Planning a trip should be exciting—not stressful. Unfortunately, as travel demand continues to grow, so do travel-related scams. From fake booking websites to phishing emails and fraudulent vacation deals, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and targeting travelers at every stage of the planning process.
The good news? A few simple precautions can help you book with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s how to stay safe when booking flights, hotels, and cruise travel.
Why Travel Scams Are Increasing
Scammers take advantage of:
- High demand for travel deals
- Last-minute planners looking for discounts
- Travelers unfamiliar with booking processes
- Social media and online marketplaces
- Last-minute changes or details
How to Safely Book Airline Tickets
1. Book Directly with the Airline or Trusted Platforms
Whenever possible, book directly through the airline’s official website or well-known travel agencies like Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline. Avoid unfamiliar third-party sites offering deep discounts.
Story Time: Before traveling, a client noticed a spelling mistake on their boarding pass and called what they thought was the airline to get help fixing it. They did a quick Google search for the airline customer service number. Called the number that was the first result. Guess what, it was not the Airline! They were told they would need to buy a new ticket, and after much back and forth about things, they provided a credit card, but the person on the other end quickly hung up the phone. When they arrived at the airport, they went to the customer service desk and were able to get help. They then had to contact their credit card company to cancel the card. Luckily, they were able to get everything straightened out and only pay a small fee to change the name.
2. Watch for Fake Websites
Scam sites often:
- Mimic airline logos and branding
- Have slight spelling errors in the URL
- Offer unrealistically low fares
Look for:
- “https” in the web address
- A padlock symbol in the browser
- Verified customer reviews
Tip: Type the airline’s web address manually rather than clicking links from emails or ads.
3. Use a Credit Card
Credit cards offer fraud protection and dispute options if something goes wrong.
Story time: A friend received a phone call a few weeks before an international trip she had planned. When she answered, the person on the other end tried to convince her that she had not paid for seats on her flights. She was confused, and the dates they provided were incorrect. She then realized it was a scam. Luckily, she realized before it was too late.
How to Safely Book Hotels
1. Verify the Property Website
Scammers sometimes create fake hotel websites or clone real ones. Before booking:
- Cross-check the hotel on Google Maps or the brand’s official site
- Call the hotel directly to confirm the booking link if unsure
2. Be Careful with Third-Party Listings
When using platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or VRBO:
- Check reviews and ratings carefully
- Look for verified hosts or properties
- Avoid listings with no reviews or newly created accounts
Story Time: While researching places to stay for an upcoming international trip, a client reached out to me with questions about a few accommodations she had found online. She was comparing hotels with vacation rentals and was leaning toward booking an Airbnb based on the photos, reviews, and price.
During our conversation, I mentioned something she might not have realized while browsing listings online. The city had recently been experiencing protests—not because tourists were misbehaving, but because many locals felt that short-term vacation rentals were making it harder for residents to find affordable housing. In some neighborhoods, apartments that once housed local families had been converted into short-term rentals for visitors. One of the rentals was in an area that had been recently targeted. I suggested a hotel may be a better option this time.
3. Watch for Payment Red Flags
Never:
- Wire money
- Send gift cards
- Pay outside the official booking platform
If a host asks you to move the conversation or payment off the platform, walk away.
Email and Phone Scams to Watch For
Be cautious of messages that:
- Claim your trip is “canceled” and request payment to reinstate it
- Ask you to “confirm your booking” via a suspicious link
- Create urgency (“Act now or lose your reservation!”)
- Have dates or times incorrectly listed
Always contact the airline or hotel directly using their official phone number.
General Travel Booking Safety Tips
- Use secure payment methods (credit cards only)
- Enable two-factor authentication on travel accounts
- Save confirmation emails and screenshots
- Monitor your credit card statements after booking
- Purchase travel insurance for added protection
Red Flags to Remember
- Prices far below market value
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, Zelle, Venmo, or sending gift cards
- Poor website design or spelling errors
- No customer service contact information
Final Thoughts
Travel scams can happen to anyone, but a little caution goes a long way. Stick with trusted booking sources, verify before you pay, and protect your personal and financial information. Scams are getting more sophisticated every day, and it is harder to verify that the information is legitimate.
The goal isn’t to make travel planning stressful—it’s to make sure your vacation starts the right way: secure, confirmed, and worry-free. Taking these small precautions will go a long way in helping to make sure that your vacation is safe.
Stay Safe!
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