How to avoid the sunshine scams: From rip-off taxis, exchange rate cons and that LOVELY waiter who's not to be trusted, what to do when you land on holiday
You may feel it's time to relax when you have booked your holiday, having managed to avoid the ever-increasing glut of fake online deals, bogus tour operators and flight payment scams.
But once you have arrived, you still need to be on your guard against a variety of old-fashioned confidence tricks designed to part you and your hard-earned cash.
Having visited 157 countries over the past 20 years, I've been faced with just about every travel hustle under the sun – and even fallen foul of them once or twice.
Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for.
Rip-off airport taxis
Incredibly, many major airports, such as Istanbul and Auckland, do not have non-stop rail links into the city centre.
Taxi drivers know you are tired and just want to get to your accommodation, and that there's a good chance you may not yet have figured out the exchange rate. The result? Crazy fares.
The solution: First, know the exchange rate – check on xe.com.
Next, book your taxi in advance. This can easily be done now thanks to a new wave of companies – such as Welcome Pickups (welcomepickups.com) or Taxi2airport (taxi2airport.com) – two of the most reputable firms with reasonable rates. Drivers meet you in the arrivals hall.
Restaurant extras
That lovely waiter who waved you in from the street did not tell you about the cabaret show happening later in a far corner – and there's a charge for that. He also didn't inform you that the 'catch of the day' will leave you with an eye-watering bill.
The solution: Regarding live music, look out for a stage, however tiny, or whether street musicians are nearby as there's a chance they will pop in, with a commission to the diner. If in doubt, pick the smallest restaurant off the main drag.
With seafood restaurants, simply never order the 'catch of the day' until the waiter has told you the price and shown you a menu.
Useless tour guides
You have paid for an 'experience' that doesn't deliver what was promised – and maybe even had to pay for admission to attractions you thought were included. Or your tour has been little more than a succession of dreadful souvenir shops.
The solution: Do your research by checking Trustpilot and Tripadvisor ratings – and make sure you scroll down a few pages as the first ones may be placed by the owner.
If it's too late and you're already on a useless tour, never leave early as a refund will be very unlikely. Grit your teeth and complain immediately afterwards.
Beware camera thieves
This one is hardly sophisticated: a friendly local volunteers to take a photo for you or your group. Your new acquaintance, however, then runs off with your phone/camera.
The solution: If anyone offers to take your photo, politely decline. If you do want a picture, however, use your instincts as to who to ask. It's best to wait until a parent with a child, and who doesn't seem too busy, comes along.
Dodgy hire car firms
You are charged for causing damage to the vehicle but it was already there when you hired the car. It's your word against theirs.
The solution: Never fail to go around the hire car taking pictures of the interior and exterior before driving it away. This is your proof that, for example, the drinks stain on the rear seat was there before you set foot inside.
Exchange rate cons
Everyone knows hotel reception desks offer dismal exchange rates. But surely a (seemingly) reputable airport exchange-rate service can't be that bad? Do the maths after you've changed your holiday money and you may well be in for a rather nasty surprise.
The solution: Using an ATM once to draw out holiday cash is very unlikely to cost you more than four or five pounds – though those in airport arrivals halls almost always have a higher charge. Better still, exchange your money before you go. Decent rates are usually to be had at the Post Office.
Safety on the streets
Pickpockets or muggers use distraction techniques in busy tourist areas. Beware if you are asked for spare change, the time or directions to a place. Look out for criminals working in small groups – two distract you while another opens your rucksack.
The solution: Don't wear a rucksack on your front instead of your back, it makes you look more vulnerable and gives off the idea that you're carrying stuff that's really worth stealing. Also, if you do find yourself in some iffy places, always have a decoy wallet with just enough cash to satisfy a mugger. Hand this over rather than your actual wallet, which should be in an inside pocket. If it's T-shirt weather, don't feel silly putting cash inside your socks.
'Can you sponsor me?'
Someone approaches you with a pen and paper to sign a sponsorship form and hand over cash for a school, hospital or similar.
The solution: Most such approaches are a scam. If a refusal results in persistence, ask where the school/hospital/whatever is so you can give money in person. This will usually put them off.