No one ever plans to get scammed, especially in a foreign country, but that’s what happens when you have no idea how shady some locals can be.

If you’ve ever fallen for a travel scam, you’d understand how frustrating it can be to find yourself in such a situation. Of course, no one blames you for it. One would expect the locals of a city to be nice to foreigners as a way of sending a good message about their culture and lifestyle to them.

However, it’s sometimes the other way round. Locals look for ways to take advantage of tourists, and exploit them.

The best way to avoid falling victim of travel scams is to be aware of some of them. That way, you can be on the look out and also avoid some of the tricks.

1) Taxi driver scam

Taxi drivers are like the first set of people you meet as you depart from the airport. Some of them are quick to differentiate strangers from indigenes and like to take advantage of them.

When you get into their ride, some of them will tell you that their meter is broken or that rides are cheaper without the meter. At the end of the day, they end up charging you so much, and you’re not likely to realize this because you have no idea what it should normally be.

To avoid this kind of scam, ensure that their meter is working properly and insist on using it even when they say otherwise.

2) Counterfeit money scam

This is another common scams used by taxi drivers or employees at local restaurants. When you make payment for a meal or a ride, they’ll return the money back to you, claiming its counterfeit, and ask for a different payment type.

What you may not know is that you probably gave them original notes but while you weren’t looking, they swapped it for a counterfeit note and handed it back to you as fake money.

A piece of advise here is to always pay attention when you’re making payment. Also, be sure to change money at the bank or hotel to avoid counterfeit money situations.

3) Group photo offer

You know how you sometimes approach strangers asking them to kindly take a photo of you and your friends using your phone or camera? Well, this trick is sometimes used by locals to steal foreigners phone and camera.

They offer to help take a picture of the group, and before you realize what’s happening, they’ve taken off with it. So, rather than give your camera to anyone who offers, choose carefully who to give it to.

Also, be mindful of the environment. Avoid doing such in crowded places, where people can easily get mixed up in the crowd.

4) Attraction is closed scam

This travel scam is another common scam to get tourists to spend more money. Some friendly locals might approach to tell you that the attraction is closed because of religious ceremonies, holidays and the likes.

They’ll offer to take you or show you other attractions close by where you’ll be spending much more. What you don’t know is that they might be getting some huge commission from bringing more people to the alternative attraction.

Also, the attraction you intended to go to in the first place may not be closed. You probably approached the building from the wrong side.

To avoid this scam, always verify the words of locals by confirming with as many people and also head to the ticket counter to verify certain information.

This trick is also used by taxi drivers when you just get into town. They may tell you that the hotel you are going to is closed or overbooked and offer to take you to another. Once again, be sure to verify by yourself before making a decision based on the local’s recommendation.

Embarking on an eco-friendly adventure with our pets provides a rewarding opportunity to make lasting memories, all while being mindful of our environmental footprint

Enjoying a vacation with our furry friends is a joy unlike any other, but as responsible pet owners, we’re increasingly considering the environmental impact of our journeys. Travelling sustainably is not limited to humans alone and extends to our four-legged companions as well. Here, we’ll ensure that every pet’s footprint impacts the environment positively as we explore the fascinating world of eco-friendly travel. From selecting eco-friendly accommodation to reducing our carbon footprint, here is a ready reckoner for eco-friendly travel with our furry companions.

1. Pack Environmentally Friendly Products

Finding “green” products at your destination might be challenging, so it’s important to carry essential eco-conscious items for your pets. Pack your treats, meals, and other essentials in cloth or reusable containers.

• Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags

Always pack more than you think you’ll need. We suggest packing considerably more of these than you think you will need. If you are planning a foreign trip, familiarise yourself with the local regulations on pet waste disposal. Though most countries encourage picking up after yourself, others may have designated places or bins for waste disposal.

• Nutritious, Eco-Friendly Pet Food

Pets may experience stress from travel, and their digestive systems may find adjusting to a new diet extremely challenging.

Be aware that when travelling internationally, especially into the European Union, the rules for importing meat and dairy products have been updated. Now, pets are only allowed to consume meat-based products, including those containing insects, if they’re approved by a veterinarian and necessary for their health. Pet food must be approved if it is meant for the animal flying with the passenger, does not require refrigeration, and is sealed unless in current use.

2. Visit Your Vet Beforehand

Although you might be eager to bring your pet along on your travels, it’s important to consider if it’s the right time for them. Before setting off, consult your veterinarian to confirm your pet is healthy enough for the journey. Now is a great time to get updated prescriptions, vaccination records, and emergency vet contact information.

For added precaution, include a pet first-aid kit in your travel baggage. Additionally, it’s wise to discuss your pet insurance policy with your vet to understand if it covers travel-related incidents.

3. Book Eco-Friendly Parks And Resorts

Finding eco-pet-friendly parks and resorts is essential when travelling with your furry friends. It’s simple to find eco-friendly dog parks where you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors together. These parks will have trash cans so that you and your pets leave nothing but pawprints, as well as waste stations for simple cleanup.

These environmentally friendly, dog-friendly hotels and resorts provide free, biodegradable waste bags, paperless checkout, ecological cleaning practices, and locally sourced foods. When making reservations for these accommodations for you and your dogs, look for green designations to ensure the facility is sustainable.

4. Stock Up On Equipment And Treats

While you must ensure you have plenty of treats for your pet,  be cautious about overpacking. Opt for items made from eco-friendly materials.

Here are some additional supplies you might consider bringing along:

• Brushes or combs, particularly for controlling fleas.
• Extra tags and extra collars.
• Additional prescription drugs.
• Pet wipes and paper towels.
• Cleaning supplies and waste bags.
• Toys, blankets, and comfort items that your pet adores.

5. Go For A Sustainable Travel Option

Plane: According to recent research, flying 2,500 miles on a plane releases enough carbon dioxide to melt 32 square feet of polar ice. If you must travel by air, try to find airlines that make an effort to be more sustainable.

Car: Although not everyone has one, driving a car can be eco-friendly if you have an electric or hybrid vehicle. However, compared to a plane, it is far more sustainable.

Train: Trains produce about 24 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre, which is not great, but it’s still better than cars and aeroplanes.

So you’ve made the exciting decision to embark on a travel experience, what’s the first thing you do?

Some might say booking the flight, and while this is an exciting step in planning your travel adventure, there are several crucial and sometimes boring factors to consider before confirming your reservation.

Here are some things you need to know and can do to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey before you book the flight!

Flexibility is key

When planning your trip, it’s essential to remain flexible with your travel dates.

Airlines often have fluctuating ticket prices depending on the day of the week, time of day, and even the time of the year.

Use flexible date search options on travel websites to find the best deals and consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to save money. Being open to adjusting your travel dates can lead to significant cost savings.

Research, research, research – airlines and routes

Not all airlines are created equal, and each may offer different services, amenities, and baggage policies.

Before booking your flight, research various airlines and compare their offerings. Take note of any additional fees for baggage, in-flight entertainment, or seat selection.

Additionally, consider the layover durations and locations when comparing different flight routes. Sometimes a longer layover may result in a more affordable fare, but it’s crucial to weigh this against the added inconvenience.

Get your Visa

Before finalising your flight booking, make sure you are aware of the visa and entry requirements for your destination. Some countries may require a visa or have specific entry conditions, such as mandatory vaccinations or quarantine periods.

Ensure that your travel documents are in order and that you meet all the necessary entry criteria. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to denied entry or other complications upon arrival.

This can be a tedious process and due to legislation in the country to you traveling to, rejection is possible. To avoid this, ensure you have the correct documentation and complete honesty about the reasons for traveling.

Understand cancellation and refund policies

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the cancellation and refund policies of the airline you choose.

Many airlines offer different fare classes with varying refund conditions. Some tickets may be non-refundable, while others allow changes with a fee. Knowing the cancellation terms upfront can save you from financial headaches in case you need to alter your plans.

South America’s largest country has enough colourful cities, historic landmarks and areas of natural beauty to rival entire continents

A dizzyingly large country that is home to over 200 million people, Brazil conjures up an array of vivid images, from samba dances and Carnival celebrations to awe-inspiring natural sites and a vibrant blend of cultures forged through a fascinating history.

This is a country that can compete with entire continents in terms of natural beauty, from the magnificence of Iguacu Falls or the Pantanal wetlands to a large section of the Amazon, one of the world’s last remaining frontiers.

And its cities are no less enchanting. Rio de Janeiro, with its party atmosphere and pristine beaches, may have become the poster boy for Brazilian tourism, but places like Sao Paulo and Salvador offer visitors plenty to discover.

A warm welcome, an immersion in the local cultures and some paradisiacal settings makes Brazil a bucket-list destination for many. Here are some of the very best places to visit.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is often seen as the face of the country, with its samba culture, enormous Carnival celebrations and long stretches of golden sands having become synonymous with Brazil in more recent years. Few cities in the world can claim the same level of natural beauty as Rio. Surrounded by verdant peaks, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, and fronted by coastlines like Copacabana and Ipanema, the city has been blessed with incredible scenery; it is best enjoyed from the high site of Christ the Redeemer, one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Walks, hikes, swims and football on the beach are all within easy reach.

Though the partying reputation that has been made famous by Carnival isn’t present every month in Rio, it is still buzzing day and night, from the caipirinhas on Copacabana to the bars and restaurants of Lapa. Santa Teresa is another bohemian neighbourhood with abundant arts and culture on show, while pilgrims of a certain sporting type will want to head to the Maracana, home of Fluminense and Flamengo, to catch a football match at one of the game’s spiritual homes.

Sao Paulo

The largest city in the country is a true concrete jungle, with trees and gardens interspersed among the vast buildings, where a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere prevails. It is similar in some respects to Rio – from the long section of beach to the generally vibrant way of life – but drastically different in others, from its skyscraper-laden cityscape to its dizzying number of arts and cultural centres.

Sao Paulo state is the country’s economic and agricultural heart, and this state capital contains a wealth of things for visitors to see. You’d be wise to start with the eclectic range of museums, covering anything from football and the Portuguese language to Afro-Brazilian history and artefacts from Amazonian tribes. Art lovers should visit the city’s Museu de Arte and the Pina Luz for work dating as far back as El Greco or Manet, all the way up to the present day.

For an oasis near the centre, visit the city’s largest green space, the Ibirapuera Park. Alternatively, those with a penchant for the finer things in life can take a stroll down the tree-lined Rua Oscar Freire, Sao Paulo’s most glitzy road and Brazil’s answer to Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive in the US. In a city of skyscrapers, it would make sense to try and get a great view too; some of the best are from the 161m-high Farol Santander or the 46-storey Edificio Italia.

Manaus and the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest remains one of the world’s least explored areas, home to around 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Thankfully for the more intrepid of travellers, Brazil offers a way in to one of the accessible parts of the river and jungle, with Amazon cruises and some jungle exploration both possible.

Manaus – one of two cities in the Amazon with a population of over one million people – is the Brazilian gateway. These include the magnificent 19th-century Amazon theatre, the 100 square kilometres of the Adolpho Ducke Botanic Gardens and the confluence of the “Meeting of the Waters”, where the dark waters of the Rio Negro run alongside the brown waters of the Rio Solimoes.

But while Manaus is worth taking a little time to explore, if you’re in the city it’s probably for one reason. The Amazon and its surrounding rainforest remain etched in travel folklore; visited by few and known well by even fewer, the drastically different environment, proliferation of wildlife and generally unforgiving nature makes for one of the world’s most enticing destinations. June is the best time to visit for less rain, high water levels and wildlife spotting, with plenty of cruise and jungle lodge options for accommodation and tours.

Iguacu National Park

Iguacu sits in a beautiful location on the borders between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. A waterfall system consisting of around 275 different falls, it is a truly paradisal area, where the water dramatically pours off rugged cliffs and the sight of the verdant clifftops is complemented by murky waters and the odd rainbow.

Only around 20 per cent of the falls lie in Brazil, with the other 80 per cent lying in Argentina, where they are known as Iguazu. The town of Foz do Iguacu is the best access point in Brazil (and is also served by an airport), with the Brazilian section offering panoramic views and the Argentinean section better for guided riverboat tours. If possible, try and get the best view of the Devil’s Throat, with a drop of around 260ft and a width of almost 500ft.

Salvador

That Salvador de Bahia used to be Portugal’s colonial capital shows the importance of this city, and goes some way to explaining its modern-day iteration. Though it has some of the skyscrapers of Sao Paulo and the beaches of Rio, this city has forged its own identity since colonial times – one marked by Afro-Brazilian culture, surrounding natural beauty and dashes of colour and rhythm.

The city starts on the coast at the startlingly blue All Saints Bay, where long sections of golden sands stretch down a coastline that is lined with tropical islands and fishing villages. Moving inland, a sea of skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings hides a slew of colonial buildings, and nowhere is this more prominent than in Pelourinho, the city’s Unesco-listed historic centre. Cobblestone streets are lined with colourful, pastel-hued colonial architecture, and this is heart of the city’s Afro-Brazilian culture, from capoeira schools to street food and cultural centres (a visit to the area is complemented by a tour of the the Afro-Brasileiro museum and the Archaeology and Ethnology Museum, near the city’s eastern coast).

The city’s Nautical Museum completes a tour of its often sobering medieval history, with other highlights including the 18th-century NS do Bonfim church, the Largo do Pelourinho square and Santo Antonio da Barra fort. If you can time your visit well, Salvador is also home to the country’s second most famous Carnival celebrations.

Pantanal

Located in the south of Brazil, the Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland area in the world, as well as the planet’s largest flooded grasslands. Alongside the Amazon, it is one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions, making it popular for wildlife spotting.

The landscape is teeming with dense vegetation, plus wildlife that ranges from jaguars and crocodiles to over 656 species of bird. The period between June and September is best for seeing the inhabitants, with 4×4 and riverboat tours offered across different areas and plenty of lodging options, whether you’re a budding photographer or a safari veteran aiming to see Brazil’s ‘Big Five’ – jaguars, anteaters, tapirs, giant otters and maned wolves.

Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, translated as “black gold” in English, is a city in the state of Minas Gerais, a large state known for its colonial-era mining towns and their historical importance. Once the state capital until 1897, it lies around two hours from Belo Horizonte, the modern-day state capital and third-largest city in Brazil.

This once-great mining town was a centre for the Brazilian gold rush, but its surroundings of steep hills and creeks prevented further expansion. This has benefited the modern city, which has a strikingly colonial feel to a lot of its architecture. Though perhaps obvious, it is startlingly similar to parts of Portuguese cities like Funchal, with intricate facades and russet roofs adorning many buildings, and the odd pastel shade dotted among the mainly white-washed structures of the Unesco-listed historic town.

Ouro Preto is a less-visited, smaller town, so it may be best to combine a visit with a trip to Belo Horizonte. However you do it, take the time to explore its religious buildings, discover a section of Brazilian history, tour art museums like the Casa Guignard and even dive into a mine at the Minas de Passagem, the largest in the world that is accessible to the public.