Whenever you travel, you risk falling victim to travel scams. While such scams can affect anyone, knowing what to look for might help you avoid getting ripped off. You’re more susceptible to trickery in unfamiliar settings, after all, and scams usually have been perfected over years of trial and error.

The Most Bizarre Europe Travel Scams

Gelato in hand, you’re strolling down a street in Italy when suddenly, a woman starts loudly arguing with a street vendor. A crowd gathers as he accuses her of shoplifting. To prove her innocence, she starts to strip: Once she’s down to her underwear, the vendor apologizes, the woman leaves, and the onlookers disappear—but so have their wallets, thanks to a team of pickpockets who were working the show.

This is just one of the bizarrely inventive ways that European scam artists operate. The good news is that if you’re wise to their tricks, you can just marvel at their ingenuity. The sneakiest pickpockets look like well-dressed businessmen, generally with something official-looking in their hand. Lately many are posing as tourists with fanny packs, cameras, and even guidebooks.

No matter which country you’re in, assume beggars are pickpockets and any scuffle is simply a distraction by a team of thieves. If you stop for any commotion or show, put your hands in your pockets before someone else does (or, even better, wear a money belt).

Set-up scams are time-tested and popular. On the busy streets of Barcelona, Berlin, and Florence, you’ll find the shell game: Players pay to guess which of the moving shells hides the ball. It looks easy, but the winners are all ringers, and you can be sure that you’ll lose if you play.

The most rampant scams are more subtle, such as being overcharged by a taxi driver. Some cabbies will pretend to drop a large bill and pick up a hidden small one, then tell you that you didn’t pay enough. Others will select the pricier “night and weekend” rate on their meter, even on weekdays. To decrease your odds of getting ripped off, call for a taxi from a hotel or restaurant, or use your phone to order a rideshare instead. If you do hail a cab, choose one with a prominent taxi-company logo and telephone number. Either way, insist on using the meter, agree on a price up front, or know the going rate. If, for whatever reason, I’m charged a ridiculous price for a ride, I put a reasonable sum on the seat and say goodbye.

Whenever cash is involved, it pays to be alert. If someone offers to help you use a cash machine, politely refuse (the person wants your PIN code). If a cash machine eats your ATM card, check for a thin plastic insert with a little flap hanging out—crooks use tweezers to extract your card. Cashiers, and even bank tellers, thrive on the “slow count,” dealing out change with odd pauses in hopes that rushed tourists will gather up the money early and say “grazie.” Also, be careful when paying with large bills in restaurants and stores, and always inspect your change—in Italy, the now-worthless 500-lira coin looks like a two-euro coin.

Some thieves hang out at train-ticket machines, eager to assist you in buying tickets with a pile of your quickly disappearing foreign cash. And skip the helping hand from official-looking railroad attendants at the Rome train station. They’ll lead you to your seat, then demand a “tip.”

In Spain, women offer you sprigs of rosemary (as if in friendship) and then grab your hand, read your fortune, and demand payment. Don’t make eye contact, don’t accept a sprig, and say firmly but politely, “No, gracias.”

Just because someone looks official doesn’t mean they are. In Italy, “Tourist Police” may stop you on the street, flash bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or “drug money.” You won’t even notice some bills are missing until after they leave.

Never open your door to “hotel inspectors.” One waits outside while the other comes in to take a look around. While you’re distracted, the first thief slips in and snags valuables off your dresser.

In Vienna, official-looking women decked out in long velvet capes roam famous sights, claiming to work for the opera house and offering to sell you tickets. The tickets are fakes, and the only seats you’ll be buying are the ones on the bus back to your hotel.

Common Travel Scams in Europe by Country

And there are still more travel scams to know about if you’re visiting Europe. Here are eight of the most common travel scams, organized by country where you’re more likely to encounter them. Study up so you don’t fall victim to “highway pirates” or bogus police officers on your next trip.

Italy, Puncturing Tires: Beware of “highway pirates” in Italy who will puncture your tires in a parking lot and follow you until you’re forced to stop. They will then pretend to help you while robbing you at the same time. If you do get a flat tire, be cautious about who offers to help you—especially around Naples—and never leave your valuables and luggage in your car.

France, False Petitions: Be wary of children who pretend to be disabled and claim to represent an accredited charity. They will ask for your signature—and then your money. Ignore them and report the scam to police. Organized scammers like this receive a 1 million euro fine in France.

Spain, Fake Entry Fees: Scam artists are posing with fake IDs at the Spanish border and asking for an “entry fee” into Gibraltar. There is no entry fee to pass through, so ignore anyone asking for money and keep your valuables out of sight.

Czech Republic, Impersonated Police Officers: In this grand scam, a group of “police offers” will appear and accuse you of committing a crime. They will ask to see your wallet and passport, which is against the law, so you should refuse and ask to be taken to the nearest police station instead. This will most likely make them go away. Be sure to report them to the local authorities after.

Hungary, Counterfeit Money: Taxi drivers and dingy currency exchange booths commonly pass on counterfeit bills to unsuspecting tourists. Make sure to exchange your money only at a bank or in the airport, and double check that the bills you receive are the correct currency.

Netherlands, Distraction Scams: Pay particular attention to this at restaurants in Central Amsterdam. Someone might come into the restaurant and either pretend to look for a friend or cause another distraction. Instead he or she will steal your bag right in front of you. Make sure you keep your possessions in your line of sight, and don’t leave bags or coats hanging on the back of your chair.

Croatia, Extortionate Bills: Some Croatian bars and restaurants—especially gentleman’s clubs—will add an unexplained surcharge to your bill, expecting you not to have enough cash. If you are short on funds, they’ll take you to an ATM and demand that you take out more money. It’s best to research restaurants, clubs, and bars before going, and ask your hotel (rather than taxi drivers, who may be in on the scam) for recommendations.

Poland, Phony Taxis: At airports and major tourist attractions in Poland, many unregulated drivers will pick up unsuspecting tourists and claim their meter is broken. Avoid this overcharge by only using official taxis; check for the name and number of the company on the car. Another way to check their legitimacy is by looking for a rate card.

We don’t mean to paint Europe as a dangerous place. In fact, it’s safer than America. Muggings in Europe are uncommon. Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly. Europe travel scams are easy to avoid if you recognize them. But remember: Even the most vigilant traveler can get conned. If this happens, don’t let it ruin your trip. With the right attitude and lighter bags, you can still have a wonderful time.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It’s been updated to reflect the most current information. Rick Steves, Ashley Rossi, and Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

The post Europe Travel Scams Every Tourist Needs to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What is Juice-Jacking?

“Juice jacking,” as the travel scam is called, targets desperate travelers in need of a charge. Daniel Smith, a security researcher at Radware explains how this works. “Attackers can use fake charging stations to trick unsuspecting users into plugging in their device. Once the device is plugged in the user’s data and photos could be downloaded or malware can be written onto the device.”

Hackers can download anything that is on your phone, since the charging port is doubling as a data port. We’re talking passwords, emails, photos, messages, and even banking and other personal information via apps.

There have been several campaigns to increase public awareness about the scam since 2011, when the term juice-jacking was first coined by investigative journalist Brian Krebs. This past April, the FBI Denver official Twitter account tweeted a warning stating that “bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices” and that travelers should avoid using unknown charging cables and plugging directly into public USB ports. 

Sounds scary right? While it never hurts to be protective of your personal data while traveling, how worried should you really be about juice jacking at the airport?

How Common is Juice-Jacking?

With all the official warnings cropping up over the past decade, it’s easy to assume that hackers are draining your data every time you enter the terminal. However, it seems that anxious travelers can breathe a small sigh of relief. 

“There are no documented cases of juice jacking ever taking place in the wild,” says Dan Gooden, Senior Security Editor at Ars Technica, “Left out of the advisories is that modern iPhones and Android devices require users to click through an explicit warning before they can exchange files with a device connected by standard cables.”

Even though the likelihood of becoming a victim of juice-jacking is low, there are easy ways to eliminate the risk altogether.

How to Prevent Juice-Jacking

If you find yourself always on low battery and relying on public charging stations, there are products out there that will protect your phone data while charging in public spots.Consider purchasing a super tiny data blocker, which is a “USB defender” that protects any data from being stolen off of your phone.

Avoid public charging stations altogether by investing in your own personal portable battery pack. You won’t need to fight for space at the charging station or hunt down an errant outlet in the terminal. You can also charge your phone on the plane, bus, train, car, or while walking around outside where outlets are not readily available. 

Best Portable Cell Phone Chargers

The best portable battery packs are lightweight, hold at least one to two full smartphone charges before needing a recharge, and are TSA-compliant (operating below 100 watt hours or 27,000mAh).

Biolite PD Charge 20

The Biolite Charge 20 PD is the smallest model from the Biolite Charge series. It charges via USB–C (in/out port), features two USB-A charge-out ports, and will charge a standard smartphone 1.5 times. 

iWalk Small Portable Charger

This ultra-small portable charger is perfect for iPhone users with limited luggage space. It fits easily inside a pocket or small purse and is compatible with iPhone model 6s through 14 Pro Max.

Anker Portable Charger

Despite its small size, the Anker Portable Charger packs a powerful punch, charging a smartphone up to 2.5 times (make and model dependent) before needing to be recharged.

Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post How Worried Should You Be About This Travel Scam? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fake Car Rental Scams

With rental cars in short supply for 2021, desperate travelers looking for any vehicle to rent are particularly vulnerable to scammers. Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network tells us one common scam for 2021 involves criminals creating fake car rental company websites, and then buying ads for their fake pages to show up for search terms such as “cheap car rentals”. The unsuspecting browser would then call the fake customer service number on the page (which appeared to be for a legitimate car rental company) and be told that the cheap rate was only valid if they pre-paid with a store-bought gift card (like an American Express gift card). The victim would buy a gift card and use it to secure their reservation, only to find out upon arrival at the real rental car counter that they were scammed and no car was available. 

“Free” Vacation Scams

If you get a phone call, email, or postcard telling you that you’ve won a free vacation (and just need to pay taxes and fees) or offering you a deal that sounds way too good to be true, walk away, says Nofziger. 

If the deal is coming from a legitimate travel company, look up the information for that company separately (don’t use the contact information that was sent to you, which could be redirected to a scammer) to verify separately. 

One other red flag to watch for—if the company is asking you to pay with a prepaid gift card or debit card, it’s likely to be a scam, because it’s significantly harder to get back stolen funds on those types of cards rather than a credit card.

Vacation Rental Scams

Found a picture-perfect vacation rental online? Make sure to check the vacation rental site’s fraud policies to make sure you’ll be protected in case your booking turns out to be a scam. Nofziger recommends carefully following the booking platform’s guideline’s on accepted payments to best protect yourself and to always pay with a credit card for extra protection.

Common vacation rental scams involve fake listings, inaccurate listings, or renters sending you a fake cashier’s check or money order for more money than they owe you (and asking you to send them the excess amount before you realize the check is fake).

Unsure about the vacation rental company you’re thinking of booking with? Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for complaints, says Nofziger. You can also search the company name plus the words “scam”, “fraud”, or “complaints” to find cautionary reviews online.

Fake Airline Sites

Similar to the car rental scam above, fake airline sites have become prolific lately. If you search for cheap airline tickets and find a ticket reseller that you’ve never heard of, precede with caution. “The red flag is they will always ask you for payment in a gift card, bitcoin, or other non-traceable forms of payment”, warns Nofziger. “Be very careful when on any travel website of pop-ups. We have heard from many consumers that thought they were on the correct website when they entered their payment information when in fact it was a third-party pop-up travel site where the prices were increased and the cancellation policies were different.”

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Scams

Another place to watch out for spoof websites is when applying for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. These fake sites look just like the government ones but will steal your sensitive personal information and money. In the example pictured, the first (paid) result that comes up when you search “Global Entry” is for a third-party Global Entry site, not the actual government website.

If you’re applying or renewing your membership, don’t search for “TSA PreCheck” or “Global Entry”. Go directly to the official government websites via cbp.gov and tsa.gov.

The post 5 Scary Travel Scams to Watch Out for in 2021 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Heard horror stories about booking a bad Airbnb? You can avoid the same fate if you know exactly what to look for and the best ways to make the most of the platform. Read on to find out everything you need to know about an Airbnb listing before you book.

Determining Your Needs in Search

The best way to ensure you won’t be disappointed with your Airbnb rental is to manage your expectations and know exactly what you want to get out of your rental. With Airbnb’s search feature, it’s very easy to do.

After you select your location, use these helpful filters to streamline your search on Airbnb:

• Dates: If your dates are flexible you can leave out that field. Note that if you do filter by dates, only listings that are available on those dates will show up.
• Guests: Select the number of adults, children, and infants in your group. Guests are determined by bed space.
• Home Type: This is the most important section to filter if you’re looking to have a whole house or apartment to yourself. If so, make sure you filter by this search item. Other options are a private room and a shared room.
• Price: You can set your price range and Airbnb will give you the average nightly price for your location.
• Instant Book: Instead of going back-and-forth with your host arranging dates or fielding questions about your trip, select the “Instant Book” filter, which will let you instantly confirm your rental. I’ll expand more on this later.
• Trip Type: Here you can select if you want “For Families” or “For Work Trips”. This will show vetted properties for either category.
• More Filters: This includes everything from neighborhood filters to the number of beds, bedrooms, or bathrooms. If you’re traveling with a group and know you want a specific number of bedrooms, I recommend using this filter. You can also add filters for things like free cancellation, specific amenities or facilities, and even “Unique Homes” like barns, boats, campers, treehouses, etc. 

If you’re looking for Airbnb to do the work for you, check out its Airbnb “Plus” section. These listings are vetted by the company for exceptional quality, consistency, design, and comfort, “All Airbnb Plus homes are visited in person … They are checked for 100+ things that guests told us they love, from must-have amenities to the art on the walls.”

Location

Once you’ve filtered your search accordingly, you can search a specific area on a map for listings. (Just toggle the “Show Map” feature in the top right corner of the search bar). This is great if you know exactly where you’d like to be in a city. However, if you’re unfamiliar with a location, you’ll want to do some more research on your destination before you book.

For safety and privacy reasons, you won’t find out the exact address until you’ve confirmed a booking for the majority of listings, but Airbnb does supply some additional information. Hosts need to fill out a “Neighborhood” section, so make sure to read and verify all of the information here. Most listings have a map of the general area, including a filter for public transit. Hosts will typically list a few local coffee shops or nearby attractions in the listing, so I suggest plugging in one of the mentioned locations into Google Maps and using the street view to get an accurate feel for the area.

If you still need additional information about the location, check the reviews for any red flags or message the host with any specific concerns or questions.

Legality

Airbnb’s legal issues are constantly in the news in regards to zoning and administrative codes, but these issues mostly concern the hosts, not the guests. According to Airbnb’s help section, “Some cities require hosts to register, get a permit, or obtain a license before you list your property or accept guests. Certain types of short-term booking may be prohibited altogether.”

While this issue is the responsibility of the host, you can search by your location in the “Responsible hosting in the United States” section if you’d like to read up on the latest information. Some listings, especially in urban areas like New York City where this is a known issue, will state if it’s a legal or registered listing. You may also see a line item in the price listing for occupancy tax in certain tax jurisdictions, which can also verify the legality. As always, read reviews or message your host for more verification if needed.

Amenities & Sleeping Arrangements

Depending on your type of trip, you’ll need certain amenities over others. Hosts are able to list amenities, so make sure to expand this section and review them. More times than not, you’re booking an Airbnb for some additional amenities, like kitchen access or a washer and dryer, than what you’d get at a hotel, so make sure those are included here. While Wi-Fi is usually included, always make sure to check that it’s listed before booking. You can also check this section for things like access to outdoor spaces, a hot tub, washer and dryer, and to confirm the essentials like toiletries, hair dryer, etc. Also, verify the number of bathrooms and make sure the amount of showers suits your needs.

If traveling with your pet, check for the “Pets Allowed” amenity listing. You should also look if the “Pet Owner” amenity is listed as that means pets may be at or live at the property with the owner.

From my experience, some hosts don’t always include every amenity, so if you have a specific question on whether something’s included, from anything like towels to parking, reach out to the host.

There’s a handy section in each Airbnb listing that displays the bed size and location of sleeping arrangements so you know exactly what you’re getting with your listing. Always confirm that this section meets your expectations as a listing can say “sleeps 6” but some of the sleeping arrangements may be a day bed, pull out sofa, or air mattress instead of a bed. If you need additional sleeping arrangements, ask the host if he or she has an additional air mattress or if you can bring your own.

House Rules & Interaction With Guests

Always verify the check-in process, house rules, and the “Interaction with Guests” section. This section is sometimes hidden in the top listing part, to get to it, make sure to hit the “read more about the space” section. Here you’ll better understand if the host lives near or on the property, if you’ll be able to check in by yourself or via a lock box, and any other specifics about the property. Usually, hosts are open to as little or as much communication as you’d like.

Review the house rules, typically hosts list things here like no smoking, no parties, check-in and -out times, a pet policy, and quiet hours. Make sure you’re upfront with the hosts about any daytime guests you might have or anything else that might go against any of these rules.

There’s also a section in the house rules under “You Must Acknowledge” which allows hosts to mention anything that might not be up to expectations such as a potential for noise. Some hosts may list a security deposit charge here for damages. Be advised that when you book, you’re acknowledging and agreeing to these terms.

Price 

Airbnb does a great job with price transparency, as long as you make sure you enter your dates for an accurate price search. You’ll see line items for the base nightly rate (which is usually what is advertised in your original search) broken down by each date of your stay, plus an Airbnb service fee (between six and 12 percent of the base fare), cleaning fee (determined by the host), and sometimes an occupancy tax and/or conversion fee (if booking in a different currency). If you have guests over the listed maximum number of guests, the host may add on an additional fee per person.

Insider Tip: I’ve heard of guests messaging hosts before to get the cleaning fee waived when they only stayed for one night or a solo traveler. Although I haven’t tried this myself, it’s worth asking.

Cancellation Policy

Hosts determine their own cancellation policy from three Airbnb-standardized policies: Flexible, Moderate, and Strict. The cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the listing, so make sure you note the terms before you book and know what, if any, part of the price is refundable for changes or cancellations. In some cases, a host may grant you a refund outside of the cancellation policy if you reach out to them, and Airbnb has an extenuating circumstance policy.

Your Host 

Some hosts live in their homes when guests aren’t there and others use the space solely for vacation rentals, so your experience will differ with every Airbnb listing. The platform designates some users as “Superhosts”, which means they have a high rating, are responsive, have active listings, and honor all of their reservations. This is one way to add a layer of comfort and trust to a listing.

You can also view your host’s profile which will compile all of their reviews, show the date they joined, whether or not they’re verified, and provide some general information about them. Some also chose to link social profiles, which is another level of Airbnb’s identity-verification process.

Only communicate with hosts on the Airbnb app and never share personal communication information like emails or phone numbers. This allows Airbnb to keep track of all information if there are any issues throughout the booking process or before or after your stay. 

If traveling internationally, check to make sure English is a listed language in his or her profile so you can communicate effectively if need be. You may come across a host that is an inn, hostel, or vacation rental company, especially overseas, take extra care when reading these listings to make sure it’s not a scam. Note: Airbnb does actively remove unauthorized hosts/listings and you can always report a suspicious listing.

Booking

Once you’ve found your perfect Airbnb listing and it’s time to book, make sure you understand the booking terms. You must have an account and get verified with Airbnb before you can book a listing and can read more about that process here. Note that when booking you have two options: Instant Book and Request to Book.

Instant Book: You can confirm your reservation right away.

Request to Book: This means your host has to accept or decline your booking before your reservation is confirmed. Things that help get you accepted are guest reviews and verification on your profile, as well as being upfront with your travel plans and adding a little bit about yourself in the request. Your request might be declined if there are date conflicts or if you have a large group for a small listing.

Note, you do need to enter your credit card (which will only be charged in full once your request is confirmed) to submit a reservation request. Hosts have 24 hours to confirm your request and your reservation is automatically confirmed once they do, so be careful about submitting more than one booking request for the same dates.

If you reach out to a host with questions before booking, they have the option to invite you to make a reservation as a “pre-approval” booking or with a special offer, which lets the host change the price, date, or other details in the listing based on your message.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Airbnb Offers Split Payment Option
• Airbnb’s 10-Year Plan to Rock the Travel World
• 7 Airbnb Problems and How to Solve Them

The post 11 Things to Look for in an Airbnb Listing Before You Book appeared first on SmarterTravel.

When you purchase travel from an airline or another operator, you enter into a contract for a service or goods. And if some unforeseen calamity prevents the seller from delivering the promised goods or services, the seller can claim “force majeure” as a basis for terminating the contract without incurring any liability for breach of contract.

The term is a dubious one taken from the 1804 Code Napoleon, and refers to occurrences beyond the reasonable control of a party to a contract that prevents fulfillment. It’s similar to “acts of God” and “frustration of purpose.” As such, the concept extends back centuries in common law.

It usually refers to natural disasters, and most would consider the COVID-19 pandemic a force majeure. So if the pandemic prevents an airline, hotel, or some other travel supplier from fulfilling a contract with you, you can’t really file a legal claim for breach of contract: That’s a fair and traditional use of force majeure.

But, some dishonest suppliers claim that force majeure means they don’t have to refund the money you’ve paid them when they can’t fulfill their end of the contract. So far there has been nothing upholding that position; if there’s force majeure, you’re still entitled to your money back. Don’t fall for it if some supplier tries to get out of refunding your money by claiming force majeure, but also don’t assume you have any right to the service or to file a claim against an airline.

As we recently reported in our guide to canceling a trip during the pandemic: The airline companies are not directly liable for disruptions caused by COVID-19; therefore, passenger-rights groups like AirHelp have said they will not be pursuing additional compensation for affected flights.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Cancel for Any Reason Insurance, Explained
• 14 Booking Sites’ COVID-19 Cancellation Policies
• Travel Insurance Coverage: 17 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

The post What ‘Force Majeure’ Means, and Why You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The idea of a “travel club” covers a wide range of organizations and activities, from scam-like timeshares to legitimate memberships that can save you money. All are certainly not equal.

Many are legitimate low-risk operations, such as AARP, AAA, and other independent travel promoters. The most reliable ones are those you’ll recognize the names of. Some resort chains call themselves “clubs,” like Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts. Membership to these is mostly harmless marketing hype, but can offer real discounts: The more exclusive organizations may be exempt from agreements that prohibit third-party agencies from slashing their rates.

Membership fees, if any, are usually nominal—often under $50 a year—and you can easily opt out if the club doesn’t deliver real value. All you have to lose is the minimal initial fee. The discounts they claim may be no better than you could get through other sources, but they’re usually not worse, either. For well-known travel brands like these ones, the scam risk is minimal.

How to Spot a Travel Club That’s a Scam

Others, however, pose a big financial risk. Some require stiff membership fees up front—usually several hundred up to thousands of dollars—and they may commit you to big annual fees indefinitely. They can certainly be honest in that they deliver what they promise; many travelers are happy with their memberships despite the risks and limitations. Others, however, ask you to pay big up front for some promised future benefit. These may or may not be honest; some are clearly outright scams, and others simply inflate the benefits and disguise the drawbacks.

According to law enforcement officials, oftentimes the promised “discount” and “savings” never materialize: The promoters provide prices that are no better than travelers can buy openly, through a wide range of discount sources, and the promised “dream” vacations never seem to become available. They’re selling pie in the sky, and Marie Callender is better at making pies.

The big-dollar travel clubs are the ones should be subject to your scam scrutiny. Although no approach is foolproof, you can usually find out what you need by asking and fact-checking a few specific questions. Here’s what you need to consider:

The Timeshare-Based Travel Club 

Many large travel “clubs” are nothing more than conventional timeshare operations, operating as clubs to avoid the unsavory reputation of timeshares. What they sell is guaranteed annual occupancy, in multiples of weeks, at a vacation area—typically a beach destination, maybe with rights to vacations in a string of different areas. And the questions you need to ask about them are the same as for a timeshare:

What Do I Actually Get?

Examine the offer in detail to find out exactly what it promises, in specific terms. Does it promise a guaranteed specific interval at a specific location? Does it promise enrollment in a recognized exchange system? Check the fine print on the exchange, especially for limitations on how you can use your exchange “points.”

Is There a Switch to the Bait?

Is the asking price the full price? Does the featured buy-in include everything you have to pay up front, or are you subject to additional fees and charges? Does the promotion say or hint that you’d be better off with a higher-level membership? 

What Is My Ongoing Obligation?

In most property-based clubs, your buy-in is only the start. You’re also on the hook for various monthly/yearly “maintenance” payments and assessments. And the operator typically reserves the right to increase these payments without your approval or right of refusal.

Is There Any Asset Value?

Some very high-end vacation clubs actually own a string of vacation properties; members share in the ownership of these properties, and the club operator agrees to repurchase for a reasonable price. But most mass-market vacation clubs offer no asset value to back up your initial “investment.” At best, you own your “membership” and can sell it or pass it along to your heirs. However, some deals are for the term of your life only and revert to the owner on your death.

Is There an Escape Clause or Resell Limitation?

Club promoters may not accept a return, even for a reduced price, and some timeshare-based clubs may limit your ability to resell. The travel literature is full of horror stories of people who just want to get rid of ongoing payments, even if it means giving the interest back to the promoter with no return.

The “Big-Discount” Travel Club

Other clubs promise they have access to large discounts on airfares, hotels, cruises, rental cars, tours, and just about any other travel service you can name. The ones that charge minimal fees are no more than a nuisance; if they don’t work out, you won’t have to refinance your house. But some ask for big membership fees, and those can be a big risk. As with timeshare clones, you have to ask some questions before you buy into one of them:

What’s My Exposure to Risk?

As with a timeshare, you have to check what you actually get, your future ongoing obligations, and, perhaps most importantly, your cancellation options. Check the fine print to make sure that the discounts are guaranteed. “Subject to availability” doesn’t cut it. 

Are the Claimed Discounts Real?

Challenge—and verify—all claimed “discount” deals. Don’t be gullible: Ask to see a list of currently-available deals, and check them through conventional search systems before you accept any broad claim that it will save you money.

Are the Posted Discount Prices Honest?

One hotel-discount membership organization I recently checked out posted some really attractive original prices. But when I went through to the final buy-it page, I found the initial prices did not include mandatory resort fees, taxes, and fees imposed by the travel club. The all-up total prices were about the same as I could get through Tripadvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) search links.

What Do Others Say?

The club’s promotional materials probably highlight gushing testimonials. Don’t take them at face value—promoters can easily satisfy enough travelers to elicit a few genuine rave reviews, which the company will then highlight. Instead, check with review and complaint sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google reviews (which usually now appear simply by Googling a business), and any other online review source you like. Also, Google the club to see if it has generated any serious complaints—or, even worse, law enforcement actions.

Scam Rules to Know for Any Kind of Travel Club

Make sure any club you’re considering can pass an easy scam test. Often, you can answer the scam-or-not question before you even see the details of a club promotion. Initial claims often can offer some early scam clues:

Scam Clue 1: The promotion is claiming that you’re getting something “free.” No travel service of real value is ever free. The club promoter is making a profit somewhere along the process. Nothing is free. Repeat this to yourself as often as is necessary.

Scam Clue 2: A promotion claiming you’ve “won” something. If you didn’t knowingly sign up for a sweepstakes run by some outfit that had terms and conditions you agreed to, any out-of-the-blue “winner” notification is almost surely a scam.

Scam Clue 3: A promotion claiming you’ve been “specially selected” for membership. A lot of robocalls are currently making this pitch. The only outcome you’ve been selected for is a fleecing.

Scam Clue 4: A promotion demanding that you “act now” or lose the deal. If a deal is actually honest, it will still be there after you take a day or so to check it.

Scam Clue 5: A promotion that poses as an investment. Some property-based clubs claim, or at least imply, that your membership is an investment. That’s just false for anything that’s not outright property ownership. Fractional ownership such as timeshare may be a good way to vacation to the same place every year—but it’s a lousy overall investment.

I can’t guarantee that following these guidelines can totally shield you from a scam (no one can). But they’re a good start to protecting yourself.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It had been updated to reflect the most current information. Prior reporting by Calvin Hennick contributed to this story.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Avoid Counterfeit Money While Traveling
• 6 Cruise Scams You Should Never Fall For
• Europe Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

The post How Can You Tell If a ‘Travel Club’ Is a Scam? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

But is New Orleans safe? The short answer is, it depends. On where you go, how you carry yourself, and, as with anywhere, sheer luck. And also on whether you know the places to avoid in New Orleans.

According to recent crime data, New Orleans’ violent crime rate is several times above the national average, and its property crime rate is also significantly higher than the rest of America’s. New Orleans, then, is not among the cities generally considered completely safe for travelers, unfortunately. While there are no official New Orleans travel warnings that we know of, NOLA is often included on lists of the world’s 50 most crime-filled cities. That said, murder rates in New Orleans have dropped in recent years, and robberies are also on the decline.

Travelers should use common sense, follow practical safety tips, stay in the city’s safest areas, and know the areas to avoid in New Orleans to keep themselves safe.

Besides criminal activity, there’s also the danger of natural disasters in New Orleans, particularly hurricanes. In addition, New Orleans’ weather means that the city faces a higher risk of tornadoes than the rest of the United States.

As for terrorism, New Orleans is considered a realistic target, though city officials recently implemented a series of crime-fighting technologies that will prepare it “to prevent and react to acts of terrorism.” New Orleans has also partnered with the FBI to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

Despite the grim statistics, New Orleans is still very much worth a visit. But you do need to know where to go, how to act, and the New Orleans neighborhoods to avoid. Read on for thorough advice about how to stay safe in New Orleans.

Tips for Staying Safe in New Orleans

• Like anywhere else, New Orleans crime is higher in certain neighborhoods. Know which New Orleans neighborhoods to avoid—and which to stick to. And definitely don’t visit the cemeteries without a formal tour group, especially after dark.
• If you’re walking, stay alert and, if possible, travel with a companion. After dark, avoid strolling around by yourself. Public transit, including streetcars and taxis, is relatively safe, but driving in New Orleans can present some problems—vehicle break-ins are quite common in New Orleans, as are traffic accidents.
• The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are popular with tourists but rife with petty criminals, scammers, and con artists. Enjoy exploring Vieux Carre, but do everything you can to avoid getting pickpocketed or scammed.

Top Travel Safety Products for New Orleans

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Safe Places—and Places to Avoid—in New Orleans

Is New Orleans safe? Before you visit, learn about the dangerous parts of New Orleans, as well as the safer neighborhoods to visit.

In terms of New Orleans neighborhoods to avoid, gang violence has increased in the 6th District, which includes Central City, the Garden District, Hoffman Triangle, Irish Channel, Touro, and Zion City, where there have been shootings and homicides.

With regard to Central City specifically, it was once a thriving immigrant stronghold, then fell into disrepair—except for the recent revival of Oretha Castle Haley (OCH) Boulevard, which is certainly worth visiting. But after dark, don’t stray past that boulevard into other parts of Central City, which are areas to avoid in New Orleans.

Neighborhoods that have a particularly bad reputation because they cause significant spikes in New Orleans’ crime rate include Desire and Florida—parts of these two areas have crime statistics worse than almost anywhere else in the United States—as well as Viavant-Venetian Isles, Fischer Dev, Tulane-Gravier, West Lake Forest, Dixon, Pines Village, the Lower 9th Ward, and Treme Lafitte.

St. Claude, for its part, has substantially more assaults, robberies, burglaries, and thefts than the national average, and so should be considered an area of New Orleans to either avoid or take precautions when visiting. Much the same is true for Tulane-Gravier, St. Roch, Marigny, and Pines Village.

Another place to be wary of in New Orleans is Mid-City, for several reasons: First, if the city floods again, Mid-City will be one of the hardest-hit areas. Touring Canal Street should be safe, especially via streetcar, but don’t go too far southwest of Canal, as it can be dangerous and is considered one of the places to avoid in New Orleans.

For safer places to stay, consider areas with the lowest crime rates in New Orleans: Uptown and the Garden District especially (before Magazine, away from the river), but also the French Quarter’s most popular blocks, from Bourbon Street to Decatur Street, and from Canal Street to Ann Street, where violent crime is highly unlikely. Still, beware of pickpockets and scammers who prey on distracted tourists here. Other relatively safe neighborhoods in New Orleans include Lakeshore-Lake Vista, Lakewood, Lakeview, Audubon, and Black Pearl.

One final note regarding places to avoid in New Orleans: The city’s cemeteries are fascinating, historic, and haunting. Many tour companies offer informative tours. Definitely take these tours—but do not attempt to visit the cemeteries yourself, especially after dark. Criminals are known to hide behind the tombs and monuments, awaiting the perfect moment to mug or rob looky-loos.

How to Get Around Safely in New Orleans

To steer clear of New Orleans crime, the usual travel safety advice applies: Stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of people, take someone you know along with you, walk alertly and with confidence, and do all you can not to look like a tourist—in New Orleans, this includes refraining from wearing Mardi Gras beads unless it’s actually Mardi Gras. Also, when you’re walking, beware of the city’s uneven sidewalks.

Taking public transit is somewhat safe in New Orleans—a global assessment of major cities’ public transportation systems ranks it fair to middling. New Orleans tends to have better traffic than some other major cities, though road fatalities have risen in recent years, so drive with caution.

Streetcars are plentiful and safe within the French Quarter—and between the French Quarter and the Garden District—at least until midnight. After that, stick with companions and taxis or ridesharing options. If you’re headed above Bourbon Street, toward Rampart, take a cab or travel in a group—whatever it takes to avoid walking alone after dark.

If you’ve driven here or rented a car with which to tour New Orleans, be aware that vehicle break-ins are a widespread crime within city limits. If you’re planning on storing belongings in your car, make sure they’re completely out of sight, preferably in the trunk, to save yourself from becoming a victim of this common New Orleans crime.

New Orleans Nightlife Safety Tips

A lot of the fun here happens after dark, which is why the city’s bars and clubs are always so crowded, but how safe is New Orleans’ nightlife? Staying safe in New Orleans at night means following a few general rules and using common sense: When you’re preparing to go out, stash only your ID, a single credit card, your phone, and, if necessary, a small, easy-to-manage purse. Never accept a drink you haven’t seen go directly from the bartender to you, and never drink any beverage that you’ve let out of your sight—date rape druggings have been known to occur in New Orleans.

The French Quarter and Bourbon Street

You can’t go to New Orleans, of course, without visiting the French Quarter and its world-famous main drag, Bourbon Street. The district, also called Vieux Carre, is the legendary birthplace of jazz and so much more. But is Bourbon Street safe? And is the French Quarter safe once you get beyond Bourbon Street?

The good news is that French Quarter crime is mostly limited to the types of pettiness typical of the world’s most popular tourist spots—you will have to stay alert to criminals like pickpockets, purse snatchers, and scammers, especially during times of elevated tourism, like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, and you may have to deal with the occasional aggressive panhandler. But overall, this isn’t a place where you have to fear for your overall physical safety, particularly during daylight hours, and especially if you stick to the safer Burgundy and Dauphine areas.

As you traverse the Quarter, be careful not to be distracted by pickpockets’ accomplices. If you’re traveling alone, consider taking a cab after the sun sets. Muggings aren’t unheard of here, so once Bourbon Street gets dark, keep your wits about you. This means that, to sidestep becoming a victim of New Orleans crime, you should limit alcohol consumption and avoid going around alone.

In the French Quarter, con artists are active. If someone attempts to aggressively clean your shoes or bet on something obvious, leave the scene as soon as possible—tourists are often targeted by the New Orleans shoe scam and various betting scams. On Bourbon Street, scammers try to sell faux metals as gold, or distract travelers with fake petitions or strange behavior so that someone else can pick your pocket. Credit card scams are also common in the French Quarter, so only withdraw money from established banks.

New Orleans Weather Risks

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the region, and, given how unpredictable New Orleans weather can be, there are no assurances that a similar event won’t happen again, especially in the face of escalating climate change. In addition, New Orleans suffers from a higher risk of tornadoes than the rest of the United States.

In case these types of natural disasters hit while you’re visiting New Orleans, head immediately to higher ground if there’s flooding, tune into local media so that you can follow official orders (including to evacuate or to shelter in place), stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors, lie on the floor under a sturdy object, and don’t bathe or use electrical appliances.

What to Pack

More from SmarterTravel:

• New Orleans Travel Guide
• 11 Best Hotels in New Orleans
• 11 Best Cheap Hotels in New Orleans
• 9 Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• 10 Must-See New Orleans Attractions
• 12 Places to Hear Incredible New Orleans Jazz
• 10 Things You Can Only Do in New Orleans
• 10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans
• Shopping in New Orleans: A Traveler’s Guide
• How to Do a Weekend in New Orleans
• 10 Best Restaurants in New Orleans
• 12 Best Spots for Cheap Eats in New Orleans
• Everything You Need to Know About New Orleans Food
• What to Pack for New Orleans
• What to Wear in New Orleans

—original reporting by Avital Andrews

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Is New Orleans Safe? Neighborhoods to Avoid and Other Warnings appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You’re at the gate. You’ve got your boarding pass. You’re heading somewhere exciting and you just can’t wait until you get there to share the news with your friends on social media. So you snap a picture of your boarding pass and post it to Facebook. Harmless, right?

Maybe not.

Because the information printed on your boarding pass actually reveals a lot more than you think.

Boarding Pass Don’ts

As explained by KrebsonSecurity, there are websites that can read the barcodes on your boarding pass and provide someone else access to your travel information—your phone number, frequent flyer number, and information not only about the flight in question but also all future flights booked through the same number.

With access to your boarding pass, someone could even change your seat on the plane, cancel any future flights, and reset your account PIN.

You may love your friends, but would you trust everyone you know on Facebook or Instagram with your private travel information? Didn’t think so.

The takeaway here: Don’t post pictures of your boarding pass on social media.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Reasons You Smell Bad When Traveling
• Your 11 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The One Thing You Should Never Do With Your Boarding Pass appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You’re winging your way across Europe, having the time of your life, when you make a simple mistake. You set your bag down as you slurp an extra-large gelato, and before you know it … your bag is gone. Unfortunately, today’s the day you tucked your passport, credit cards, and extra cash in your bag instead of in your money belt. That sinking feeling is the realization that—except for the euro or two in your pocket—you’ve lost everything.

Odds are this won’t ever happen to you. But if it does, these tips can make even this worst-case scenario a minor bump in your European adventure.

Don’t Panic

First of all, take a breath. Panic clouds your judgment. And don’t beat yourself up: Even the most careful traveler can get ripped off. I once met a family in Amsterdam who managed to lose all their bags between the airport and their first hotel, and went on to have a very successful trip.

Ask for Help

If you’re in a country where little English is spoken, enlist the help of a local English-speaker to assist you in making phone calls or explaining the situation to the police. Try your hotelier or someone at the tourist office. Fellow travelers you’ve met can also be sources of help.

File a Police Report

Find a police officer and report the theft or loss. Having a police report may help with replacing your passport and credit cards, and is a must if you file an insurance claim for a lost rail pass or expensive travel gear.

Use the Internet

Get online at your hotel (if they don’t have a public Internet terminal, explain the situation and ask if you can use their reception-desk computer). If you’re between hotels, look for free Internet access at the tourist office or a library. Use the Internet to find contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy and your bank, retrieve the information you have stored online, or solicit help from folks back home.

Replace your passport

This is your top priority. Without a passport, you can’t leave the country, and you’ll find it difficult to check in to a new hotel or receive wired funds. To replace your passport, you’ll need to go in person to the closest American embassy (usually in the capital city) or consulate (in major towns). A helpful list is at www.travel.state.gov, or check a local phone book.

A replacement passport costs $145 and can generally be issued within a few days, or faster if you make a good case that you need it right away. If you don’t have the funds, the embassy will help you contact someone at home who can wire money directly to the embassy.

Cancel debit and credit cards

Within two days, cancel your lost or stolen debit and credit cards (limiting your liability to $50) and order replacements. Their 800 numbers don’t work overseas; call the global customer-assistance centers collect. Store these numbers on your phone in case you find yourself in this situation. You’ll need to tell them the name of the bank that issued the card and the type of card; it helps if you can also provide your credit card number and identification-verification details. Your bank can generally deliver a new card to you in Europe within two to three business days. Also, notify your mobile phone carrier if your phone was stolen.

To avoid losing it all, be prepared

Wear a money belt. Keep a few $20 bills in a separate bag or hidden somewhere on your person. If you’re traveling with a partner, carry photocopies of each other’s passports and other important documents; store important documents in a password-protected account online; and/or leave copies with loved ones who can fax them to you if needed.

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Keep track of your stuff

You’re more likely to inadvertently lose your bag than to have it stolen. I’ve heard of travelers leaving passports under pillows, bags on the overhead rack on the bus, cameras in the taxi, and once even a backpack under a bush beside a hiking trail. You’re especially vulnerable when you’re tired, confused, or using public transportation. Don’t absentmindedly set a bag down next to you while you wait in line at the train station; always be in physical contact with your stuff.

Nowadays, you can purchase small GPS-tracking devices for your keys, bags, etc. If you have lost your phone, follow these steps; nowadays you have even a better chance of getting your stuff back with location services.

Shop Our Favorite GPS-Tracker

Whatever happens, try to make the best of the situation. Be flexible and patient. It may not help at the time, but try to remember that your loss will make for a good story when you get home. Like a friend of mine says, “When it comes to travel, Tragedy + Time = Comedy.”

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling
• How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
• 10 Things to Pack That Will Save You Money

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2011. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Bag, Wallet, Everything appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Belize is a Central American country that’s relatively tiny—fewer than 500,000 citizens—but has big tourism, with more than a million cruise visitors and nearly 500,000 overnight visitors each year. English is the official language of this former British colony.

What draws those throngs of tourists to Belize? It’s the gorgeous wildlife, clear waters, rich hues, and lively culture. Also, Belize has largely avoided the rampant development to which many of its neighbor countries have capitulated; Belize’s government is committed to protecting its nation’s spectacular natural wonders so that travelers continue to come—and continue to bring their dollars with them.

But is Belize safe? Opinions range about whether Belize is dangerous; Canada’s government urges travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to violent crime, while the U.K. government asserts that “most visits are trouble free.” As for the United States, its government recommends “increased caution” due to the Belize crime rate.

Indeed, Belize has the unfortunate distinction of having one of the world’s highest per capita murder rates. In particular, gangs operate near the Guatemalan border, which does happen to be near some tourist sites. However, the U.K. government notes that travelers are almost never affected by this gang activity, thanks to the Belize Defence Force’s regular patrolling of these dangerous areas.

Overall, the rate of major crimes is decreasing in Belize, especially wherever police presence has increased—Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, specifically, although the crime rate in Belize has increased along its western border and into the northern part of the country. There is “no recent history of terrorism in Belize,” and political protests tend to be nonviolent. However, the volume of confrontational crimes against tourists in Belize is rising, including armed robbery and theft, making Belize travel warnings more relevant than ever.

Tips for Staying Safe in Belize

• How dangerous is Belize? That depends on where you choose to go. Belize safety is highest in popular tourist destinations like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. On the other hand, areas along the Guatemalan border, as well as parts of southern Belize City, are the most dangerous.
• Key information will help keep you safe, including knowing which are the poisonous spiders in Belize (see below), taking the typical precautions to deter thieves, and steering clear of places where the Belize crime rate is highest.
• Do not engage Belize prostitutes. It’s illegal to do so, and many of Belize’s sex workers do not take the proper medical precautions, can transmit contagious diseases, and are likely to be victims of sex trafficking.

Safe and Dangerous Places: Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Beyond

In recent years, there have been some high-profile murders of U.S. citizens in Belize’s tourist areas, including in Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, and Corozal, although most of the incidents that have contributed to Belize’s increasing murder rate happened in and around Belize City.

Though caution is warranted in most of Belize’s tourist spots, it’s prudent to entirely avoid certain parts of the country, particularly parts of Belize City and areas near the Guatemalan border. As the U.S. Department of State advises, “Minimize travel to the south side of Belize City to official business only, and avoid personal trips due to gang activity. … Several tourist areas along the western border with Guatemala have active military patrols due to security concerns. Some excursions to view ruins on the western border with Guatemala require a military patrol.”

It’s worth noting, however, that the greatest decrease in the Belize crime occurred in the tourist-friendly areas of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye—though even when spending time in these regions, travelers should take steps to keep themselves and their belongings secure; Ambergis Caye safety is a contested issue and shouldn’t be taken as a given.

How to Get Around Safely in Belize

The Belize safety issues that you should be most aware of include pickpocketing, burglary, and hotel-room theft, all of which happen throughout Belize. You’re most likely to get victimized by petty thieves, however, whenever you’re in crowded tourist areas and on public transit; these types of miscreants are major contributors to the Belize crime rate.

Some tips for staying safe in Belize include keeping your hotel room door locked, including when you’re in there, and using your room’s safe whenever possible. Cooperate if you’re confronted by a thief. Stay away from deserted areas, don’t hitchhike, don’t buy or do drugs, don’t drink too much, and keep all valuables out of sight—or, better yet, leave them at home. (In particular, don’t leave anything valuable on the beach when you’re swimming.)

Don’t run a tab at bars, and try to keep your credit card within view, since “skimming” is a common scam that happens when bartenders or waiters steal credit card information during a legitimate transaction.

Note, too, that Belize’s roads, although they’re improving, are often in poor condition, and traffic fatalities remain a real danger in Belize, especially during the rainy season. Four cruise passengers died in separate vehicle accidents in late 2019.

Belize’s buses aren’t particularly safe either, as they’re often poorly maintained and drivers are notorious for unsafe passing.

Taxis—identifiable by their green license plates—are your safest option for getting around Belize, though you’ll want to insist that the driver does not pick up additional passengers during your ride, and negotiate the fare in advance, since there are no meters. Uber and Lyft do not currently operate in Belize.

As for natural disasters, it’s hurricanes and tropical storms that you should be wary of if you’re planning to travel to Belize. The region’s hurricane season spans from early June through late November, with September and October being the most heavily affected months. Although Belize does have a hurricane response plan, it’s considered insufficient should a Category 1 storm hit; resources would be quickly exhausted and roads are likely to flood, according to the U.S. State Department.

Another concern to keep in mind: poisonous spiders in Belize. Although wildlife is a key attraction here, some of Belize’s animals can be dangerous. (Editor’s note: There are a few disturbing images at this link.) Look out for spiders like black widows and brown recluses, amphibians like the poisonous dart frog, and snakes like the tommygoff, or fer-de-lance, which will often stand its ground rather than slithering away. Be careful where you step and use a flashlight when walking at night.

Prostitution in Belize and San Pedro

Belize is a transit country along known drug and human trafficking smuggling routes, and this increases the number of Belize prostitutes, many of them—especially foreign-born children and women—victims of the sex slave trade. In particular, San Pedro Town, in southern Ambergris Caye, is a Belizean stopoff point for drugs and trafficking.

Criminal organizations operating out of nearby Guatemala and El Salvador are responsible for much of Belize’s gang activity related to human trafficking, and the U.S. State Department has categorized Belize as a Tier 3 nation, meaning that the nation “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so.”

Any engagement with Belize prostitutes is highly inadvisable. Though prostitution is technically legal in Belize, contracting a sex worker’s services is not. And though enforcement remains weak (many officials look the other way), sex tourists still risk getting HIV, since testing here is strictly voluntary. They could also face severe legal consequences should officials decide to prosecute, and they contribute to a violent, corrupt system that condones human slavery. It’s not worth it.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Where to Stay in Belize: Lodging Tips You Need to Know
• The Best Places in San Ignacio, Belize
• How to Explore a Black Hole in Belize

—original reporting by Avital Andrews

The post Is Belize Safe? What Travelers Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.