Travel scams can occur at any time during a trip. Some even occur before any bags have been packed, when travelers are booking their trip. Others fall victim to cons when they are on the road.

There are plenty of scams out there aimed at travelers who are looking to avoid the high price of modern vacations. Here are a few scams that have to do with booking your vacation:

1. Discount travel “clubs” promise you great deals on travel provided you pay a membership fee. These fees can be quite steep and the discounts are usually on mediocre cruises and resorts that otherwise would not have any customers. The quality of these experiences is almost always sub-par and not worth the overall price of membership and the cost of the trip.

Can you avoid this type of scam? Don’t join any travel clubs that are not well known or recommended by someone you trust. Many travel clubs that provide social events for their clients are quite legit (Club Med, for example). At the very least, research the company and make sure the fees are reasonable before you sign up for anything.

2. While it might be called a sales technique, rather than a scam, many companies draw customers by putting important details in fine print. Even major airlines do this. They lure people to their website or call center by advertising unbelievable prices. However, the fine print states that the fare quoted in the ad is for a one-way trip, but in order to get the discount, you must book a round trip. That effectively doubles the price. Other prices will be quoted as part a package, and purchasing the whole package (air, hotel, car rental) is required to take advantage of the airfare. The overall result: these fares are not much cheaper than normal fares, and often quite a bit more expensive.

If something seems to fall in the category of “too good to be true,” it probably is. Though it is possible to come across great deals on the internet or in a newspaper’s travel section, most ticket prices are similar, no matter where you look. There is no other way to avoid this kind of scam than to break out the magnifying glass and go over the fine print.

3. Some companies try to slip the fine print past travelers by saying things like “this offer expires in two hours.” In the rush to book, people will miss the extra fees or not realize that the price that they were quoted was not the actual, overall prices.

Don’t rush it. And always deal with reputable companies. This does not mean that the company has to be gigantic, although larger travel agents and booking sites have customer service reps that can sort out most problems. Small travel agents are fine, as long as they have been researched or recommended by a trusted friend. The bottom line: don’t use a company or service you are unfamiliar with. Do the research first, even if it means that the “deal of the century” will expire before you get to it.

Scams that take place while you are on your vacation are a different sort of beast. Even street savvy travelers can fall victim to cons aimed a tourists because they are unfamiliar and unexpected. Here are a few tricky ones:

1. Pick pocketing occurs everywhere. Tourists are easy targets, especially in crowded areas because they are in unfamiliar territory, and therefore distracted by their surroundings. Luckily, pick pocketing is easy to defend against. Keep your cash in your front pocket, not the back one, and any other valuables in a money belt or in a hotel safe. Stay extra alert in large crowds. It might not hurt to keep your hand in the pocket that contains your money so that no one can grab it when you are not looking.

2. Some thieves are more aggressive and will actually slash the strap on a bag and grab it. If possible, put your bag in front of you, carry valuables in your pocket or money belt, and always be aware of your surroundings.

3. Travelers are often at the mercy of taxi drivers. In an unfamiliar place, they can easily fall victim to one of the most common cons experienced by travelers. Some taxi drivers will take a circuitous route from point A to point B, causing the meter to run higher. Passengers, seeing the city for the first time, may remain blissfully unaware that this is taking place. Other drivers change their meters so that they up-tick faster than normal. Some simply turn off the meter and then quote an outrageous price once you reach your destination. Always make sure to use a reputable taxi company (find recommendations in a guidebook) and always make sure the driver turns the meter on after you have entered the car. This does not often occur in the US, but is quite common in developing countries.

4. Sometimes, a restaurant, bar, or shop owner will try a con that involves getting you to purchase something you didn’t intend to. Sometimes, a waiter might charge drinks to your bill that you apparently bought for other people in the bar. Of course you didn’t, but the manager will insist that you did and will tell security not to let you leave until you have paid in full. Though many people feel that being too vocal about their concerns makes them an “ugly tourist,” there is no substitute for prevention in this case. If something seems suspicious (i.e. the pretty girl who you bought a drink for is now joined by several friends hoisting identical drinks and smiling at you, chances are, you are paying for all of these beverages. Another one to watch out for: cheap imitations of top shelf drinks. You’ll still pay top shelf prices, but if you can’t tell the difference between a real 12-year-old scotch and an imitation, don’t order it.

5. There are a couple of things to be aware of when you rent a car. First of all, if you already have auto insurance, your rental car is probably covered under that insurance. Check with your agent just to make sure. If that is actually the case, you do not need the optional insurance that the rental agent tries to sell you. Also, be sure to look over your car carefully before you drive it off the lot. Point out any damage on the car to the agent. Even if you didn’t make the damage, you might be blamed if it is discovered after you return the car. Some unscrupulous agents might even cause the damage themselves and then collect the insurance check.

Though vacations are supposed to be a time to have fun, bad things can happen. Luckily, most problems can be avoided with a bit of caution and a healthy dose of common sense. Depending on where you are, either the local police or your country’s embassy can help with any problems you might encounter.

It used to be that everyone wanted and welcomed the American dollar, but our U.S. economy has taken a turn for the worse in recent years.  Now, if you want to go on vacation to another country it can be a financial drain on your pocket.  The trick in planning a vacation is finding a place where the American dollar is still strong.

You’ll find a lot of articles on this topic, suggesting different countries that you can still go to where the American dollar has worth, but many of the articles you’ll find mention the same locations.  I’ve done some research to find 5 countries that most people wouldn’t think about for vacation, but are great if you’re looking for something new, different, and low on cost.

New Zealand – This is a beautiful country off the North East side of Australia, with rolling green hills and beautiful beaches.  This is a great place to go for a romantic getaway or as a family trip.  Many of you already have a taste for what New Zealand looks like if you’ve watched Lord of the Rings or Narnia since that’s where they did their filming. 

There are so many things to do if you visit New Zealand.  On land, you can go hiking or climbing in the mountains, there are even some great skiing places; and on water, there’s plenty of rafting, whale watching, and deep sea fishing to go around.

If you decide you want to go, you’ll fly into Auckland International Airport (AKL).  During the peak season of our summer months I found airline tickets as high as $11,000, but if you go during the school year, you can find cheap airline tickets for under $2,500.  The price is about the same no matter what side of the U.S. you’re flying from.

The New Zealand dollar is only 76 cents in American money; and cheap hotel price can be found at under $70.  If you’re ever in the area, you should check out Cape Palliser where you can find a beach full of Seals.  Aside from the seals there are only 4,000,000 people in New Zealand, so you don’t have to worry about it being too crowded.

Hungary – Hungary is a beautiful country that is rich with history.  They have great food and great wine.  You’ll find all the luxuries of western Europe at a fraction of the cost.  I had to double check when I found the equivalency of the Hungarian Forint to the American dollar; it’s less than half a cent.

The old architecture, the many cultural traditions, and the food are all parts that make Hungary a great place to go and see some unique sites and build special memories.  You’d start seeing this beautiful country after flying into the Budapest Airport (BUD) which would cost you around $1,500 from Los Angelos and $1,200 from New York.

Make sure to visit Statue Park where you’ll find a bizarre array of different statues that were erected during the communist era.  If you love architecture, you need to visit Matthias Church.  This building has been around for 700 years! 

Try to visit Hungary in the summer because any other time of the month you’ll find that many of the attractions are shut down.  Plus, it gets rather cold any time outside of summer.  If you do decide to go during a colder season, make sure to get a good hotel like the Balatonfured Resort.

Guatemala – This country is relatively closer, and borders the southern part of Mexico.  Guatemala is a very mountainous region.  So, if you enjoy hiking or backpacking, you’re sure to find many opportunities on this trip.  This is the Mayan center of South America, and many ruins are sure to be found everywhere you go.

So, if you’re looking for something amazing to see, make sure to visit a Mayan ruin like the Las Capuchinas and be prepared to be awed at the extraordinary magnitude of some of these structures and the thoughtful intellect that went into them.  You can see some of the many volcanoes.  These volcanoes are some of the highest and most active.

Flying to the Guatemala Airport (GUA) is just under $500 from New York and from Los Angeles you’re looking at just a little over $600.  Those are actually pretty cheap airfares considering you pay more than that sometimes to fly domestically.  You might want to try visiting in the Fall, though, when it’s a little cooler. 

Everything about Guatemala is still very traditional.  You can still find many villages that wear their native garments, and the people are still very diverse with 23 languages that are still spoken.  If you’re looking for some authentic culture, then look into going to Chichicastenango.  One of the biggest markets where people come from all over to trade and have been doing so for centuries.  Be mindful of their culture as these people are suspicious of foreigners.

Greece – Now we take a look at a country in the Mediterranean.  Greece has a rugged beauty to it.  A country filled with ancient structures stemmed from the Roman and Hellenists. The American dollar is only half a cent in Greece, and communication among the 10,000,000 occupants is no problem because most Greeks speak English.

If you want to bring back a cool travel story to your envious friends, then you need to go visit Delphi.  There you’ll find the belly button of the cosmos – or so the ancients used to believe.  Make sure to visit the many famous sites such as: Acropolis, Olympia, Mount Olympus, and if you’re Catholic, you’ll want to check out Patmos which is considered an official pilgrimage among many Catholics.

Any two months on either side of July and August are ideal times to visit.  You beat the heat and the crowds.  You’ll most likely fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), and you’re looking to pay around $1,200-1,400 depending on what time you fly, and there is about a $2,000 increase if you’re flying from the West coast.

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You can find cheap hotel prices in Athens for under $40/night at places like Aristotle’s Hotel.  Greece has its traditional food, obviously, but they have become a very modern country.  So, finding “normal” food that you’re used to won’t be a problem. 

Guam – If you want an exotic island in the Pacific other than Hawaii, then you might want to check out Guam.  This island is a US territory, so you don’t need a passport and they use the American dollar.  It’s also home to a large naval base which makes the island a cosmopolitan area.  It’s just as beautiful as Hawaii, but there aren’t as many tourists; and the grand total of locals is 170,000 people. 

Guam has some beautiful coral reefs that you can explore by snorkeling or diving.  One of the most popular recreational areas on the island is Ipao Beach Park which has all the facilities you and your family need for a great day at the beach.  We’re talking about picnic tables, showers, a playground, stretched beach chairs, and more.

To get to Guam, you’re most likely going to make a connection in either Japan or the Phillipines, and from there you’ll take an international airline to Antonio B Won Pat International Guam Airport (GUM).  The only domestic airline that flies out there is North West Airlines.  If you go in the summer, you can expect to pay $1,500 from the West and $2,000 from the East; and if you go during the school year, the price drops about $500.

When you arrive, you will have no problem making friends with the locals.  They are very kind and laid back.  Their food has a very oriental flare to it, and one of their favorite simple dishes is sticky rice with spam.  If you’re wondering what to pack, plan on leaving your jacket behind because it’s warm weather all year round, but if you’re planning on going in the fall you might want a rain jacket for their rainy season.

I hope this helps you in the planning of your next vacation.  Be sure to check out sites like lowfares.com for discounts and great prices on cheap hotels and cheap airline tickets. Whether you’re going with your spouse, your family, or just some friends, it’s all about saving money nowadays; but who says you can’t save money and not lose quality. Happy travels!

Maui is probably Hawaii’s most famous island. The fine-grained sand of the beaches and large swaths of greenery are exactly what comes to mind when one thinks of Hawaii. Resort towns like Kaanapali and Kihei are primed to give visitors the stereotypical island resort experience. But there is more than sun, sand, and colorful hotel décor to Maui.

Humpback whales breed off the coast during the winter. Whale watching tours are frequent, though many people claim that they can see the giant mammals floating on the ocean’s surface from the shore. You might also be able to hear the noises that the whales use to communicate by putting your ear to the water.

The peak of the Haleakala volcano is the perfect perch for watching the sun rise. The 10,000-foot peak also gives visitors a line of sight to see most of the other islands of Hawaii. It is possible to get to the top of the mountain via bike, auto, or on foot. Haleakala is proof that Hawaii is not all sun and rainbows. The temperatures on the peak dip to near freezing. Keep that in mind if you are planning to take in the sunrise.

Kihei is the best place to experience Maui’s nightlife. Nightlife is a relative term, however. Things start winding down not long after midnight, so don’t expect to find yourself dancing the night away.

Lush forest and fields of sugar cane and pineapple dominate the interior of Maui. Trips via bicycle or jeep will offer visitors a chance to glimpse the tropical landscape up close. Despite the prevalence of resorts on Maui, agriculture is still an important part of the local economy.

Maui is the place to go if you want the stereotypical Hawaii experience. However, the nature on and around the island offers some unexpected delights.

Saint Louis is a city in limbo. It is neither north nor south. It sits in Missouri but spills over into Illinois. It is a large metropolitan area, but is often overshadowed by the Twin Cities and Chicago; sadly left out of conversations about travel destinations in the Midwest.

Here’s one thing you probably know about Saint Louis: it is the home of the world famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Though most brew aficionados find the beer produced here to be thoroughly mediocre, it is one of the largest breweries in the world. And, there’s a tour. And, it’s free, including samples (no, not unlimited samples). You can even pet the Clydesdales.

And now, here’s one thing you probably didn’t know about Saint Louis: It has the most free attractions in the US, save Washington DC (and we all pay taxes, so I’m not sure you could call a lot of those attractions free in the true sense).

Some examples:

The famous Gateway Arch which is included in every picture of Saint Louis that you’ve ever seen. Why not get your own Arch picture.

The massive Forest Park is one of the nations largest. It has plenty activities and green expanses. Entrance into the art museum on the park grounds is free. You can make a day of it.

The Saint Louis Zoo is has plenty of exhibits. It is recognized as one of the best in the country. And entrance is free (except for the overpriced concession stands).

No, the “free” spirit of Saint Louis does not cross over into restaurants. You might get some complimentary breadsticks. However, diners won’t find themselves short on choices. Saint Louis boasts a disproportionate amount of fine eateries.

Saint Louis might surprise visitors. Give it a try. If you plan your trip right, it won’t cost you much.

Though it only has 60,000 inhabitants, Portland is the largest city in Maine. However, this port city is not as remote as it feels. It lays on the Atlantic Coast a mere two-hour drive from Boston. Because of its relatively convenient location, it is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer. In June and July, Portland’s seaside comes alive with a glut of restaurants, shops, and tour companies offering seagoing adventures.

Many sights in Portland are related to the sea. The most picturesque lighthouse on the East Coast is The Portland Head Light. There is a museum attached to the lighthouse. It is free to wander the grounds and take pictures though it is well worth visiting the museum as well. The lighthouses of Maine are the kind you see in paintings and postcards.

Portland’s Old Port has the atmosphere of a bygone era. There are plenty of shops and eateries. Though most of the Old Port area is quite touristy, the feel is pretty authentic and the locals exceptionally friendly.

Portland is, and always has been, a fishing town. Tourists can even buy a spot on a lobster boat and head out to bait traps and drop them into the water. This is good family fun and also a good way to get out on the water. The views of the rocky coastline from the sea are quite picturesque.

Not only can visitors fish for lobsters in Portland, they can eat them too. Portland’s seafood is, as would be expected, fresh and good. Oysters and cod are also on the menu.

Portland’s winters can be quite harsh, so visiting during the warm summer months is recommended. Though it can get quite crowded in town, the rugged areas of the coast always feel remote no matter how many people are around.

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s biggest and flashiest casinos. It’s easy to get swept up in the bright lights, fast pace, and free buffets of Sin City. But outside of New York, L.A., and Vancouver, Vegas has some of the finest restaurants in North America.

It’s well known that celebrity chefs often earn huge bucks by stamping their name on a casino’s high-end eatery. This doesn’t automatically make them into some sort of gourmet version of McDonald’s though; some of these restaurants are quit good. But, there are plenty of good eats to be found on and off the strip.

Or perhaps you’d rather have some campy fun at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or another over-the-top theme place. There are plenty in Vegas. They wouldn’t survive anywhere else, but have become part of the landscape, and part of the experience.

ENVY Steakhouse is one of the best off-the-strip restaurants. We’re talking fresh ingredients including Kobe and Black Angus beef prepared with fresh and carefully prepared accompaniments.

Asian and Asian-fusion food is all the rage in Vegas these days. Shanghai Lily and Tao are two fine dining establishments to try the latest eastern creations in the west. Tao doubles as a nightclub that often features live national acts. We’re talking the latest hip-hop and pop. No plastic surgery aficionados singing the same songs they’ve been singing for 50 years here.

Another club worth checking out is 3121, which is inside the Rio Hotel. Prince often plays here on weekends. This is probably the hottest scene in the U.S.

People go to Vegas to gamble. That’s a given. What many are seeing, though, is that the restaurants and nightclubs that sit on the periphery of the casinos are just as big an attraction as the blackjack tables.

Idaho is known as the home of the potato. What could there possibly be to visit in a state that brags about producing some of the most commonplace foods in America?

One has only to look at Boise, the states understated capital, to find Idaho’s attractiveness. No, this is not Los Angeles, or even Seattle. If you come to Boise expecting anything as raucous as that, you’ll be disappointed. But, that’s not to say Boise isn’t without excitement or culture.

Case and point: Boise’s Shakespeare Festival. The outdoor festival takes place each summer against the backdrop of the foothills outside the city. If old English tragedies and comedies don’t suit you, try Boise’s Art Museum. It has some of the best local and regional artwork without the snootiness and prices you’d expect to find in a larger city. Yes, Boise has a cosmopolitan streak in its arts. It just doesn’t wear that fact on its sleeve. Many visitors might find that quite refreshing.

Boise is also surrounded by natural beauty. In fact, some places, like Barber Park, teem with wildlife even though they are within the city limits. Also of interest to nature lovers is the 15 mile long paved trail known as the Boise River Greenbelt. This path is perfect for rollerblading, biking, or simply walking. The path, as its name suggests, follows the Boise River and ends up in Downtown, where you can stop for some refreshment on a warm summer’s evening.

Boise is a midsized city that is not trying to be anything bigger. It celebrates culture and nature in a way that makes it unique.

As far as border towns go, El Paso is one of the largest. There’s no mistaking the fact that Mexico is a few feet away. Spanish is heard as often as English, and, while Spanish skills are not necessary for those visiting, knowing some of the absics will prove quite helpful.

The Chihuahua Desert, Franklin Mountains, and the Rio Grande make El Paso a place of diverse natural landscapes. Guides can take you through the mountains on foot, horseback, or in air-conditioned vehicles. A trip on the Rio Grande will put the starboard side of the boat in Mexico and the port side in the US. The beautiful and rugged valley surrounding the river is a sight to behold.

The fusion of Mexican and Texan culture is unique in El Paso. Of course, for an authentic Mexican experience, you can easily head over to Juarez. It is even possible to cross the border on foot and do some shopping in Mexico before returning to downtown El Paso.

The food is great in El Paso, but it is not a place for vegetarians. Steakhouses rub elbows with taco joints, and small trucks selling tacos and burritos cruise the way ice cream trucks do in other parts of the country.

Lest you forget, Texas is cowboy country. Locals will constantly be reminding you of this fact in one-way or another. Rodeos are a popular event in El Paso. Bull riding usually takes center stage at these meetings. Of course, another bovine related event occurs across the border in Juarez: Bullfighting. The bullfighting arena is located in downtown Juarez.

The mix of cultures and the landscape makes El Paso a unique place to visit. Where else in the US can you walk to Mexico for a shot of tequila and then return stateside for a piece of lime.

South Africa is its continents rising star. Since the end of apartheid, the country has become Africa’s most culturally and economically significant land. This development has not gone unnoticed by the world at large. A shining example of this: FIFA awarded the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, making it the first sub-Saharan nation to host such a major sporting event. There is plenty more to South Africa than soccer, though.

With all that is new in South Africa getting the headlines, one might forget the history of this land. The nation’s history is punctuated by peoples like Zulu, Boer, an British; figures like Nelson Mandela; and a past full of both colorful culture and violent conflict. One thing that often gets left out of the list that might be of interest to visitors, be they gourmets or just curious travelers, is the wine.

South Africa’s relationship with grapes dates back over three hundred years. Today the industry is steeped in history, but also very accessible to visitors. In fact, the tourist industry owes much of its recent success to wine tourism. Some grape growing regions of the world are inaccessible to the average tourist. There is no such exclusivity in South Africa.

Though there are some guided tours that include walking vineyards, visiting cellars, and plenty of tasting, it is easy enough to explore one of the many “wine regions” on your own. Most of the vineyards are located in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Some of the better-known regions, like Stellenbosch, have well trod routes between vineyards. The industry has had a trickle down effect on its surrounding areas. Restaurants and hotels that can cater to even the most demanding gourmand have sprung up along these “wine routes.”

Wine is only part of the attraction to South Africa. It’s many cultures, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife draw visitors as much as its grapes. All this makes for one of the most interesting and colorful wine industries in the world.

Tokyo is a city with a cuisine as strange and wonderful as any in the world. The unfortunate side, especially for budget travelers, is that Tokyo is also one of the most expensive cities on earth. Is it possible to experience this vibrant cuisine on a shoestring?

The answer can be found at the bottom of a bowl of noodles. Literally.

The cheapest, and often some of the best, eats in Japan can be found at any friendly neighborhood noodle shop. For a few dollars (no more than 10 usually), you can experience this Japanese staple without breaking your travel budget.

Are we talking noodles stir-fried with fish eyeballs or something funky like that? Probably not, though if you really want that and are willing to look hard enough…

The good thing about eating in Japan is that many restaurants have menus with pictures or even plastic models of the specialties. So, even with a very limited Japanese, you can have at least a general idea of what you’re ordering. Many shops actually have an automated payment system that takes your Yen much like a vending machine and spits out a ticket. This ticket goes to the counter attendant who passes it on to the cook. No Japanese language skills necessary.

Many times, the choice will be between thin noodles (soba) or wider, flatter noodles (udon). Additions can include fish, meat, veggies, and tofu. Whatever the ingredients, a bowl at a noodle shop is likely hearty enough to leave you satisfied and still in possession of most of your wealth.