Family vacations are meant to be filled with moments of joy, discovery, and shared adventure — but unfortunately, they can also be prime opportunities for travel scams. Whether it’s a fake rental listing, a cloned booking site, or too-good-to-be-true deals, scam artists often target travelers who are distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported more than $105 million lost to travel-related scams in the U.S. alone, much of it stemming from online fraud. Protecting your family requires not only awareness but also proactive decision-making. Here’s how to safeguard your vacation, from the planning stages to your return home.
Choose Accommodations That Are Aware of Travel Fraud
A secure trip begins with where you sleep — so it’s crucial to select accommodations that actively guard against travel-related scams.
Start by booking directly through reputable channels. Official hotel websites and trusted aggregators like Booking.com or Expedia offer layers of protection you won’t get from unverified classifieds or third-party sellers on social media. However, even large platforms have seen fake listings slip through. Before booking, research the hotel or rental property independently — cross-reference addresses, read reviews from multiple sites, and make sure the property has an operational phone number and a verifiable web presence.
Look for accommodations that state their fraud-prevention measures. Many modern hotels and professional vacation rentals now include security messaging on their sites to warn travelers against phishing attempts and advising guests to only use secure portals for payments. These businesses also tend to use encrypted payment systems, offering clear cancellation and refund policies.
Be Cautious With Online Booking Platforms
Online convenience can be a double-edged sword. While booking sites and apps simplify vacation planning, they’ve also become common places for scammers to operate. One common trick used in travel scams and beyond is the creation of fake websites that look almost identical to real ones. These clones use slightly altered URLs — perhaps with a missing letter or added character — to steal your payment information or send fake confirmations.
Before entering any credit card information, check that the URL begins with “https” and has the correct domain. Avoid clicking on links from emails unless you were expecting them and can verify the sender. Phishing scams often come disguised as travel alerts or booking updates.
Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash
Stay Alert at Tourist Hotspots
Even once you’ve arrived safely at your destination, scams can lurk around popular attractions. Families, especially those juggling kids and gear, often get distracted in these environments — making them perfect targets.
Classic travel scams targeting tourists include overpriced “tour guides” who charge upfront and disappear, or fake ticket sellers offering “discounted” access to museums and theme parks. Always buy tickets from official kiosks, inside visitor centers, or directly from the venue’s website.
Another common trap involves taxi or rideshare scams. Drivers may claim the meter is broken and offer a fixed (usually inflated) rate, or take longer routes to run up the fare. Stick to well-reviewed rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt where the fare is confirmed in advance. If using local taxis, ask your hotel to call one for you or verify the approximate fare before getting in.
Double-Check Vacation Packages and Tour Deals
All-inclusive family packages can seem like a great deal — until you find out the company behind them never intended to deliver. Scammers often pose as travel agents offering deep discounts on group tours, cruises, or flights. These schemes may involve slick brochures, fake testimonials, and elaborate but fabricated details.
Before booking any package, verify the company’s credentials. Search for the business name followed by the word “scam” or “review” to see what others are saying. Trusted agencies are often affiliated with industry groups such as IATA (International Air Transport Association) or ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).
Teach Kids Basic Travel Safety
Children, especially teens with smartphones or access to family credit cards, can unknowingly fall victim to scams too. From “free” Wi-Fi traps that harvest data to phishing links sent via Instagram DMs promoting fake giveaways or ticket deals, digital scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Teach your children to avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi without a VPN and never to click on unfamiliar links, even if they look fun or exciting. Encourage open conversations about money, safety, and why being cautious online and in person is important while traveling.
Help them identify what a scam might look like by sharing real-world examples. Even a brief discussion before your trip can empower them to recognize suspicious behavior and come to you if something feels off.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your family from travel scams isn’t about instilling fear — it’s about planning smartly, staying informed, and teaching awareness. By choosing fraud-aware accommodations, being cautious with online bookings, avoiding tourist traps, and involving the whole family in safety measures, you can focus on creating joyful, scam-free memories together.
