The Most Common Pitfalls To Be Aware Of When Traveling In The US

Mar 7, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 4, 2025

Travel Guides

For 38.2% of Americans, dwindling spending power has become a major deterrent that is dampening their travel plans.

If economic woes and rising prices are keeping you from vacationing overseas, why not consider exploring the US for a change of pace and scenery?

Its sweeping terrain provides plenty of options, whether you’re looking to unwind at a sunny beach or go skiing on a snow-covered mountain.

However, traveling in the US could expose you to various risks, just like overseas destinations. So, being mindful of them and taking extra precautions will go a long way in making your vacation enjoyable and worry-free.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Traveling in the US

Here are the safety hazards you stand to encounter during your US travels.

Accommodation Scams 

Fraudsters often impersonate well-known hotel operators to direct travelers to malicious websites. Such sites are usually set up to steal credit card and other personal information of anyone booking a room, which scammers could later use for financial fraud.

Sometimes, the deceptive acts are much more subtle yet could leave you in equal despair. Consider for a moment an accommodation ad that provides exaggerated or inaccurate details or omits critical information to mislead you. This is a prevalent trick shady accommodation owners deploy to overcharge guests and secure bookings during off-peak travel seasons.

Deceptive Tour Operators

Scammers may offer promotional deals via online ads, messages, emails, and telemarketing calls in a bid to attract travelers hunting for bargains.

But these promotions could quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare if you don’t watch out. Remember, malicious actors could use fabricated travel packages to steal both your money and personal data.

Taxi Meter Fraud

Dishonest taxi drivers could overcharge passengers by keeping the meter switched off. Sometimes, they may have the meter on but will reset it as soon as they reach the destination, preventing you from checking the distance and fare.

Luggage Theft

When dropping you off at the hotel or airport, fraudulent drivers could unload only part of your luggage and drive away with the rest. This type of theft can occur when you’re distracted or not paying close attention to your belongings.

Rental Service Fraud

Many Americans rent cars during domestic travel. Bad actors can make this an opportunity to charge them for pre-existing damage when they return the vehicle. Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult for clients to prove that the damage was already there, resulting in unfair charges.

Shady Locals

There are numerous ways fraudsters could make money around popular travel hotspots. One technique is taking the guise of friendly locals offering free personal tours and recommendations.

But often, these con artists will take you to expensive shops and cafés that pay them a commission for bringing paying customers. They could also get you entangled in various scams under the pretext of helping you.

Wi-Fi Hacking

Cybercriminals frequently hack into unsecured networks to steal useful data, such as payment information and account passwords. If you’re in the habit of using public Wi-Fi, this is a critical threat you must guard against.

How Can You Ensure Your Travel Safety in the US? 

Travel Safety in the US

The cost and hassle of experiencing a scam or other travel hazard can make anyone weary of traveling. But you can avoid many of them by following the safety tips listed below.

Seek Recommendations

Whether you want to reserve a hotel room or rent a car, personal recommendations are essential for selecting legitimate service providers. Today, there are many authentic reviews online that could help you assess travel services and make informed decisions.

Use Reputed Online Platforms

If you’re using a well-known travel platform, type its website address in the search bar to avoid visiting spoofed websites.

When you don’t know much about a vendor, make the reservation through a reputed travel booking site, such as hotel.com or booking.com. These platforms typically screen individuals and businesses before accepting their listings and have safety features to protect customers.

Be Cautious About Unsolicited Promotions

Emails, messages, phone calls, and social media ads are popular mediums for travel scams that imitate reputed businesses. Therefore, verifying their sources is important for detecting and avoiding fraud.

For instance, check whether the email addresses match the ones used earlier by the relevant organizations. Reverse search phone numbers on Nuwber to confirm they’re related to the mentioned companies. 

And if there are links or attachments, it’s best not to click on them. These could download malware and compromise your financial data security.

Use a Ride-Hailing App

This is the easiest solution to avoid taxi scams. Uber, Lyft, and similar apps can help you secure a fair price, find a safe driver, and take the fastest route to your destination. However, if you need to take a regular taxi, check whether the meter is on. If it’s not, find another cab.

Watch Your Belongings 

Whether you use a taxi or public transportation, keeping an eye on your luggage and other belongings is essential. Don’t forget to pack a light and leave your valuables at home.

Check Before Renting

When you are renting a vehicle or any other item during your travels, inspect it carefully before signing the rental agreement and providing a deposit. If you notice any dents, scratches, or other obvious damage, point it out to the rental service provider, take photos, and put it down in writing.

Use Secure Internet Connections

Mobile data is the safest option to avoid cyber threats associated with unsecured networks. When you need to log into public Wi-Fi, always select one protected by passwords.

Plan Ahead

Doing your homework before traveling is a must to minimize dependency on strangers. Research the destination and the travel spots you want to explore and learn about entrance fees, opening times, location, and special requirements. Also, note down their official contact numbers so you won’t need to rely on others for information.

To Recap 

Accommodation owners, tour operators, taxi drivers, rental service providers, shady locals, and even cybercriminals can target unsuspecting travelers in the US for various deceptive schemes.

Some threats may have more severe consequences than others. However, they could all sap the joy out of your much-awaited vacation. So, be mindful of common hazards and take adequate precautions for your travel safety.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Nordstrom Cafe

Nordstrom Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price

BY  sagnika Dec 29, 2021

In a busy life where we hardly have time to reserve a seat in a restaurant and have a family dinner. We somehow manage to get some time out for A quick lunch and dinner over office meetings or a meeting with an old friend. Instead of restaurants, we choose cafes.  The number of cafes is bigger than restaurants, the business runs well if the food is good enough to eat. Restaurants on the other hand are expensive and like I said people barely have time to spend hours with families nowadays. Therefore a quick treat to the family happens mostly in cafes.  Nordstrom cafe is among one those cafes that will never leave you unsatisfied, rather will bring you back to their delicious food. It is located in Oak Park Mall, overland park, Kansas. It is an American cafe. In this article, I will talk about the reviews, menus, and prices of each cuisine. Readers, I assure you that after reading this article you will at least once visit the cafe. Let’s dive in. Nordstrom Cafe - Reviews If you get good food the money doesn't feel like it has been wasted. But whenever you expect something good and obviously don’t get it, it is quite natural to give bad reviews to cafes or restaurants, stores or anything.  Reviews of Cafe Nordstrom are mostly good but like every other cafe, it has its negative side. People praise good food, therefore a cafe must focus on this factor the most, other sides of the cafe can be managed with time. Nordstrom cafe offers finger-licking good food and a good ambiance to sit and eat. The place is clean enough, where you won't feel grossed out. Since we are talking about a good environment, let me tell you that the place is not quiet, as it is inside a mall. People of different ages come there and have their break in the middle of shopping.  The service is pretty slow there as a staff has to handle a lot of tables at the same time. It is definitely not a pet-friendly cafe, so moms and dads of furry babies don’t feel bad you can make them deliver at your address. The Staff there are mostly students and have good behavior. And the place is vegetarian friendly You can also check: 90 Miles Cuban Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price Nordstrom Cafe -Special Menu Nordstrom cafe menu includes kids menu as well. They offer meals for kids along with a healthy snack of raisins and fresh fruits. For drinks, they have milk, soda, or juice. Apart from that, they serve grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, macaroni, and cheese, chicken fingers, pasta with the kid’s choice of sauce.  In the section soups, Nordstrom cafe serves Roma tomato basil soup and soup du jour. That's all they have, for now, hope they add more soups, as in the middle of shopping no one really goes for a heavy meal.  They have a salad section that includes Chinese chicken salad, grilled shrimp with arugula salad along with sweet corn, blue cheese, and pear salad, grilled chicken caesar, Nicoise salad, and grilled chicken with strawberry salad.  They also offer pizzas that only have three flavors, Margherita pizza, grilled bruschetta pizza, and pizza di parma. They come in all sizes.  If you look at the next cuisine that is going to be sandwiches, I will tell you what types they serve. There are many options you can choose from, such as turkey club panini, horseradish roast beef, spicy chicken torta, cranberry turkey, chicken mozzarella ciabatta, mozzarella Caprese sandwich, and roasted vegetable panini. In pasta, they have shrimp and asparagus risotto, penne bolognese, chicken, and artichoke pasta and the menu of pasta ends with chicken pasta Rossa.  The cafe has its specialties, and they are damn good at it. The special menu is Tuscan roasted chicken, Tuscan roasted salmon, and grilled skirt steak chimichurri.  Nordstrom Cafe - Price The kid’s menu is in the range of 5 dollars.  The price of soup depends on the cup and bowl. For a cup, it’s 3 dollars and for a bowl, it’s 4 dollars.  For salads, the price starts from 9 dollars to 12 dollars.  Pizza will cost you under 10 dollars.  Sandwiches and panini will cost you under 10 dollars. Pasta will cost you 11 dollars. The special menu in this cafe will cost you 13 dollars.  The Unique Aspect Of It All! Let us talk about the different food items that you can get in the Nordstrom Restaurant! It is one of the unique places with delicious food that is a level apart from others. For example, let us talk about the boring food items of potatoes, bread and beef which make it so interesting. The item has so much texture and flavours that you will be excited once you eat it! In the Bistro Flat Iron Steak Sandwich which costs about 13 dollars you will have a fulfilling meal along with a comfortable yet adventurous taste. They offer lean meat which is impressively tender with crispy leek straws and gruyere cheese. The aioli has a fiery and lemony taste to it where there is a hint of pepper. The condiments that accompany this dish make it possible for me to appreciate the culture and the food! Let's come to sandwiches and soups through which the cafe has earned its name! It is relatable to comfort along with fun. There are some nice entrees that you must not miss such as seared or fried salmon which is accompanied with gazpacho, a type of salsa. There is also a French-style roast chicken which is very much in demand! The pizzas are equally delicious. Overall, you can realize that the diversity in food and culture has made Nordstrom Cafe what it is! Wrapping It All Up Here you go with all the information about the Nordstrom cafe. Like I mentioned in the introduction that people have less time on their hands to spend with their close ones. Therefore they will also avoid places that take their time.  Nordstrom cafes should work on their service because people will never come back to a place where their time has been wasted.  Food is great and will remain good, they might add some other dishes to the menu for you to have more options.  Therefore, visit this cafe in Kansas and leave a review there, as well as leave a comment in the comment section down below by sharing your experience. Hope this article has helped you in some way or the other. Read More: The Speciality Of Barnaby’s Cafe – Reviews, Special menu, and Price Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures

READ MORE Best Beaches in Croatia

Why Should You Visit Croatian Beaches By Boat? Which Are The Top 10 Best Beaches To Visit?

BY  Sibashree Oct 24, 2025

Croatia is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Moreover, tourists can see crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and pristine silver sand beaches. Statistica reports suggest that almost 20 million arrivals were recorded in Croatia,  Therefore, a large number of tourists from around the world visit Croatia. This often makes several spots and destinations very crowded.  However, many travellers do not like being in highly crowded places. Thus, people often prefer to visit beaches that remain untouched by people and are clean. Moreover, Croatia’s coastline is home to hundreds of breathtaking beaches. The list of attractions includes things like hidden coves and pebbly bays to soft sandy lagoons. However, we will inform Tour and Travel readers about the less crowded beaches accessible by waterways.   Therefore, the best way to explore all these beaches is by boat or yacht. Moreover, tourists can anchor in crystal waters and explore every hidden corner of the Adriatic. Which Are The Top 10 Best Beaches in Croatia To Visit By Boat? Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, we have sifted out the names of some of the best beaches in Croatia for you to visit. All these beaches are best visited by boat. Thus, let us know in detail about these beaches. 1. Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) – Brač Island Zlatni Rat is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Moreover, the beach stretches out into the sea like a golden horn. However, the golden-stretching beach constantly changes shape with the wind and ocean currents. Zlatni Rat is located on the island of Brac. The island is one of the most significant geomorphological wonders in the world. Moreover, the Island offers some of the most incredible scenery. The water surrounding the Island becomes turquoise blue to dark blue within just 20 metres. The Island also houses decades-old pine trees that were once planted by the locals to create natural shade around the place. Therefore, the white pebbles and turquoise water turn the Island into a dream stop for sailors.  Thus, the tourists can simply drop anchor nearby with a Split yacht rental and relax in the blue waters.  Moreover, tourists can spend the afternoon swimming, participating in other watersports such as windsurfing, or enjoying the lively Bol promenade. Zlatni Rat is one of the best beaches in Croatia for spending some time alone. 2. Stiniva Beach – Vis Island The island of Viz serves as the home to Stinava Beach. Stinava Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia.  Moreover, Stinava Cove is popular among tourists for its high cliffs that form the entrance to the sea.  Furthermore, the Tourism Organization European “Best Destinations” considers the beach as the most beautiful beach in Europe. Vis attracts people from all over the world because of its mild Mediterranean climate. The beach remains hidden between the cliffs. Hence, the tourists can only reach the place by a short hike. However, the boat serves as the more scenic path to reach the place. The tiny pebble beach and emerald-green water make it one of the most photographed places in Croatia. Arrive early in the morning for calm seas and perfect light. 3. Dubovica – Hvar Island Tourists should take a short sail from Hvar Town. Moreover, they will reach Dubovica Beach. The beach is one of the most peaceful coves, framed by stone houses and olive trees.  The tourists visiting the place will witness calm, transparent waters. Moreover, the tourists should go prepared for water sports activities.  The place provides ideal spots for swimming and snorkeling right from their yacht.  Moreover, the rustic beach bars onshore also add to the island's authentic charm. 4. Pasjača Beach – Konavle, Near Dubrovnik The place is carved beneath towering cliffs. Hence, Pasjača is one of Croatia’s most dramatic beaches.  Moreover, the beach is a mix of fine sand and pebbles. However, the beach remains accessible only via a steep path from the cliffs above. Thus, tourists find it difficult to reach the place. However, the travellers can always reach the beach by sea. Moreover, people should anchor their boats offshore and enjoy the untouched beauty and serenity. Moreover, the place remains a hidden paradise. Far away from the chaos and crowded places. Thus, it is one of the best beaches in Croatia. 5. Sveti Jakov – Dubrovnik Travellers who sail near Dubrovnik should definitely visit Sveti Jakov Beach. Moreover, the place is located just outside the Old Town. Therefore, people can enjoy stunning views of the city walls and Lokrum Island from the spot.  Moreover, the pebble-and-sand beach offers a very relaxed vibe. Hence, the beach provides ideal conditions for swimming. Travellers can also take in the historic skyline from the comfort of their yacht. 6. Sakarun Beach – Dugi Otok People know Sakarun Beach for the rare sandy beaches on the Adriatic. Moreover, Sakarun feels almost Caribbean with its shallow turquoise bay and soft white sand.  The place is surrounded by a pine forest. Moreover, the yachts cruising the Zadar archipelago find the place to be a popular destination. The anchorage is calm, making it ideal for a lazy day in paradise. 7. Lubenice Beach – Cres Island Perched below the medieval village of Lubenice, this hidden cove offers a wild, natural setting and crystal-clear water.  Lubenice Beach is difficult to reach by land, which makes arriving by boat the perfect option. It’s quiet, pristine, and ideal for a refreshing swim far from the crowds. 8. Nugal Beach – Makarska Riviera Nugal Lies between cliffs and pine trees. Hence, Nugal serves as one of Dalmatia’s most peaceful beaches.  The beach has gained popularity for its privacy and naturist-friendly atmosphere.  However, travellers can access the beach only on foot or by boat. Hence, the place remains a true hidden gem for those seeking peace while sailing. 9. Pupnatska Luka – Korčula Island Korčula, Pupnatska Luka is one of the most beautiful bays in Croatia. Moreover, the beach features smooth pebbles, crystal-clear water, and lush green hills in the background.  Therefore, the Sailors often stop here for swimming and lunch, thanks to the small local konoba (tavern) nearby. The sheltered bay offers safe anchoring and a perfect island escape. 10. Rajska Plaža (Paradise Beach) – Lopar, Rab Island Rajska Plaža boasts long stretches of fine sand and shallow, warm water. Moreover, most of the Croatian beaches do not offer this. Hence, these conditions remain ideal for families and others.  Moreover, the beach is one of the few where you can anchor nearby and swim ashore easily.  The 2-kilometer sandy bay is surrounded by cafés and restaurants, making it a lively stop on your northern Adriatic route. Things To Remember While Visiting The Best Beaches In Croatia  Croatia houses several beaches. Moreover, people can access several beaches by hiking trails as well. However, the route to several hiking trails involves steep hills and cliffs.  Thus, the waterways serve as the best way of transportation to visit the best beaches in Croatia.

READ MORE solo trip in India

Learn All About the Best Solo Trip in India Right Here! 

BY  sagnika Mar 22, 2025

When you learn about these places, you realize they are made for solo travelers especially if you want to experience the full extent of it. Furthermore, when you are planning your solo trip to India, you must visit these places.   Try to be as open as possible to experiencing these places thus, meeting new people, making new acquaintances, and enjoying the journey. Also, try to learn the local tongue because it will help you connect with the people along with enjoying your trip.   Some of these places are the best places to visit in February, so you can plan accordingly.    Learn All About the Best Solo Trip in India Right Here!   If you love traveling and are planning to go on a solo trip in India, I have the perfect places for you. I have shared with you places depending on the type of traveler you are and what you look forward to when you travel solo to a place.   Most of these places that I have shared are suitable for solo traveling as well as quite popular. People from different countries visit these places additionally, even the local people travel to these places to enjoy and experience the beauty.   Nature Enthusiast Solo Traveler   If you are a nature lover, let me share with you some of the places you can visit for your solo trip in India. These places are the perfect example of nature at its best allowing humans to flourish amidst nature, experiencing the best of their life.   Darjeeling   Darjeeling is called the “Queen of the Hills” offering you some of the best views of the Himalayas. Nature is at its best here, which you can enjoy with leisure as the lifestyle there is quite relaxed as the locals are helpful and sweet-natured.   Let's not forget the tea plantation offering you some of the best tea in the world. You must get some when you visit. It is one of the most exotic places to travel in India.   Kasol   A perfect place for backpackers and nature lovers, Kasol is all but a huge landscape of lush greens and stunning scenery. Surrounded by hills, you will get many opportunities and stunning scenery. Kasol offers you an immersive experience that is unique for everyone!   Shillong   With gushing waterfalls, Shillong offers you one of the most majestic solo trips in India. Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is a place with majestic hills, showering the beautiful rays of sun on the Valley.   When you visit the place, you can enjoy a lot of elements including the pristine streams and deep gorges. The panoramic views of the hill create the perfect place for your nature attraction. Furthermore, you can go boating at the popular spot, the Umiam lake.   Beach Lover Solo Traveler   Beaches are the perfect place to be alone and unwind! So, let’s go on a solo trip in India to explore the beaches and enjoy the beautiful sunrises, sunsets, palm trees, wide expanse of water and so much more. If you are a national of India, you can visit the places to travel without a passport!   Pondicherry   If you are planning a solo trip in India, Pondicherry is one of the best options for you. Offering the unique combination of Indian and French culture, you will find Pondicherry as the best of both worlds.   Called the “French Riviera of the East” Pondicherry flaunts a serene atmosphere with beautiful beaches and colonial architecture. There are colorful houses with beautiful bougainvillea plants adorning the walls, a perfect spot for your solo trip picture, don’t you think?   Goa   Another place in India, Goa is a mixture of two cultures, Portuguese and Indian offers one of the best tourist experiences. As a solo traveler, it is one of the most popular destinations in India for its bustling nightlife, parties, serene beach life, delicious Goan delicacies and drinks.   Varkala   Known for its stunning sunsets, Varkala is in Kerala! When you are going on a solo trip in India, if you want cliffs, palm trees, and red sky, this is it for you. Whichever beaches you visit, you will see the red skies in the evening creating a beautiful view for you.   Additionally, if you are a spiritual person, Varkala for you is not just a cultural hub but also filled with temples. One such place is the pilgrimage site for Vishnu, Janardanaswamy Temple, and the Sivagiri Mutt monument for the social reformer, Sree Narayana Garu.   Culture Seeker Solo Traveler   India is a powerhouse of culture so if you are craving a cultural dose, these are the places for your solo trip in India. I have visited these places for their architecture, telling stories of the past, be it some ancient dynasty or the colonial transformations.   Hampi   A treasure trove, Hampi is a place in India that has several historical ruins speaking of the Indian culture. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site situated along the Tungabhadra River to enjoy the immersive experience.   The capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi was abandoned in 1565, thus leaving ruins in its wake. As a history buff and diverse culture lover, I loved learning about the place, its palaces, temples and forts, most of them broken.   Varanasi   The spiritual city of India, Varanasi is the home of Shri Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Shiva where all goes to offer prayers. Often, people who are closer to death wish to visit the city to spend their last days of life.   With the ancient ghats and temples, you will experience some of the most beautiful and spiritual callings in your heart. You should not miss the mesmerizing Ganga aarti, a ceremony to worship the holy river Ganges. It is a grand affair with several priests worshipping using fire, incense sticks, flowers and other auspicious things.   Jaipur   When I went to Jaipur on a solo trip, my eyes took time to adjust to the vibrant hues of the place. Just like vibrant clothing, the culture is also vibrant as you will see people, quite funny and helpful. It is better to travel to these places with cash but if you do carry the best travel credit card, try to safeguard it!   The bustling markets offer different types of clothing along with the availability of delicious cuisine. Called the Pink City, Jaipur has historical palaces and forts, ancient stories of Kings and their practices, now shared by the people and the guides when you take a tour of the city.   Adventurer Solo Traveler   As an adventurer myself, solo traveling is one of the coolest experiences an individual can ever experience. So, what’s more? Check out these places that will bring the beauty of    Ladakh   Warm welcoming people in Ladakh offer you some of the best services to solo backpackers. If you are seeking peace and adventure together, let’s go to Ladakh with its winding roads, high-altitude passes, and snow-capped peaks.   The stunning landscapes will steal your breath away. As an adventurer, I am sure you will not be looking for leisure and luxury in Ladakh. Ultimately, it is perfect for a solo trip for mountain lovers!   Rishikesh   Known as the “yoga capital of India”, this is a popular destination for all who seek adventure and spiritual calling together. I would suggest going to Rishikesh if you have river rafting on your bucket list (approximately Rs. 600 to Rs. 2500 per person) and bungee jumping (approximately, Rs. 3700 per person).   For your spiritual calling, yoga retreats are there offering you panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Let's not forget the delicious local cuisine that is so affordable that your solo trip will be fun apart from being super affordable.   Manali   Are you too tired of your everyday corporate life? Want to escape to the hills soon? What better place than Manali for a solo trip? There are so many opportunities for a solo traveler in Manali, starting from river rafting, trekking and others.   As an adventurous explorer, you can go across several trails going zigzag in the Himalayas. Additionally, exploring the place will be perfect for your solo trip in India.   Let’s Go, Wanderer...   In conclusion, a solo trip in India encompasses various places, some of them better than others. You must visit the places described in this blog so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Plus, these places bring you some of the best memories in your life.   Comment below to let us know which of the locations in India is one of the best. Keep traveling and make memories while traveling solo.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.