How to Avoid Tourist Traps on Vacation

Ahhh how to avoid tourist traps on vacation.

This is an interesting topic to write about, because some of it can be subjective. I don’t think anyone wants to be ripped off. However, some people might love a huge tour group with 30 people, and others despise and think it’s a true tourist trap.

Below is a compiled list of the tourist traps to avoid or be aware of when planning a vacation, in my opinion.

Currency Exchange & Where to Withdraw Cash

Isn’t money the root of all evil? I think that might be true when it comes to some of the currency scams out there.

The lighter end of the spectrum might be watching for outrageous exchange rates at ATMs. The darker side with scammers on the street claiming that they can give you the best deal.

To me this is one of the top traps to be aware of, since everyone has to withdraw or exchange money in a foreign country.

Here are some of the things to be aware of and watch out for when it comes to cash.

ATMs – Don’t pull out money at just any ATM. Using ATMs at your destination is usually the best bet for getting cash for the lowest exchange, but you have to be aware. Some charge an extremely large exchange rate. Use an app like XE Currency to check what the norm is for that country. Best bet is to exchange at a bank or a withdraw at a true bank ATM to be safe.
Airport exchange booths or ATM – You may need to pull out just a bit of cash to pay for transportation into the city center. Be careful here as currency exchange booths at an airport can have super high rates and hidden fees. On top of the high exchange rate, you will most likely find a “service charge” on your receipt. The better choice here is to use your debit card to pull just enough cash out to get to the city, and then find a bank once there.
Currency exchange scammers on the street – This is the worst scam of all. Someone tries to grab your attention on the street and offers you an outrageously good exchange rate. If you wonder, “Is this too good to be true?” It is. I’ve seen some crazy things surface, including scammers in Prague literally exchanging a fake currency. Stick to the bank ATMs you know are legit.

Taxis and Transportation

If you have traveled a decent amount, you’ve most likely already taken a ride in an overpriced taxi.

Whether you grabbed a taxi outside the airport that wasn’t regulated, or hailed a taxi on the street that over charged you, paying too much can happen to literally anyone.

My Husband and I hailed a taxi late night in Porto, Portugal and I’m pretty sure the driver charged us double. With a few drinks in us, and not able to speak the language we just got out and moved on with our night. Lesson learned.

Here are a few things to consider before you jump in the back of a cab.

Do research before you arrive – Just Google “Taxis in (city name)” and you’ll find articles with transportation tips in any location. In some cities, the wages are fair, things are regulated and all the drivers have meters. In other cities, it’s recommended to use only the taxis through a particular service, or to have your hotel order you a reputable taxi. Doing a little research will save you in the end.
Airport taxis – It’s common internationally to have taxi stands at an airport. For example, in Barbados, you get a ticket and stand in line to wait for the next driver. If you see a taxi stand, go there before trying to just hail a cab curbside. If not, come armed with an idea of how much a taxi should cost to the city center. Confirm the price with the driver before you get in, and insist they use the meter if it’s not a set fare.
Try mass transit – Being an American, we lack good mass transit in the majority of cities. I’ll admit I was a little scared to use trams or subways while traveling. A LOT of countries abroad have this down to a science, and you’ll most likely be surprised at how easy it is.

Restaurants Along Tourist Streets & Squares

I don’t know about you, but part of the reason I travel is to eat. There is so much joy in experiencing good food that you might not get at home.

I’ve had my fair share of great food and bad food on vacation.

Below are my tips on how to find the great, and hopefully avoid the tourist traps in the locations you travel to on vacation.

Avoid restaurants along main tourist areas – This is not to say all of these restaurants are bad, but pay close attention. Prices are often inflated, and the food less authentic right on a main square or street. Go just a few streets off of the main area, and prices should drop and you’ll see more locals. If you see “tourist menu,” walk away man, walk away.
Ask a local – Who knows which restaurants to hit and which to avoid? A local. If you feel weird just talking to people in the street, try a shop owner you purchase something from, or staff working at your hotel/B&B. Try asking someone for directions, and also ask them where they like to eat. I think you’ll find most people are more than happy to share.
Look up recommendations – I say this with a bit of trepidation, as I tend to over plan, and have to remember half the fun is stumbling upon great places on vacation. However, I don’t think it hurts to look up a few good spots before you get to your destination. Have a good breakfast or lunch spot lined up for your first day, and ask the people who work there the other places they love to eat or hang out.
Local cuisine list – One fun thing I love to do is make a checklist of the local unique cuisine we want to try. This helps to make sure you get a really good taste of whats local wherever you end up!

Do Your Research on Group Tours

A tour in a new city can be a fun way to get to know your surroundings. Taking a bike or walking tour your first day can give you a good lay of the land. A food tour can take you to restaurants in alleys that you would have never walked down.

What isn’t great is a huge tour that costs a lot and doesn’t give you a truly local experience.

When we went to the Vatican, it was a “free” day. We quickly realized we were never going to make it in, as the line wrapped around the entire building. A tour guide all of a sudden says “skip the line at the Vatican” and we thought, well sure. We made it in, but it was so packed and our group was so big we lost our tour guide completely. Let alone we felt like sardines the entire time. Vacation fail.

Research tours before arriving – To have the best experience, do your research. I use sites like TripAdvisor and the new Airbnb Experiences to look up tours and reviews. Read a number of reviews, positive and negative. (take into account some negative reviews can just be angry people…they travel too)
Group Size – Look at the details or read the reviews on the group size. I prefer a smaller group size for a more personalized experience, and so you don’t get left behind.
Look closely at the details – I read through all the details to get a good idea of what’s included. If it’s a 6 hour wine tour outside of town, do they include transportation, food and drinks? On a bike tour, do they include all equipment? Where is the meeting location, and cancellation policy?

Other Scams & Things to Consider

Before you travel anywhere, look up articles on scams that might occur in that city.

Your chances of this happening are slim, but it’s best to be aware of what to keep an eye out for. Check out this article to read up on common scams (some of which I have mentioned).

Just remember that most people in the world are good, so don’t be scared to talk to people, just be aware of those that could have bad intentions and how to spot them.

Other things to consider: If there was an emergency, do you know where your country’s embassy is located? Or which hospital you would like to be taken too if the worst should happen?

Another great resource to gather scam information or safety tips is a guide book.I like Lonely Planet, Rick Steve’s, or you can grab any guide book you prefer.

I hope these tips prepare you, and do not discourage you from traveling.

Personally, I feel at peace and able to enjoy myself when I have an idea of what could be at a location, and how to be safe. I hope you found some good tips on how to avoid tourist traps on vacation.

If you are ready to travel, check out my post – How to Easily Plan Cheap Vacations to Europe.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links (we so appreciate your support), at no additional cost to you.