Summer’s supposed to be about road trips, tan lines, and last-minute getaways, not getting scammed by a fake beach rental or a too-good-to-be-true flight deal. But every year, as travel season heats up, so do fake holiday deals. And they’re not just annoying, they can cost you real money, time, and peace of mind.
At Remitly, we get it. Whether you’re planning a long-overdue trip to see family, sending your kids abroad, or just trying to squeeze in a weekend escape, your plans matter, and so does your trust. That’s why we put together this guide to help you spot common summer vacation scams, book safely, protect your money, and know what to do if something goes sideways.
Why summer is peak season for travel scams
There’s something about summer that makes us all want to get away. Whether it’s planning a road trip, heading overseas with kids, or finally booking that dreamy hotel by the water, the season feels like an open invitation to travel. But it’s also prime time for scammers.
What makes summer travel more risky?
Summer brings a perfect storm of urgency, optimism, and convenience. Flights and hotel rooms sell out quickly, and prices climb fast. So when you see a “limited-time” deal or a message saying “only one left at this price,” it’s tempting to act fast without double-checking the details. That’s exactly what scammers want: rushed decisions.
On top of that, most of us are booking everything online these days, from flights to tours to beach house rentals. It’s easy, but it also opens the door to false listings, shady third-party websites, and fake ads that look a little too convincing.
When we’re in vacation mode, we’re not always thinking critically. You’re excited, hopeful, and more likely to click that link promising a free cruise or half-price airfare. Scammers know how to play into that energy, and they take full advantage.
Most common summer vacation scams
Scams can happen to anyone, especially when you’re planning a trip and rushing to get everything booked in time. And in the summer, these schemes get bolder, sneakier, and harder to spot.
Vacation rental fraud
You find what looks like the perfect vacation rental—great location, beautiful photos, suspiciously low price—and the “owner” asks you to pay outside an official booking site. Then you show up, and the place either doesn’t exist or has already been booked by someone else.
Too-good-to-be-true travel packages
That ad for a $299 all-inclusive trip to Cancun? If it sounds too dreamy for the price, it probably is. Some fake agencies or sketchy websites offer “exclusive” deals, then vanish as soon as they get your money.
No real booking confirmation, shady website design, or no way to reach customer service are all red flags.
Fake websites
Scammers may go as far as creating a fake website to lure in victims and steal payments or credit card information. The website may look just like a well-known booking site—with AI, it’s getting easier for fraudsters to build very realistic copies. Keep an eye out for grammar mistakes in the body of the website, and check the URL address carefully.
Fake airline or hotel phone numbers
You Google a support number, find one that looks legit, and call in to change your reservation. Except it wasn’t the airline, it was a scammer collecting your info and payment details. Remember to always get contact info directly from the airline or hotel’s official website, not from search ads or random third-party pages.
“You’ve won a free trip!”
We’ve all seen those posts or DMs on social media claiming you’ve won a vacation, cruise, or flight. It sounds exciting, and that’s the point. But if you’re asked to pay a “small fee” or “tax” to claim your prize, that’s usually the catch.
These types of scams count on your curiosity and excitement to get you to click without thinking twice. The easy rule to remember is that if you didn’t enter a contest, you probably didn’t win one. When in doubt, ignore it or double-check with the company it claims to be from.
Fake transport and tour guides
Exploring a new place often means grabbing a ride or booking a tour, and that can totally be part of the fun. But if someone approaches you with a great deal and no official ID or paperwork, it’s okay to take a step back. While many local providers are legitimate, some may overcharge or disappear after getting paid upfront.
A little research goes a long way. Check for reviews, a website, and visible credentials before saying yes. It’s all about balancing spontaneity with safety.
Phishing emails disguised as travel deals
Some emails might look like they’re from a real airline or booking site, offering limited-time deals or asking you to “confirm your reservation.” But if you look closer, the links lead to fake websites trying to collect your info.
Try hovering over the link before clicking. If the URL looks weird or doesn’t match the official site, skip it.
Travel document scams
If you’re planning a holiday overseas, you may be working on getting your passport renewed or applying for a visa. Be aware of websites or emails impersonating official government pages in an effort to steal your personal information or ask for payments.
Travel scam prevention: how to protect yourself when booking travel
You shouldn’t have to second-guess every travel plan just because scams are out there. Booking a vacation should feel exciting, not stressful. A few smart habits can go a long way in keeping your trip on track.
Always book through trusted sources
If you’re booking flights, hotels, or rentals, go straight to the source or use a well-known platform like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia. You can also tap into the best kind of insider knowledge: your own network. Ask friends, family, or coworkers for their favorite travel agencies, rentals, or tour providers. A personal recommendation can go a long way toward making sure your trip starts off on the right foot.
Take a minute to double-check
If a rental or tour looks amazing, do a quick search to see if it’s listed elsewhere. Compare the photos, read reviews, and make sure the host or company is legit. It also helps to dig a little deeper, search online for the name of the travel company, hotel, or rental along with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” to see if others have been scammed. And before clicking on unfamiliar links, use a URL checker from a government backed organization to make sure the site is safe.
And if something feels off, like a super low price or pressure to book “right now”, pause and trust your intuition.
How to tell if a travel deal might be a scam
Sometimes, a deal just feels off. Maybe it’s the price, maybe it’s the weird payment request, or maybe it’s just a gut feeling you can’t shake. Scammers rely on people not second-guessing their instincts.
Unsolicited communication
If you get a surprise message—whether it’s an email, text, social media DM, or phone call—offering a deal that sounds amazing, take a step back. Instead of clicking on links or calling the number provided, go straight to the official website of the airline, hotel, or travel company to verify the offer.
The price seems weirdly low
Let’s say you’re scrolling through rentals and stumble on a beachfront condo that’s half the price of everything else nearby. It has amazing photos and a dreamy description, but something doesn’t add up. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often bait people with super low prices to get quick bookings before anyone thinks to double-check.
Double check who really owns the listing
Sometimes scammers hijack real vacation rental listings and repost them with their own contact details. To make sure the property is legit, try searching online for the rental’s address along with the name of the host or rental company. If you find multiple listings for the same address under different names, that’s a big red flag.
There’s no clear details
Legit booking platforms are upfront about what happens if plans change. If you can’t find any info on cancellations, or the host is vague when you ask, it’s a red flag. Scammers don’t want you to look too closely. Be wary of vague promises like “five-star resort” or “luxury cruise” without specifics. You should know exactly what you’re signing up for before you hand over any money. Always ask for the full details—like the name of the hotel, what’s included, and the cancellation or refund policy—in writing. If someone avoids your questions or pressures you to decide quickly, it’s more than okay to walk away.
You’re being rushed to decide
Scammers love creating fake urgency. Maybe they say the offer is “only good for the next hour” or that “someone else is about to book.” That pressure is meant to stop you from asking questions or doing your homework. Don’t let them rush you. A real host will give you time to think it over.
They ask you to pay outside the platform
Scams can even happen on trusted websites, but not because the site itself is unsafe. It’s because scammers try to lure you off of it. For example, someone might list a beautiful vacation home on Airbnb. But once you show interest, they’ll ask you to message them directly or send payment via bank transfer. If you’re booking through a site like Airbnb or Vrbo and the host asks you to move off the trusted site to another app to send payment directly, stop right there.
Got scammed? Here’s what to do next
First of all, take a deep breath. Travel scams happen, even to the most careful people. The important thing is to act quickly and know you’ve got options.
- Contact your bank or payment provider. Whether you use a credit card or a digital payment app, reach out to them straight away.
- File a police report. Even if you’re abroad, filing a report helps create a record of what happened and it can help law enforcement find the scammer.
Scams are stressful, but you’re not alone, and taking these steps can help you move forward with more confidence and control.
How Remitly helps you stay safe
At Remitly, we know how stressful it can be to worry about scams, especially when you’re just trying to book a trip or send money to someone you care about. That’s why we’ve made security part of every transfer, all year round. If something doesn’t look right, our support team is here to help.
We also believe staying informed is just as important as staying secure. So, we share scam prevention information, financial safety tips, and practical advice to help you make confident decisions.
FAQs
Are summer travel deals usually scams?
Not always, but if the price feels way too low or the details are vague, take a second look.
What’s the safest way to book a summer rental?
Stick with trusted platforms and don’t send money outside an official booking platform to someone you haven’t met, especially if they are pressuring you.
What should I avoid doing when planning a trip?
Avoid clicking on unknown links, trusting unsolicited messages, or rushing into a deal before you’ve verified who you’re booking with.