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

Mar 7, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 18, 2024

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 Car Travel In Dubai

From Beaches To Mountains: Ideal Routes For Car Travel In Dubai

BY Barsha BhattacharyaDec 6, 2023

With a wonderful road network, 8-lane roads, and gorgeous scenery, the United Arab Emirates is just made for driving. By far, the most convenient method is car travel in Dubai. With great roads even on the outskirts and many attractions spread across extensive distances, renting a car and traveling throughout the UAE on your own time and on your terms will be far more beneficial. You will save money on public transport and be able to explore all of the unique spots that can only be accessible by automobile. Car Travel In Dubai: Tips And Recommendations Here are 9 valuable tips that will make your rental experience as less tricky as possible. Ensure you deal with a dependable, not fraudulent, rental company. When renting a vehicle, no matter whether you are interested in a one–day muscle car rental Dubai or a long–term rental of a comfortable family SUV, you have to be sure that you are signing a contract with a reliable rental service. It is always better to hire a car in advance as there will be more choices available at better rates. Ensure that you thoroughly review all the rental terms and conditions to preclude any unexpected expenses or issues later on. Ensure that all charges and services covered by the price are stated before signing the contract so as not to be surprised by the extra cost. Examine the rental car’s overall condition. Check the vehicle for any blemishes beforehand, and also snap your camera pictures to support your case. Check the rental car before delivery to confirm it remains in the same state as when it arrived. Find out what types of insurance are offered as part of the rented package, and acquire other needed ones. Ensure that you follow the road rules in Dubai, as they are very strict with people who break the rules. Return the rental car on time. Return and do not incur any penalties for late payment. Top 5 Routes For Car Travel In Dubai We have compiled excursion routes for motorists covering the main tourist attractions of the emirate. Beach Route: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah Beach – Kite Beach – La Mer Beach – Jebel Ali Beach Follow this way and explore the top Dubai beaches. Stop over at every one of them to bask in the blazing sun and the vast sea or indulge yourself in water sports. You may also include a trip to the Atlantis resort complex on the Palm Jumeirah Island. Historical Route: Dubai Museum – Bastakiya Quarter – Dubai Creek – Dubai Fountains – Dubai Mall You will visit the old and modern history and cultural sites of the town along this way. When visiting the museum, you will explore the history of the city, visit the narrow streets of the Bastakias Quarter, go across the Dubai Creek in the traditional abra, and observe the fountain show at the Burj Khalifa. Mountain Route: Dubai Marina – Hajar Mountains – Al Ain – Al Haimar Oasis Rent a car and pass through the scenic mountains on this route in Dubai. When visiting Dubai Marina, you will also be afforded great views that will spur you on and allow you to visit the Hajar Mountains and do a short walk or simple picnic. On your car travel in Dubai, you may also stop over at the city of Al Ain and the oasis of Al Khamir to watch the ancient Arab lifestyle. Desert Route: Desert Safari – Bedouin Camp – Western Desert – Hatta Harbor The desert areas of Dubai are the routes that this journey will take. There are many ways to enjoy these dunes, either by renting a jeep or a camel safari to explore them before reaching the Bedouin camps to have contact with these people and their culture. You then go west to the Western Desert to see the oasis and have lunch at some of the Bedouin camps. While on your ride back home, you can make a pit stop at the Hatta Harbor, where you have the opportunity to relax and swim in freshwater. Coastal Route: Dubai Marina – Jumeirah Beach – Al-Mamzar Beach – Umm Suqeim Beach Along the coast route, you will see beaches and the blue waters. Jumeirah Beach will also give you a chance to stop and have a swim or simply bask in the Sun. Additionally, there is a famous Burj Al Arab that one cannot fail to see when driving along this coastal strip road. Also, on this route, you can visit the Al-Mamzar Park and the Umm Suqeim Nature Reserve, where you can see local animals and birds. No matter which route you choose, do not forget about the rules of the road and leave time for rest and photos. We wish you a car travel in Dubai! Read Also: November Trips In 2023: From London To The World Tenerife Aiming High To Offer Brits More Than Beaches And Court Markets Vietnam’s International Tourist Influx Surpasses Expectation, Reaches 8.9 Million

READ MORE card-img

How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips

BY Abdul Aziz MondalApr 7, 2020

A vacation is supposed to be a gateway to a stress-free world. It is expected to rejuvenate your senses and remove all the tiredness, boredom, and monotony of daily life.  However, in order to ensure that your vacation is as memorable as you are imagining it to be, you need to prepare for the same well in advance. A good vacation is all about planning, locating the problem areas, and ensuring that you are prepared for the same.  This planning includes everything from ensuring your home is fitted with a security alarm to keep it safe and secure whilst you are away (see the Verisure website for details), to planning your travel itinerary, and having an emergency credit card for any unforeseen disasters. Vacations are not without their fair share of problems. Even the most experienced travelers cannot plan for unforeseen developments. That being said, there are many careless travelers who forego planning and strategic execution for a month-long problem fest.  We certainly do not want to belong to that bunch of people. Whether it is a Euro Trip with friends or a journey of rediscovery to India, this article is going to help you prepare for it all. In this article, we will look at ten tips that will help you prepare for your vacation in the best possible manner.  7 Tips to Prepare for your Dream Vacation: The List 1. Manage, Collect and Arrange all your documents Call me old-fashioned, but I like to go old-school when it comes to all documents relating to my travel. This includes all my flight tickets, VISA papers, passports, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and cash.  You might say that an e-version of most of the things would suffice. However, try using your internet connectivity in some remote village in India to show your hotel booking. You will understand the need to take physical printouts and maintain a proper file of the same.  2. Get your Financials in order It is always a good idea to arrange your finances as much as possible. A cool tip is to pay as much of the bookings, travel costs, and others before leaving for your vacation. This way, you will not have to carry around too much cash or cards on your trip.  Always remember to carry just one or two debit/credit cards. Enquire ahead, as to which banks are accepted and which are not. Exchange currency right at the airport itself. All this will help you when it comes to managing your finances during your vacation.  3. Check your Connectivity Issues during a Vacation You get off the plane, switch on your phone, and surprise, there is no signal! Trust me, in an unknown land you do not want to be without your phone at any cost. Do your research and get an International Calling Card if possible.  You can also see what the local telecom operators in the country are and whether or not you can get a local SIM card in the country. You will need your cell phone for all kinds of things- from emergencies to calling for booking confirmations, to communicating with your family back home.  4. Carry your Entertainment with you If you are expecting that your Netflix will work seamlessly in some remote country, you might be in for a surprise. Even if the internet connectivity is not an issue, then there might be some other problems. This is why it is a good idea that you carry your entertainment with you.  You can use a credible video downloader like youtube to mp3 and download all videos from YouTube. Almost all series and movies are now available on YouTube. You can download all of them and save them on your laptop or on your phone. This will help you enjoy entertainment when you are just casually relaxing.  5. Pay attention to the Weather and News Visiting America during the Hurricane season might not be a good idea. Traveling to Jerusalem during a conflict situation in the neighborhood should be avoided. Most travelers are so looking forward to their vacation that they become highly optimistic.  This is not a good approach. You should always be aware of the news and happenings in the region of your travel. You do not want to be caught in some natural emergency or be a victim of some political drama happening in the country of your travel. Listen to the Foreign Ministry Advisory of your home country before embarking on the journey.  6. A Limited Travel Itinerary for your Vacation It is always a good idea to travel light and have a limited itinerary for your vacation. If you are trying to pack in too many things, you can expect your plans to go haywire. Having a limited itinerary also means that you will be exhaustively exploring each location.  Going for multiple destinations is often the hallmark of a superficial traveler. By keeping a limited itinerary, you will never feel pressured and feel that you are always falling behind. This will create pressure and take the fun out of your vacation plans. Select places, which interest you, not which your friend had gone to and recommended.  7. Plan the Come Back period before you leave for your vacation Most people might be well prepared when it comes to the above-mentioned six points. However, this is where even the best amongst us falter. You should always have a sufficient buffer time after coming back from your vacation. This is critical to prepare yourself when it comes to overcoming the vacation hangover.  Many experts say that doing things like your laundry before leaving for your vacation is a good way to prepare back for your vacation. The last thing you would want to see is a pile of dirty laundry that you would have to do post a great vacation.  Conclusion Going on a vacation can be a highly rewarding experience. On the other hand, it can also be a very stressful affair, leading to fights between couples or fallout among friends. However, if you are prepared with the above-mentioned seven tips, you can rest assured that you are mitigating most of the problems.  Can you think of some other tips that can help you while preparing for your vacation? Do let us know in the comments section below.   Read also:  5 Tips to Improve Holiday Experience for Next Vacation

READ MORE places to visit in Meghalaya

What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide

BY Nabamita SinhaAug 17, 2022

Meghalaya, or the Abode of Clouds, here you will find that nature has to give. It is one of the best places for its biodiversity richness. Known best for its famous monsoon seasons, Meghalaya has the most dramatic natural terrains with rich cultural festivals. Having such beautiful natural diversities, which are among the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The tribals of Garos, Jaintias, and Khasis make up the majority of the population. Meghalaya: Abode Of Clouds! Located in the northeastern parts of India, with Shilong as its capital. During the British rule of India, it was dubbed the “Scotland of the East.” With a range of beautiful terrains, Meghalaya is surely going to surprise your imagination. With beautiful greenery everywhere, with forests, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, that are one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. But since Meghalaya is known for its monsoon seasons, what is the best time to visit there? What Is The Best Time To Visit Meghalaya? Since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, with the occasional cloudbursts and landslides, you need to know the best time to visit there. Weather Condition In Meghalaya Oct-Feb = 9c        Apr-Jun = 21c        June-Oct =15c  Peak Season When the temperature is between 16c and 31c, that is the best time to visit Meghalaya. This will probably be from April and June. During this time, Meghalaya has the optimum temperature for you to explore the place. Shoulder Season From the months of November to March receives a moderate amount of tourists, as the weather is cold and misty at the same time. Low Season The lowest season for tourism in Meghalaya is from July to October. During this time, the state receives about moderate to heavy rainfall. Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya is, you need to know what are the top Meghalaya tourist places. 1. Cherrapunji Popularly regarded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji has the best lush greenery you will ever see. Here you will find the highest rainfall any time of the year. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the most beautiful waterfalls, like Dain-Thlen,Nohkalikai, and Kyrem. Cherrapunji is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - An abundance of natural scenic beauty and environmental attractions. Places To Stay - Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee, Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee and Saimika Resort. Attractions - Krem Mawmluh, Wakaba Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls. How To Reach - From Guwahati, it's 166km, And from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, it's 79km. 2. Shillong Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Away from the bustling life of the city, Shillong has beautiful forests, hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Shillong is considered the Meghalayan Gateway. Popular landmarks of Shillong are Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Specialty - Mesmerizing view, the beauty of nature, and its popular landmarks. Attractions - Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Places To Stay - Pinewood Hotel, The Loft-Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, and Tripura Castle. Location - East Central Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From September to May. 3. Mawsynram Out of all the places in Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the most rainfall each year. This is why here you will find the most greenery and beautiful green hills and valleys. Mawsynram receives about 11,872 mm of rainfall each year. Specialty - The most beautiful waterfalls. Location - The East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From April to June. 4. Balpakaram National Park Known as a traveler’s paradise, the Balpakaram National Park is a “Land of Spirits” for its rich natural biodiversity. With its beautiful wildlife with animals like Tiger, Leopard, Deer, Buffalo, Elephant, and Red Panda. Specialty - It is rich in natural biodiversity. Location - Western Meghalaya and Garo Hills. Best Time To Visit - From October to March. Entry Free - Free. 5. Nohkalikai Falls The Nohkalikai Falls is the 4th most noted waterfalls in the World. The height of this fall is about 335 meters from the cliff to the ground. The falls are considered “the pride of the territory of Meghalaya.” Specialty - It is like paradise with an extraordinary scenic view. Entry Fee - INR 10. Timing - From 8 am to 5 pm. 6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge Located in Cherrapunji, the double-decker living root bridge is famous all over, as the bridge is made up of roots. The roots are of rubber trees. The bridge is about 3km long and about 2400ft in height. Specialty - The oldest of natural bridges. Location - Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime other than from May to September, due to the slippery. Trek Time - It takes about 4 to 6 hours. 7. Kyllang Rock This extraordinary rock is made entirely out of red stone. The rock is 54ooft above sea level and 1000ft in width. The hike up the rock gives a beautiful scene with rhododendrons and shrubs. Specialty - It is on the highest points in all of Meghalaya. Location - West Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime, except the monsoon. Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 8. Elephant Falls Meghalaya is known to have the best waterfalls in all of India. And Elephant Falls is definitely one of that beautiful waterfalls. It is called Elephant falls as it has an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot of it. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - The falls are surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty. Location - It is only 12km from Shillong. Best Time To Visit - During Monsoon. Read Also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya and the best tourist places is, you won’t have any other problems. But if you do, here are some questions asked by other people. 1. What Is The Popular Place Of Meghalaya? The most popular Meghalaya places to visit are:1. Mawsynram2. Nohakalikai Falls3. Mawlynnong Village4. Umiam Lake5. Seven Sisters Falls6. Living Root Bridges 2. Does Meghalaya Have Snow? Though the state of Meghalaya has a higher elevation, it doesn’t receive any snowfall throughout the year. But due to humidity and low temperature, frost forms which can look like snow but are not. 3. What Is Famous Food Of Meghalaya? The food that is famous in Meghalaya is a spicy preparation of fish or meat and rice. They are great at rearing pigs, goats, cows, ducks, and fowl for their meat. Visit Now! If you are an avid nature lover, then visiting Meghalaya should definitely be on your bucket list. There are some beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. And if you are a mountain lover, then you need to visit here once. Hopefully, this article encourages you to book your tickets soon for Meghalaya. Let us know in the comments where in India you wanna visit next. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India