The one habit that keeps travelers from getting scammed abroad
General
Travel at ease
The one habit that keeps travelers from getting scammed abroad
Traveling is one of life's great joys: the smell of fresh pastries in a Paris café, the golden light over the Grand Canyon, the thrill of standing somewhere brand new. But a little nagging voice in the back of your head always says something like, "Will I miss my flight?" "Will my suitcase show up?" A few simple habits, such as arriving early, tracking your flight, or keeping your essentials in a carry-on, can quickly alleviate those worries. Here's how to handle the 10 most common travel anxieties, so you can get back to enjoying the ride.
Lost luggage
Imagine landing in Orlando for a family reunion, only to have your suitcase decide to vacation in Denver instead. Attach a tracking tag, like an AirTag, to your bag so you always know where it is.
Also, pack a day or two of essentials, like medications, a change of clothes, and chargers, in your carry-on. That way, if your suitcase takes a detour, you won't be stuck in the same outfit for three days straight.
Getting scammed
Walking through a busy market in Bangkok, a stranger offers you a "special deal" that sounds too good to be true. It probably is. Spend a little time before your trip researching common scams in your destination.
Knowing the tricks ahead of time, like fake tickets, overpriced taxis, and distraction theft, means you won’t be an easy target, will recognize them instantly, and walk right past.
Missing a flight
Picture this: you're at the Rome airport, sipping an espresso, when you glance up and realize boarding started 10 minutes ago. Nightmare fuel, right? Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, and check your flight status on your phone the morning of departure.
Airlines change gates and times more often than you'd think, especially on connecting flights. A quick glance at a tracking app means no surprises and no sprinting through terminals.
Language barriers
You're in a small village outside Florence, and the waiter is speaking rapid Italian while you nod politely, understanding nothing. Download a translation app before you leave home, and you’ll have a translator in your pocket.
These apps let you type, speak, or even point your camera at a menu for instant translation. It'll help you with things like ordering dinner or asking for directions.
Running out of money abroad
You're in Paris, ready to buy that gorgeous scarf, and your card gets declined. Turns out your bank flagged the charge as suspicious. Avoid this headache by notifying your bank of your travel dates beforehand.
Also, carry a backup card stored separately from your main wallet. If one gets lost, stolen, or mysteriously frozen, you'll still have access to funds.
Getting lost in an unfamiliar city
You're wandering the winding streets of Venice, phone battery at 2%, with zero idea how to get back to your hotel. Before this happens to you, download offline maps for your destination while you still have Wi-Fi.
Offline maps work without an internet connection, so you can navigate confidently even in spotty-signal areas. This way, you’ll find your way back and even enjoy the walk.
Health emergencies
You twist your ankle exploring the ruins in Athens, and suddenly you're wondering how foreign healthcare even works. Before departure, buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies: what you are actually buying is peace of mind.
Also, look up nearby clinics or hospitals at your destination ahead of time. Knowing where to go turns a scary situation into a manageable bump in the road.
Food safety
You're excited to try street food in Mexico City, but you're also nervous about an upset stomach ruining your trip. Do a little research beforehand and find reputable restaurants with good reviews.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, especially in areas where tap water isn't recommended. This way, you can enjoy the incredible local flavors without spending your vacation anywhere near a bathroom.
Safety in unfamiliar areas
It's evening in New Orleans, and you're not sure if the quiet street you're on is charming or sketchy. Before your trip, research well-reviewed neighborhoods so you know which areas are considered safe.
At night especially, stick to busier, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas. A little planning means you can enjoy an evening stroll without that uneasy, looking-over-your-shoulder feeling.
Flight delays and cancellations
You're flying to Cancun with just 40 minutes to catch your connection in Chicago. Your first flight leaves late, and by the time you land, your connecting flight is already boarding at a gate clear across the airport. You run, but it’s too late: you watch it pull away without you.
Booking a later connection, or leaving a few extra hours between flights, means a delay won't snowball into a missed vacation day.
The U.S. city where you can visit a world-class art museum for free
The best U.S. cities for travelers on a budget
Here’s the trick to visiting the best U.S. cities on a budget
Who says you need to drain your savings account to have a great domestic vacation? These ten U.S. cities prove that you can eat well, see incredible things, and come home with money still in your wallet. Pack light, spend smart, and enjoy the ride.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of those rare cities where the fun is basically still free. The French Quarter is an open-air party, the architecture is jaw-dropping, and just wandering the streets provides a full day of entertainment. Live music spills out of every bar and onto the sidewalk.
Even on a tight budget, you can eat like royalty. A po'boy from a neighborhood spot or a bowl of red beans and rice will set you back just a few dollars and taste like a million.
San Antonio, Texas
The famous River Walk, winding along the San Antonio River, is free to stroll, the weather is warm most of the year, and the food scene, especially the Tex-Mex, is both outstanding and affordable.
The Alamo is right in the heart of downtown and completely free to visit — and it’s deeply moving and fascinating, no matter how much you remember from history class.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah might be the most beautiful city in the American South, and the good news is that most of its charm is completely free. The historic district is made for walking, with moss-draped oak trees, gorgeous squares, and stunning antebellum architecture around every corner.
Food and drink are reasonably priced compared to bigger cities. Savannah allows open container drinks on the streets, so you can grab a cocktail to-go and keep on exploring.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a music lover's paradise. Beale Street is lined with live blues clubs where you can pop in, listen for a while, and move on, typically for a cover charge of $5 to $10 per person. The vibe is loose, friendly, and wonderfully unpretentious.
The National Civil Rights Museum, built at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, is arguably one of the most powerful museum experiences in America. It’s not free, but with standard adult admission currently at $20 (rising to $25 on May 18, 2026), the modest fee is absolutely worth every penny. And of course, a plate of Memphis BBQ ribs is practically a religious experience.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Despite its industrial reputation, Pittsburgh is surprisingly beautiful, with rivers, bridges, and hills giving it a character all its own. The neighborhoods are walkable, the people are friendly, and there's a real sense of civic pride you can feel the moment you arrive.
The Carnegie Museums offer world-class art and natural history exhibits with weekday admission discounted to $12 after 3 p.m., and the famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches—a hearty stack of grilled meat, melted provolone, coleslaw, tomatoes, and french fries piled between thick Italian bread—are a Pittsburgh institution that won’t break the bank.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has a similar historic East Coast feel to Washington, D.C., but it’s cheaper for travelers. The Inner Harbor is a lively, walkable area with plenty of free entertainment, and the seafood — especially the famous Maryland crab — is outstanding.
The American Visionary Art Museum is one of the most unusual and delightful museums you'll ever visit, and Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner, charges a very modest $15 entry fee per adult.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is one of America's great overlooked cities, and budget travelers are just starting to catch on. The barbecue alone is worth the trip: Kansas City BBQ is legendary, and you can get a massive, delicious plate at a no-frills joint for very little money. The jazz history here is equally rich and deeply underappreciated.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free and genuinely world-class. The Country Club Plaza is a beautiful outdoor shopping and dining district that's lovely to walk around even if you don't spend a cent.
Tucson, Arizona
The Sonoran Desert surrounding the desert city is truly breathtaking. Also, Saguaro National Park, right on the city's doorstep, offers spectacular hiking and scenery for a modest entrance fee ranging from $15 to $25.
The University of Arizona gives the city a lively, youthful energy, and the food scene — particularly the Mexican food, which is some of the best in the country — is both excellent and easy on the wallet. Hotels and short-term rentals here are noticeably cheaper than in other Arizona destinations.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque doesn't get nearly enough love as a travel destination, which is partly why it's so affordable. The scenery is stunning: dramatic desert landscapes and the gorgeous Sandia Mountains turning pink at sunset. The city has a laid-back, authentic feel that’s increasingly hard to find.
Old Town Albuquerque is a lovely, walkable area full of history, art galleries, and great New Mexican food at reasonable prices. If you happen to visit in early October, the International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with hundreds of hot air balloons.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is at that sweet spot where it's exciting and revitalized, but still very affordable. The food scene has exploded with great restaurants at reasonable prices, and the city’s passion for music is alive and well.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the finest art museums in the country; while admission is free for residents of the surrounding counties, it is a very reasonable $20 for all other visitors. The city's industrial history and resilience give it a gritty, authentic energy that you just can't manufacture.
Keep wandering
There’s always
more to explore
History
Look how 100 years have modified these popular destinations
5 min.
Read Now
Culture
Harmless-looking moves that can land tourists in trouble
5 min.
Read Now
The 10 most American dishes that reveal the nation’s roots
5 min.
Read Now
Landmarks
What happened to the third-largest city in Nevada? 10 US ghost towns
5 min.
Read Now