Top 5 Travel Scams to Avoid

We're all searching for the best travel bargains we can find. That's a worldwide truth. No one wants to hear that someone else paid half what they did for the same cruise by going to a specific website, or that they could have gotten free hotel upgrades by booking at a certain time.

But in our quest for savings, we sometimes get taken in by unscrupulous people looking to take advantage of our lack of knowledge by at best charging us more than we actually need to pay, or at worst just outright stealing from us.

So here's our list of the top 5 travel scams to avoid:

Timeshare 'deals' - It's happened to most of us on holiday: you're walking along the promenade, and someone offers you a lucky draw prize. If you're truly lucky you'll come out with a 10% off ice cream coupon, but most likely you'll 'win' a free vacation. Unfortunately, nothing here is free and you'll end up wasting at least several hours in an office being pitched pricey and fine-print-ridden timeshare contracts. They'll also call and tell you that you just won a free trip.

How to avoid it: Remember that if you didn't enter, it's probably not really free, and an hour presentation could end up costing you a lot more than time. Just say no!

Retail tour stops - This has become a big concern on Hong Kong city tours. Tour operators strike deals with stores for commission on sales when they bring foreign tour groups in. Usually the goods are more expensive and of lower quality than can be had elsewhere, but you'll be left in the shop for sometimes hours on end.

How to avoid it: Check your tour in advance and be sure how much time will be spent shopping before you sign up.

Inflated drink prices - This tends to happen in slick bars operated in developing countries. Some bars in Thailand are known for handing foreign customers enormous bills after a night of drinking, and threatening them with violence if they don't pay. Similar scams involve making local 'friends' who take you to bars that will charge inflated prices and give them a commission on your business.

How to avoid it: Always know what the drinks cost before ordering them, and never go clubbing alone in a foreign country.

Crooked cops - The set-up could be anything from a person throwing themselves at your car and then writhing in 'agony' as a crowd demands compensation, a drug dealer trying to sell to you as the cops appear as if by magic, a dodgy-looking road block demanding to see your papers... the end result is always the same: angry men calling themselves policemen demanding your papers or wallet. You'll never see them again.

How to avoid it: Always insist on seeing official police identification, and never hand anything over unless you are taken to a police station.

Nigerian love scams - These are a bit different than usual travel scams. You meet the person of your dreams online while they happen to be working overseas. Things are perfect and they're coming home to start your fabulous life together - but oh no! They've been in an accident and need cash to pay the hospital up front, or they need to hold a certain amount of cash before they can board the plane, or they need cash... The truth is, as obvious as they may seem, innocent and well-meaning people get taken in by these scams every day. Read some of their stories here.

How to avoid it: Never send money to a person you don't know, and remember that no one needs to have a certain amount of cash to board a plane.

Travel Movie: The Karate Kid

Granted, there are aspects of this 2010 remake that people can complain about: there's no actual karate in the film, the moves performed by the children are unrealistic, or that the whole thing is a vanity project for Will Smith's kid.

But there are some beautiful scenes in the movie that highlight the gorgeous scenery around Beijing, and interesting tidbits about Chinese culture. For me though, the real value of the film is in highlighting the disconnected existence of western expats* living in China, especially expat kids. In cliched ways, it is a great lesson for children in overcoming a fear of the unfamiliar and pushing yourself to do things you thought you couldn't.

Verdict: Rent it

* For other interesting info about expats in China, visit Expat Arrivals' China Guide.

Where Can You Afford to Travel?

Sometimes it can be confusing figuring out where you can afford to go, given your travel budget. Maybe your dream destination is within your grasp, or maybe not. There may be a fantastic alternative destination you hadn't considered. You wanted to go to Thailand, but have you considered the Philippines?

Wanderfly lets you search for travel destinations based on your location and budget, as well as desired activities and interests. The site is still in beta, so the hotel booking function and a few other gadgets are a bit spotty, but it's a great way to find inspiration!

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #11

Happy Monday, and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Here's what's been happening on the Word Travels Forum this week:

What's happening in Egypt [updated]

Airport taxis in Bulgaria

How expensive is Senegal

14-day India itinerary

Don't forget that you can find answers to any travel-related question in our forum! If it's not there, then ask and we'll find it for you!

Win a Trip to Russia!

KLM and Armin van Buuren are giving away an incredible trip to Moscow that includes the following:

- A Meet and Greet with Armin on evening in Moscow – Russia

- free world-wide air tickets for winner and guest to Moscow

- Armin van Buuren concert tickets for winner & guest on May 7th

- A three day hotel stay by VOILÀ Hotel Rewards at member hotel Nevsky Hotel Grand

- A Samsung PL100 camera with double LCD

- A free car rental by Avis from arrival until departure date

- A free travel insurance by Mondial Assistance (see T&C for applicable countries)

- A unique official Armin van Buuren merchandise package

Check out this page for more info and to enter!

Top 5 Most Romantic Cities (that aren't Paris)

Paris, Paris, Paris... when romantic cities are the topic that's all you ever hear about! But there's more to romance than the Eiffel Tower.

We put together a list of the top 5 most romantic cities in the world, but it could easily have been 10, or even 20. The truth is, there's romance everywhere! Here are a few of our favourites, and if we missed any, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Buenos Aires

The fiery excitement of the tango is enough to awaken anyone's passion, whether formally on the grand stage of the Teatro Colon or spontaneously on the streets of the Plaza Dorrego. The nightlife in Buenos Aires sizzles with live music and dancing, and makes a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to spark the romance in their relationship.

Cape Town

South Africa's most chic city brings European-style elegance to the wilds of Africa. Whether your taking a sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront, having dinner on top of Table Mountain, sharing a picnic on the beach, or sampling local vintages in the Cape winelands, Cape Town offers no end of romantic activities for couples.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh blends the old and the new, with sleek and modern restaurants next to quaint pubs, and fashionable shopping areas in the shadow of ancient castles. A simple stroll down the scenic Royal Mile can be a romantic way to spend an hour, and any man working up the courage to pop the question can take strength in the excellent whisky!

New York City

While it may seem a bit cliche, New York City offers everything you need for a romantic holiday. Do the classics like a carriage ride in Central Park, ice skating at Rockefellar Center, and playing games on the midway at the Coney Island Amusement Park. Watch the sun set from the top of the Empire State Building, and take in a Broadway show before dinner at some of the world's top restaurants.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, with mountaintop cities overlooking sparkling the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Sample wines at the local vineyards, lounge on the picturesque beaches, or stroll through the towns and have a candlelit dinner in a tiny family restaurant. Whatever you do, it's easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

(Pssst! For the low-down on Paris, check this post!)

Travel Movie: Mamma Mia!

Millions of people loved the music of ABBA, and the Broadway musical it inspired. So it was not a huge surprise that the big screen movie Mamma Mia! grossed more than $140 million in the US alone.

The film stars the ever-evolving Meryl Streep as Donna, a single mother who owns a hotel on a small island in Greece where her daughter Sophie is about to get married. Unbeknownst to her, Sophie has invited three men, one of whom is her father. The problem is, no one knows who it is!

The film was shot on several greek islands, including Damouchari, Skopelos and Skiathos; so if you want the whole Mamma Mia experience, you'll have to make a few stops! They're worth it though, as you can see from the gorgeous scenery in the film.

Verdict: Buy it (but only if you like ABBA)