Navigating the complexities of international travel involves not only understanding new cultures and destinations but also managing interactions with individuals who may attempt to take advantage of tourists. Rob Crossan, a travel journalist with a quarter-century of experience, has outlined a series of tactics to help travelers avoid common scams and bothersome encounters.
Avoiding Deceptive Offers
Impromptu offers for city tours in public squares are often a sign of a scam, Crossan warns. While the initial price may seem low, participants often find themselves led to shops affiliated with the guide, with prices escalating. A suggested defense is to inquire about "CMT" registration, a made-up acronym, and then reveal it's fabricated, potentially showing details for a nearby embassy to deter the individual. Similarly, fake charity scammers, often found in European city squares, can be identified by checking their legitimacy online via sites like charitynavigator.org. Claiming to have only traveler's checks can also deter these individuals.
Managing Difficult Personalities and Situations
On safari, tourists who excessively crowd prime viewing spots with large cameras can be managed by delegating the issue to the tour guide. Crossan suggests that these individuals often respond better to authority and may be deterred from disruptive behavior if they believe they risk being left behind. For in-flight annoyances, such as passengers playing audio loudly without headphones, travelers are advised not to confront the individual directly. Instead, discreetly requesting assistance from a flight attendant is recommended, as they are trained in de-escalation.
Dealing with Officialdom and Vendors
In situations involving potentially corrupt police officers, particularly in developing countries, maintaining a calm and polite demeanor is crucial. Crossan suggests offering to pay any alleged fine, but only at the police station and in the presence of a superior officer. Having the contact information for the nearest embassy readily available on a phone can also serve as a deterrent. Restaurants that employ aggressive street promoters for cheap drinks or "free" starters are best avoided, according to Crossan, who advises politely declining and continuing to walk. The rationale is that establishments needing such tactics may offer subpar food.
Personal Interactions and Sales Tactics
Crossan also advises caution regarding overly inquisitive strangers met in bars, especially those who reveal little about themselves and appear to be traveling solo in a destination typically frequented by couples. This caution is framed as protection against potential stalkers or opportunistic thieves. For persistent beach or street vendors, Crossan recommends a direct and firm approach. Instead of polite refusals that can be misinterpreted, he advocates for a simple, repeated "no" in response to any question, asserting that this is perceived as assertive rather than rude and can effectively deter unwanted solicitations.