Navigating a safe getaway: 3 tips for booking a secure stay

The internet has revolutionized the way we access and book travel-related services such as flights, hotels, and holidays. With just a few clicks, we can explore a myriad of options, compare prices, and make reservations from the comfort of our homes.

Undoubtedly, the ease of online travel booking is a game-changer, but it does bring forth certain concerns related to privacy, security, and the peace of mind associated with holiday planning.

Amid a landscape riddled with deceptive websites, cunning fraudsters, unreliable airlines, and even localised scams, you need to be careful. Don’t worry though, this article’s got your back with three essential tips to help you enjoy a secure stay.

1. Do your research

In this section, we talk about how to spot potential red flags and confidently navigate the online landscape. 

First things first, keep your eyes peeled for the visual cues that could point to trouble. The appearance of a website speaks volumes. High-quality, professional websites reflect a level of commitment and investment from the company. On the other hand, if you come across logos and images that look like they’ve been pulled from the blurry depths of stock image farms, that’s your cue to be cautious. Scammers have a knack for rushing things, and their low-res graphics (coupled with poor grammar and terrible typos) might just be the giveaway that they’re out to trick unsuspecting sunseekers — all in the name of a quick buck.

After your initial investigation, spend time researching the name of any company on your shortlist  online. Platforms like Feefo offer helpful customer reviews and opinions, giving you a chance to gauge the experiences of other travellers. Don’t forget to check social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for any discussions about the company as well. Pay attention to the types of interactions it has with its customers and whether they respond to inquiries or concerns promptly.

2. Use reputable platforms

Certain that the business is legitimate? Great. However, before you submit to the siren song of the ‘Book Now’ button, think about what would happen if your travel plans were to hit an unexpected bump in the road.

Even though Covid-19 is less of a concern now, travel companies are still facing difficulties and dropping like flies. A report from The Daily Mail revealed that 75,000 Flybe passengers had their travel plans disrupted when the airline went out of business. This left travellers either stranded, out of pocket, or both.

For a worry-free experience, it’s a good idea to opt for a holiday that has ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection. This is a government-backed safety net offering robust financial protection to UK consumers who book package holidays.

Beside ATOL coverage, there are alternative travel options such as Airbnb, which extends the Host Guarantee and Host Protection Insurance, ensuring a certain degree of safeguarding for guests. When searching for a property on Airbnb, you should also keep an eye out for hosts that partner with a licensed holiday operator. Frank Porter, for instance, boasts dedicated property inspectors, maintenance, and guest support. Such partnerships aim to enhance the overall guest experience and provide an added level of assurance.

3. Stay vigilant

It’s easy to let your guard down on holiday, but maintaining a healthy sense of caution can go a long way toward keeping you safe. Travellers are often seen as an easy target by thieves, pickpockets, and scam artists. We might like to think that only naive, overly trusting tourists can get duped, but as scam artists get craftier, seasoned explorers, expats and even residents can fall for their tricks.

From flirtatious locals and phoney petitions to ‘free’ bracelets and fake police officers, there are countless common holiday scams to be aware of, Direct Travel advises. But if you’re going to keep you and your possessions safe, it’s not just about keeping an eye on your money belt and avoiding crowds.

The latest phenomenon? Shoulder surfing. When travellers get caught up using their phones for photos or navigation abroad, they become easy targets for cybercriminals aiming to steal from them. Here’s how it works: the scammer watches as you type in your phone’s passcode and remembers the sequence. If they manage to snatch your phone, they can quickly unlock it and access your mobile banking apps and more, all from your home screen.

To ensure a fraud-free holiday, be extra careful in crowded places, tourist spots, and public transportation where shoulder surfers might be operating. Use two-factor authentication whenever you can — it adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone gets your password, they would still need another code to access your accounts.