21 Common Travel Scams Making a Comeback and How to Spot Them

Today’s traveler may be armed with GPS, translation apps, and online reviews—but some scams are older (and slicker) than your Wi-Fi connection. As tourism booms post-pandemic, a wave of classic cons is making an uninvited comeback—slick card games, fake officials, too-good-to-be-true taxi fares, and more—all cleverly repackaged for the digital age. What’s worse? These scams prey on the very things that make travel magical: trust, spontaneity, and curiosity. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to 21 Common Travel Scams Making a Comeback and How to Spot Them—a must-read field guide for anyone with a passport and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re sipping chai in a bustling bazaar or navigating a “free” walking tour in Europe, knowing what to watch for can be the difference between a smooth journey and a costly misstep. Because being street-smart is just as essential as being wanderlust-fueled. Here's how to outsmart the con before it ruins the view.

Akanksha Sharma

I’m an editor working at the intersection of business, creativity, and thought leadership, shaping complex ideas into clear, impactful content. With a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset, I refine narratives that resonate, collaborate with industry leaders, and align storytelling with business goals. Balancing analytical precision with creative depth, I craft content that informs, inspires, and drives influence.