booked is no longer available. If you purchased a basic meal package, the waiters will try to convince you to opt for the gourmet package instead. This will continue throughout your vacation, and in the end you may end up spending a lot more than you bargained for.