Safeguard your summer travels

Travel scams happen all year, but especially now as most Americans are planning their summer vacations. Many laws and regulations have recently changed about travel inside and outside of the U.S. Additionally, scammers are getting more sophisticated with using technology to steal your money or personal information in airports, hotels, and other public spaces. Don’t ruin your dream vacation by not planning. Check out these ways to safeguard your summer travels. 

Secure your bookings 

• Real ID – Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must have a Real ID to board domestic flights. The Real ID is an enhanced driver’s license or state ID card. Travelers may also use passports, passport cards, or certain other federal documents as an alternative to a Real ID.  

• Electronic travel authorization – Starting in 2025, many countries that allowed open travel for U.S. citizens now require electronic travel authorizations. Before you book, make sure to review a country’s official government website or immigration authorities for the most up-to-date regulations. And allow sufficient time for the approval process before your departure date:  

• • Canada eTA 

• • European Union ETIAS 

• • United Kingdom ETA 

• • United States ESTA 

• Third party reservations – Online travel agents (OTAs), like Expedia or Priceline, are third-party companies that reserve services from other providers, such as flights, hotel reservations, rental cars, etc. Many OTAs offer legitimate deals. Others offer fake deals from copycat websites, charge hidden fees, refuse cancellations or refunds, or do not guarantee your reservations. Whenever possible, make reservations directly with providers. If you must use an OTA, check for a secure connection (HTTPS), research the site’s reputation, verify contact information, and look for trust seals. Or use a reputable travel agent. 

• Travel insurance – Avoid spam travel insurance offers when booking or making reservations. If you’re pressured into checking a box to buy a low-cost insurance plan to protect your trip, it may be a scam. Read the terms carefully and don’t assume your paid trip protection benefits cover common travel issues.  

Protect your money 

• Credit Cards – For international travel, choose a card that supports international travel and doesn’t charge high exchange rates or conversion fees. Use a credit card over an ATM/debit card for added security. 

• Cash – Always carry a small amount (under $200) of U.S. dollars in cash. If you need more, get cash from a credit card or ATM card with a credit option. Banks often offer better rates than exchange houses. Both charge fees, so make sure to shop around and know the rate before converting. 

• Banks – Before you leave, let your financial institution know when and where you are going, so they don’t block your cards when you attempt to use them while you’re away. 

Be smart with technology 

• Public Wi-Fi services – Never use free Wi-Fi at airports or other public areas. You could open yourself up to hacking and email/text attacks. Before leaving home for the airport, log out of your accounts (e-books, e-wallets, bank apps, credit/debit card apps) to avoid instant connection to public Wi-Fi providers. Make sure your account passwords are not saved on your phone. Avoid using hotel Wi-Fi service. If you have to, do not check sensitive information or make any large financial purchases while connected. 

• Public charging stations – “Juice Jacking” occurs when a criminal tampers with a USB charging port, or the cable attached to it, so that it installs malware on a device that is plugged into it. This malware may lock the device or send data, passwords, or even a full backup of the phone directly to the scammer. Plug directly into an AC power outlet instead of a charging station and use your own cables. Safer yet, bring along your own external battery. 

• Cell phones – Plan ahead by contacting your carrier to upgrade your phone to an international plan for the countries you are traveling to. Check your plan to make sure you aren’t charged additional fees for purchasing more data if you run out. Some phone carriers have limited data plans in certain countries, so use your data carefully to avoid expensive roaming charges or data purchases. 

• Laptops and devices – Outdated operating systems and software applications can serve as gateways for cybercriminals. Make sure your laptop and all your devices are updated to the latest available versions before traveling.