Tech expert reveals 5 travel mistakes that set you up for a vacation disaster trends now
Quick travel checklist: Pack an extra phone charger, put your boarding pass on your phone and bring more snacks than you think you'll need.
I wish tech advice were that simple. But the implications are a lot worse, too.
From booking to setting off, here are five mistakes that'll tank your vacation—and smart advice for smooth sailing.
A tech expert has revealed five common mistakes people make when traveling - and one of them is using no-name sites to find killer deals on flights
You search for airline tickets online or reply to an email. Overwhelmed by all the sites and apps, you pick the cheapest option.
The site promises a great rate, so you pay for the ticket. You book what appeared to be a confirmed seat and get receive an email that you're all set.
You visit the airline's main site, enter your information and boom — there's your reserved seat.
The reserved hold runs out two weeks later, and your seat evaporates. You find this out and try to get help from the airline. Usually, they can do nothing for you since only a reservation was actually booked.
Crooks are great at creating fake apps and sites to rip you off. Fortunately, there are signs to watch for that can help to avoid them.
● Check official resources: The Better Business Bureau can be a great aid in determining whether a business is legit. The agency lists real companies; if you can't find the one you're working with, it's best to run away.
● Online reviews and ratings: Read online reviews and ratings on sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp or Google. Extremely positive and negative reviews could be bogus. Watch for a balance of reviews and consistent themes.
● Accreditation and licensing: Many legitimate travel agencies are members of recognized industry organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) or have IATA (International Air Transport Association) accreditation. Check for credentials on their site.
● Transparent pricing: Legitimate sites are clear and upfront about all costs. Beware of sites that have hidden fees or don't clearly explain costs.
● Secure payment options: Reputable travel sites offer secure, well-known payment options. Be wary of sites that only allow bank transfers or money orders.
2. Charging at a public charger in the airportA public charging station feels like a godsend when your battery is dying, and you don't have anywhere to plug in, but they are shockingly easy to tamper with.
With just a USB cord, a cybercriminal can install malware or
