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SCAMS
Here’s 5 Ways To Spot Travel Scams & Protect Your Money

Ever felt like you need a sixth sense to navigate the murky waters of travel deals without ending up in a "vacation from hell" sequel? Fear not! Get ready to decode the cryptic language of scammy travel offers with the finesse of a cat burglar sneaking past a laser maze. Let's uncover five laugh-out-loud ways to outsmart those pesky travel scams and keep your holiday plans from going off the rails faster than a roller coaster with a broken track!

1. Too Good to be True Deals - If the offer sounds like a unicorn dancing on a rainbow, be skeptical. Scammers often lure in unsuspecting travelers with unbelievable deals that promise luxury accommodations, first-class flights, and VIP experiences at a fraction of the cost. Remember, in the travel world, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Pressure-Packed Deadlines - Watch out for high-pressure tactics that demand immediate action. Scammers love to create a sense of urgency, urging you to book now or miss out on the deal of a lifetime. Legitimate travel opportunities won't disappear faster than your morning coffee – take your time and do your research.

3. Shady Payment Requests - Be wary of unconventional payment methods. If they insist on wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency, alarm bells should ring louder than a siren. Reputable travel agencies and websites offer secure payment options, ensuring your hard-earned money isn't vanishing into the black hole of a scammer's bank account.

4. Missing Contact Information - Imagine trying to find Waldo in a book where he's not even listed. If you can't easily spot the company's contact details or there's no way to reach a human being, it's a red flag. Legitimate businesses want to hear from you and make their contact information as visible as a beacon in the night, not hide like a ninja in the shadows.

5. Dubious Reviews and Testimonials - Don't fall for the glittering façade of perfect reviews. Scammers often create fake testimonials or manipulate online feedback to appear legitimate. Dig deeper, explore different review platforms, and look for patterns. Authentic experiences will shine through like a lighthouse in the dark, while a scam will crumble under the weight of inconsistent stories.

Now, pat yourselves on the back for mastering the art of scam-spotting!

Have you ever been scammed while traveling ?

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Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Alert - A Level 3 warning for Jamaica has been given by the US State Department's for violent crimes, assaults & a security alert is issued by U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, for the same. Check link for details.

2. Want to catch the excitement of 2024 Olympics in France? France is offering Digital Schengen Visas just for the games & around 70,000 folks from outside the EU can snag them. But, if you're planning to cheer from the sidelines, you'll need a regular Schengen Visa.

3. Wishes came true for all those who crawled up 272 colorful steps of Sri Subramaniar temple at the Batu Caves in Selangor (Malaysia). This year an escalator will be built for disabled & elderly visitors of Batu Caves which serves over a million devotees & tourists.

4. Good News - after 18 years the 100 ml liquid rule will finally put an end in some countries, thanks to High-tech CT scanners which will show in 3D what’s inside your bags. No more squeezing your favorite shampoo into tiny bottles.

5. Still dreaming of Japan ? The country is looking to soon allow foreign workers via skilled worker visa in road transportation, railways, forestry, and the timber industry.

Adventures & Experiences

UPCOMING IN JAPAN
Naked Man Festival - annually occuring on 13th of the lunar calendar, where believers & thousands of men wear loincloths, brave the chilly winter, with just loincloths & sake, parade through town, gather at Owari Okunitama-jinja Shrine to pray for luck.
Honen Matsuri, Aichi Prefecture - Occuring in March (or visit anytime), this festival goes back 1,500 years. Rub stones for fertility blessings alongside celebrants. The fest's pinnacle is a two-meter wooden penis sculpture, an interactive experience for you in the lively crowd.
Nachi Ougi Matsuri, (14 July) Wakayama - A fiery spectacle as participants carry torches amidst chanting and smoke. Witness the Shinto ritual purifying 12 portable shrines symbolizing the divine spirits of the waterfall.

Looking to retire at best European Cities for Expats ? - Looks like Bern, Switzerland is the place to be – it's like living in a Swiss chocolate dream! With fresh air that's cleaner than your grandma's house and streets safer than a kitten in mittens, it's no wonder it's been crowned Europe's top spot for three years straight. “With top facilities, minimal air pollution and low crime rates, Bern is a very attractive city for expatriates and their families,” says senior location ratings analyst Neil Ashman.“Swiss, Dutch and Scandinavian cities fill out the top 10 most liveable cities.” to see the other 2 spots visit here.

THE TENERIFE CARNIVAL, 18th Feb, Rio, Brazil - From now until Feb 18th, it's all about music, dance, and crazy fun. It's like Rio's Carnival's cool cousin – the second biggest bash in the world! This colorful extravaganza is celebrating all things TV. The Tenerife Carnival consists of two parts: the official contests and the street parties – both bringing a whirlwind of excitement and entertainment. Partake in contests, street parties, and a whole lot of Canarian charm, there's something for everyone. It's the ultimate fiesta you won't want to miss!”

Deals

• Fly To Europe For less than $500.

• Fly To Cancun At Just $79

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• 📰 Read - How To Maintain Your Skin's Health While Traveling

• 👁️‍🗨️ Watch - Why does Spain have so many 'ghost' airports that nobody uses ?

• 😲 React - Where Is The Safest Seat On A Plane ?

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
The Many Gems Of Tenerife

📍 Tenerife, 🇪🇸 Spain
Over 23,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

An island paradise where towering volcanoes meet pristine beaches, and lush forests give way to bustling cities. Welcome to Tenerife, Spain's largest and most diverse Canary Island. Did you know that it's home to Mount Teide, the third-tallest volcano in the world? With its year-round sunshine, vibrant culture, and endless array of activities, Tenerife is a destination that promises adventure at every turn.

Explore Teide National Park: Strap on your hiking boots or hop on the cable car & head to this UNESCO site. The volcanic landscapes are out of this world, & the views from Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, are absolutely breathtaking.

Wander Through Masca Village: Get off the beaten path and discover the hidden gem of Masca. Tucked away in the mountains, this picturesque village feels like something out of a fairy tale.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: Hop on a boat tour from Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón for a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Visit Siam Park: Ready for some fun in the sun? Head to Siam Park, one of the best water parks in Europe. From adrenaline-pumping slides to lazy rivers, there's something here for everyone.

Take a Jeep Safari: Explore the island's rugged terrain on a thrilling jeep safari tour. Get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

Experience Carnival: If you're lucky enough to visit during February or March, join in the festivities of Tenerife's vibrant Carnival, one of the biggest in the world outside of Rio de Janeiro!

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your tenerife experience:

• Gran Canaria: Extend your Canary Islands adventure by hopping over to Gran Canaria, known as a "miniature continent" due to its diverse landscapes. From the bustling capital of Las Palmas to the golden dunes of Maspalomas, there's something here for everyone.

• La Palma: Known as the "Beautiful Island," La Palma is a paradise for nature lovers and stargazers alike. Discover its volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and stunning viewpoints like the Caldera de Taburiente.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: La Palma

  1. Morning: Explore Caldera de Taburiente.

  2. Afternoon: Visit Santa Cruz de la Palma.

  3. Evening: Stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos.

• Day 2: Gran Canaria

  1. Morning: Discover Las Palmas.

  2. Afternoon: Relax in Maspalomas.

  3. Evening: Dinner in Teror.

• Day 3: Tenerife

  1. Morning: Hike in Teide National Park.

  2. Afternoon: Whale watching in Los Gigantes.

  3. Evening: Dinner in La Laguna.

Recent Review - Great watwerslides. Very clean and green area. There were no queues at all today. Food was quite alright and the prices were reasonable. We had a great day!

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Zuckerberg Apologizes To Parents at online child safety Senate hearing.

2. Canada Seizes 406 kg of meth in 'largest' narcotic seizure in Prairie history.

3. Trailer - Released for Avatar: The Last Airbender.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country Has The Most Number Of Festivals In The World

- - D - -

Last week’s answer to:
Which Country goes on Strikes the most ? - France

• France has the most average days not worked due to strikes and lockouts between 2009 and 2019.

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