The Travel Scams Costing Tourists Thousands

Good morning. It's Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

If you've been thinking about adding a travel rewards card to your wallet, now may be the time. Chase has brought back its rare 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Sapphire Preferred® Card after $5,000 in spending within the first three months. It's one of the largest bonuses the card has ever offered, and Chase says the promotion is ending soon. The card also includes valuable travel perks and flexible points that can be redeemed through Chase Travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners, making it one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market.

If you've been waiting for a strong Chase Sapphire offer, this is about as good as it gets. Just make sure you qualify and can comfortably meet the spending requirement before applying.

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It's official: the biggest source of in-flight frustration isn't delays or cramped seats—it's your fellow passengers. A new HotelTonight survey of 447 U.S. travelers found that 40% say armrest hogs are their biggest pet peeve, narrowly beating passengers who jump into the aisle before it's their turn to deplane (39%). Other common annoyances include overly chatty seatmates (27%), boarding before your group is called (25%), and asking to switch seats (20%).

While you can't control who you're seated next to, following basic travel etiquette—respecting personal space, waiting your turn, and being considerate of those around you—can make flying a little smoother for everyone. (More)

If your checked bag doesn't arrive at baggage claim, don't leave the airport before reporting it. Travel experts say your first stop should be the airline's baggage service desk, where you can file a missing bag report and provide a delivery address. Many airlines will deliver delayed luggage directly to your hotel or home, and you may also qualify for compensation, frequent flyer miles, or reimbursement for essential items you need to purchase while you wait.

If your bag is ultimately declared lost, U.S. airlines are required to compensate passengers for eligible losses, and travelers may also be entitled to a refund of checked baggage fees if the delay is significant. To reduce the chances of future headaches, experts recommend booking nonstop flights when possible, placing an AirTag or other tracker in checked luggage, keeping your baggage claim tag, and taking a quick photo of your bag's contents before checking it.

A new analysis from Henley & Partners found a strong connection between global peace and passport power. Singapore topped the list, pairing the world's strongest passport—with visa-free access to 192 destinations—with a top-10 ranking on the Global Peace Index. Japan, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, and Portugal also ranked highly across both measures. Despite rising global conflicts, international mobility continues to improve, with the average passport now offering visa-free access to 108 countries, nearly double the average from 20 years ago.

For travelers considering dual citizenship, relocating abroad, or simply curious about global mobility, passport strength can significantly affect where you can travel without a visa. The findings also reinforce that countries known for stability and safety often provide their citizens with the greatest travel freedom. (More)

Bali has launched a dedicated immigration task force to crack down on foreign influencers and content creators who use tourist visas while accepting free stays, products, or payments in exchange for social media posts. Officials are monitoring online content and conducting inspections in popular tourist areas, with violators facing fines, arrest, deportation, and even lifetime bans from Indonesia.

If you're creating sponsored content abroad, don't assume a tourist visa allows it. Many countries consider paid promotions, gifted accommodations, and brand collaborations to be work, which may require a different visa. Before accepting free perks or posting sponsored content overseas, check local visa rules to avoid turning your vacation into a legal headache. (More)

The most convincing travel scams don't happen in dark alleys—they happen in busy airports, train stations, restaurants, and tourist attractions. It might start with someone offering a "free" friendship bracelet, a helpful stranger directing you to a private taxi, or an unofficial tour guide claiming the ticket office is closed. Other common tricks include taxis that don't quote a fare before leaving, restaurants with hidden cover charges or overpriced menu items, and currency exchanges that advertise "zero commission" while offering poor exchange rates. Many travelers fall victim simply because they're tired, distracted, or too polite to question what's happening.

The best defense is slowing down before saying yes:

➤ Southwest's latest fare sale is offering one-way flights from $49 on select routes this fall. The promotion runs through July 23, with travel available on eligible dates and blackout restrictions on some routes. If you're planning a fall getaway, it's worth checking fares before the sale ends.

➤ Chase Sapphire Preferred® is now offering a 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. It's one of the biggest travel credit card offers available right now, and the points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel rewards through Chase Travel. Apply here

Traveling solo doesn't have to mean paying for two. While many cruise lines still charge a single supplement—an extra fee for passengers occupying a cabin alone—more operators are eliminating or reducing those charges to attract solo travelers. Whether you're looking for a luxury river cruise or a large ocean ship, there are now more options than ever designed specifically for independent travelers.

Here are five cruise lines worth considering:

If you're planning to cruise alone, compare fares carefully. A voyage advertised with no single supplement can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars while giving you the freedom to travel entirely on your own schedule. (More)

➤ ☕ Drinking up to five cups of filtered coffee daily may reduce the risk of heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, according to a new American Heart Association statement. Experts caution that energy drinks don't offer the same benefits, and caffeine tolerance varies, so people with heart conditions should consult their doctor.

➤ 🧠 Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Faster Memory Decline. A new study published in Neurology found that people who consume higher amounts of certain artificial sweeteners may experience faster cognitive decline over time. Researchers found an association—not proof of causation—and say more studies are needed. (More)

➤ 🏨 The Most Stolen Hotel Item Might Surprise You Think hotel toiletries top the list? Think again. A survey of more than 1,200 hotel staff and owners found that towels are the most commonly stolen item from hotel rooms, followed by bathrobes and hangers. The hospitality industry loses an estimated $100 million each year replacing stolen items.

➤ 🛏️ These U.S. Destinations Have the Biggest Bed Bug Problem A new Orkin report ranked Chicago as the nation's worst city for bed bugs for another year, followed by Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Popular travel destinations including New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, Tampa, and Myrtle Beach also appeared on the list, highlighting the importance of checking hotel rooms before settling in.

Pro Tip: To reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home, inspect your room upon arrival, keep luggage off the bed, and dry your clothes on high heat after returning from your trip. (More)

Written by the Boarding Soon Editorial Team

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