Travel
Warning: Don’t Get Scammed on Vacation
Scammers, criminals and lowlifes await you on vacation; so if you want to stay safe, avoid these popular scams. Don’t be a victim to immoral people all over the world who are waiting to swindle you out of your hard earned money. Tourist are conned and stolen from every day in every possible way imaginable. […]

Scammers, criminals and lowlifes await you on vacation; so if you want to stay safe, avoid these popular scams. Don’t be a victim to immoral people all over the world who are waiting to swindle you out of your hard earned money. Tourist are conned and stolen from every day in every possible way imaginable. I’ve had some of these happen to me so everyone is susceptible.
Common scams:
Pick Pocket
This is number one for a reason, it happens all the time. Why do people not take care of their valuables? First rule of traveling: NEVER keep your wallet in your back pocket!
Simple rule but so many people fail to follow it. I carry a traveler’s wallet, it slings over my shoulder and I keep it under my shirt. The pickpocket would have to literally take my shirt off and only my wife and doctor have that privilege.
Women keep your purse under your jacket or double wrapped around your wrist. Ladies, your purses are a huge target and pickpockets can plan their attack from any angle.
Pickpockets run all sorts of scams to get your attention away from the fact that they are taking your wallet. Here are the most common pickpocket scams.
The Bump
This is a great diversion, since you are physically being bumped; all your attention is being diverted to the initial strike. While you are being bumped, your wallet is skillfully being taken out of your pocket or purse. When in large crowds or small areas pay extra attention to your loot.
Misdirection
This is usually a two-person scam. The first criminal is somehow stealing your attention while the accomplice cleverly snags your goodies. The misdirection can be anything from asking for directions or trying to sell you something. As long as they break your concentration and you are sidetracked, they’ve already won. Again, an easy way to avoid this widespread trick is to keep your wallet or purse safe.
The Spill
Pickpockets will clumsily spill something on your clothing and while they haphazardly try to clean it up, they are expertly pilfering your stuff. So, if some stranger spills coffee on you, DON’T let them help you clean it up. They will not only get coffee on your fantastic pea coat, but they will be spending your cash in no time flat.
Taxi Scams
The Overcharge
This is the most common one and happens everywhere, even in your hometown. Taxi drivers can spot a mark from a mile away and will exploit your naivety for their benefit. I’ve had this happen to me a few times and its more common than you think. The cab driver will either take you on an extremely long route or flat out overcharge you. They think you have no idea where you are going and they are probably right. The key is to ask someone knowledgeable that you also trust how to get somewhere and how much it should cost. The airport has many officials that should help you and your hotel concierge will provide you with all the help you need.
Wrong Change
This scam isn’t just relegated to cabbies, any shop or restaurant employee will try this scam on you. Image for a second that you are in a foreign land and you are unfamiliar with the currency or exchange rate. You simply try and pay for something and the clerk gives you change, how e=on earth are you supposed to know what’s right? This is a tough nut to crack, but a little pre-planning and homework should fix this. It helps to actually know what the currency is and how much the exchange rate is. It isn’t hard work to find these things out. Here is a handy currency converter you can use for free.
An additional nugget of knowledge: Never get in an unmarked cab, these illegal taxis will scam you, guaranteed.
Other Popular Scams
Free Jewelry
Never trust anything that seems like too good of a deal. If a person tries to give you free jewelry, food or really anything, it’s probably a scam. They will give you the free thing then immediately demand money for it. When you at first don’t pay, they will make a huge scene and hope that this makes you pay. The key to staying safe is simple, never take anything from anyone.
Overly Aggressive Woman
This is an age-old scam, send an attractive woman to hit on a guy, she gets him to buy her drinks and then something happens. This is where the narrative changes; the woman drugs you, a man comes up pretending to be her boyfriend or she pickpockets you. Any of these are no good and can easily be avoided by being smart. Nobody wants to wake up with his or her kidneys gone or their passport missing.
Scammers are out there everyday trying to get over on someone, flip the script and be one step ahead.
Destinations
Best U.S. Casinos Not in Las Vegas
There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

When you think of casinos in the United States, you automatically think Las Vegas, well, that’s your first mistake. Sure Las Vegas is great but it’s not the end-all be-all for casinos in the US. There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi
If you are in the south, why waste money on airfare and save that to waste at the tables instead. Don’t visit Vegas for your gambling needs, just head to Biloxi and have the same experience, without hopping on a plane. The Hard Rock in Biloxi is a rock n roll themed casino, just like any other Hard Rock, but this one is massive. Covering over 50,000 sq ft and with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Nevada
Tahoe is such a special place that you should visit with or without going to the casino. How many casinos have a private beach? Not many, but the Hyatt Regency in Tahoe certainly does. Not only can you gamble away your life savings here, but you can also enjoy water sports and fishing, take that Vegas.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls
How many casinos are located next to incredible water falls? One that I know of, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Take in the falls by day and play in a huge casino with over 100 gaming tables by night. You get a Vegas style experience with none of the desert heat.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
Surprisingly Atlantic City is still hanging on. Many resorts here have closed down but the Borgata stands strong. The elite Atlantic City resort, the Borgata has all you could ever want from a Vegas style resort without leaving the East Coast.
An easy drive form many huge metropolitan cities, The Borgata should be a top choice.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno
Reno is the little sister to Las Vegas with it’s own feel and identity. Much cheaper than an average Las Vegas vacation, Reno offers a slower pace and chiller vibe. If the all night parties aren’t for you, maybe check out the Peppermill. The Tuscany styled resort will make you relax while losing all your money.
Talking Stick Resort, Arizona
Talking Stick is a killer Indian Casino with tons of fun activities to keep you entertained while not spending money at the tables. Table in a round of golf or hit up the award-winning spa.
Foxwoods resort and Casino, Connecticut
New Yorkers already know just how awesome Foxwoods truly is. Foxwoods actually offers six different casinos in its little empire in Connecticut. There are two golf courses, two arcades for the kids and tons of live entertainment options. A short drive from New York City makes Foxwoods an easy winner as the best US casino, not in Las Vegas.
Destinations
Hawaii Vacations Easier Now for Visitors

Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.
On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”
To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.
Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.
A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.
However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.
Guides
Best Summer Destinations Without the Crowds
Summer vacation is around the corner and it’s time to start planning your trips. Are you tired of the same old overcrowded destinations? So are we, so let’s explore some great summer vacations that are less busy and allow you to fully relax.

Summer vacation is around the corner and it’s time to start planning your trips. Are you tired of the same old overcrowded destinations? So are we, so let’s explore some great summer vacations that are less busy and allow you to fully relax. You won’t find traffic jams, long lines and tourist traps at any of these destinations. Instead you can relax, enjoy some peace and quiet while having the time of your lives.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Panama is situated right between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans so you have twice the amount of coastal choices as most vacation spots. If you are looking for a real chill vibe with some beautiful scenery, look no further than the tiny island of Boca del Toro. Located in the Caribbean Sea with none of the crazy crowds found in nearby Jamaica or Dominican Republic. Check out the awesome National Marine Park and swim with more varieties of fish than you knew existed. This island is very cheap as well and backpacker friendly. If you are looking for a budget Caribbean vacation, you found it buddies.
Antigua
Another Caribbean gem is Antigua, an Eastern Caribbean dream destination. If you fancy yourself a water sport enthusiast, Antigua is your spot. Snorkel or scuba dive in one of the most awe inspiring locations, Stingray Bay, where thousands of beautiful rays live. It’s so bizarre that this place hasn’t blown up with tourist yet. Check out the old school Caribbean buildings in English Harbor.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Yam on, right near the beach in St. Croix. Check out incredible beaches, casinos and some of the best food you can find with none of the crazy crowds of nearby Puerto Rico. Summer is their off-season so enjoy paradise on a budget as you can find amazing deals and better hotels than you’ll find on nearby islands.
Akajima, Japan
Visit Asia and actually feel like you are in Asia. Many Japanese destination have been Westernized so you lose some of the ethnic flare. Akajima is different, located in the Kerama Island chain on the West side of Japan; most of its tourists are Japanese. There are great beaches and tons of outdoor activities for the entire family.
St. Vincent & Grenadines
This tiny island group is located just south of St. Lucia and has been a well-kept secret for years. This year they opened up a new International Airport so getting here is much easier. St. Vincent is the busiest of the islands, so check out the smaller ones for more privacy and better deals. Remember, they just opened the airport so they will be offering crazy deals to let people know.
Bonaire
If you know the Caribbean, you know the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire is the Rodney Dangerfield of these islands it gets no respect. That is a shame because of these three; Bonaire is by far my favorite. It’s a great summer destination for two reasons: it’s the offseason and it’s in the southern tip of the hurricane zone, so it’s rarely affected.
If you seek fun in the sun with none of the annoying crowds, these destinations should be on top of your list.
-
Destinations4 months ago
All-Inclusive Resorts Outside The Caribbean!
-
Destinations4 months ago
Touring Nashville!
-
Destinations4 months ago
Safe Travel Spots For Travel Currently
-
Destinations4 months ago
Stay With The Animals At These Awesome Hotels
-
Destinations4 months ago
The Best Cruises For Every Family Type
-
Destinations4 months ago
The Cheapest Travel Destinations in the World in 2020
-
Destinations2 months ago
Cheapest Caribbean Destination: Punta Cana VS Cancun
-
Featured4 months ago
How To Make A Healthy Gas Station Meal