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How to Avoid Travel Scams in 2026
- Anne Marie aka Baldgirlwilltravel
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Smart Booking Tips to Protect Your Money, Your Time, and Your Peace
Travel should feel exciting — not stressful, confusing, or risky. But the truth is, travel scams are increasing, and they don’t just happen once you arrive at your destination. Many of them start before you even leave home, during the booking and planning stage.
Beautiful photos, social media hype, and polished websites don’t automatically mean a good experience. What does help is knowing how to protect yourself, asking the right questions, and booking with intention.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about traveling like a grown woman who values her money, her safety, and her peace.
Here’s how I avoid travel scams — and how you can too.
Start With Platforms That Have Accountability
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of being scammed is to book through reputable platforms that have accountability built in.
For tours and excursions, I strongly recommend platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide.
These platforms:
Do some level of pre-vetting of vendors
Offer customer support if something goes wrong
Often allow you to reserve now and pay later
Make it easier to challenge a charge if necessary
I also never recommend paying immediately unless you have to — and I always use a credit card, never a debit card or wire transfer. Credit cards give you options. Cash and direct transfers do not.
Always Read Reviews and/or Testimonials — No Exceptions
Whether you’re booking a tour, a short-term rental, or a group trip, reviews and testimonials matter. Period.
If there are no reviews and no testimonials, that is not neutral — that is a red flag.
Any legitimate travel platform, host, or travel advisor should have something you can read that reflects real client experiences.
When I curate BaldGirlWillTravel group trips, one of the things I’m intentional about is collecting testimonials from the women who travel with me. Not just for marketing — but because feedback helps me make sure I’m communicating clearly, setting realistic expectations, and actually delivering the experience I promised.
Before you book anything, you should:
Read reviews or testimonials carefully
Look for consistency around communication, organization, and follow-through
Pay attention to how issues were handled, not just whether everything went perfectly
If someone is asking you to trust them with your money but can’t show you proof of past client experiences, pause.
Rule of thumb:👉 No reviews or testimonials? No booking.
The Same Rules Apply to Vacation & Short-Term Rentals
This exact same logic applies to vacation and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
Yes, the photos might look amazing.Yes, the price might be tempting.But pretty pictures do not guarantee a good stay.
Before I book any rental, I:
Read all the reviews
Focus on recent feedback
Pay close attention to comments about cleanliness, safety, and host communication
My personal rule is simple:👉 If I see negative reviews — especially about cleanliness, misleading listings, safety concerns, or an unresponsive host — I don’t book.
There are too many options available to gamble your comfort or safety.
Photos are marketing. Reviews are reality.
Ask Questions — and Expect Answers
You should never feel rushed to “just put your money down.”
Before booking, ask questions about:
Visas and entry requirements
Immunizations or health recommendations
What’s included vs. what’s optional
Payment schedules and cancellation policies
How communication works before the trip
And here’s the key: you should get real answers.
Once you book, there should be ongoing communication leading up to the trip — confirmations, reminders, updates, and guidance. If you experience nothing but silence after paying, that’s not normal.
Silence after payment is one of the biggest warning signs in travel. When you ask a question you should get an answer within 24 hours always.
Don’t Set It and Forget It
A lot of people run into problems because they assume:
“I paid, so everything must be handled.”
No.
You are allowed to:
Ask follow-up questions
Request clarification
Expect communication
Walk away if something feels off
If someone pressures you, avoids answering questions, or tells you to “just trust them,” listen to that instinct.
Being cautious doesn’t make you difficult.It makes you smart.
Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself First
Avoiding travel scams isn’t about memorizing every possible scheme or walking around anxious and suspicious. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and trusting yourself.
If something sounds wrong, it probably is.If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If someone pressures you to act quickly, skip questions, or ignore your instincts — that’s your cue to pause.
Your intuition is one of your strongest travel tools, especially when combined with common sense.
Too many people get scammed because they:
Ignore small red flags
Assume silence after payment is normal
Feel embarrassed asking questions
Talk themselves out of discomfort instead of listening to it
You don’t owe anyone blind trust — especially when your money, safety, and time are involved.
Traveling smart means:
Reading reviews and testimonials
Asking questions and expecting answers
Choosing platforms and advisors with accountability
Using credit cards so you have recourse
Walking away when something doesn’t feel right
Confidence doesn’t come from pretending nothing can go wrong.It comes from knowing you can handle things if they do.
And remember: scammers rely on urgency, excitement, and distraction. Staying grounded, asking questions, and trusting your gut disrupts that every time.
Want to Travel Even More Confidently?
If you want a deeper dive into staying safe — especially as a solo traveler — I’ve put everything I’ve learned over years of traveling into my guide:
This guide covers:
Practical safety strategies before and during your trip
How to reduce risk without limiting your freedom
Situational awareness tips that actually make sense in real life
How to move confidently — not fearfully — while traveling
It’s designed for women who want to explore the world prepared, informed, and unbothered.
Because travel should expand your life — not stress you out.
Whether you want to join one of my BaldGirlWillTravel group adventures or create a custom solo itinerary just for you, I can help you plan the trip you’ve been dreaming about — stress-free, stylish, and unforgettable.
I now offer custom travel planning for women who are ready to explore the world on their own terms—with safety, style, and confidence.
👯♀️ Prefer group travel with like-minded women?
Join one of my 2026 or 2027 Girls Trips curated just for Black women 40+.—and yes, payment plans are available!
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Because travel is the best self care there is!!
Thank You For Reading!
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