No one would ever mistake me for chill, but come vacation time, my anxiety ramps up, not down. Is three hours enough time to get to the airport three miles away? Did I pack my earbuds? Did I pack my back-up earbuds? My back-up back-up earbuds? Is the tip included in the service charge? Is the service charge the same thing as a cover charge? Does sunscreen come in 1,000 SPF?

This is precisely the mental state that scammers seek to exploit — when we’re overwhelmed, distracted and on the move. From fake confirmation links to bogus guided tour offers that require pre-payment to manipulated photos of vacation rentals to hidden fees, the travel industry is a known target for fraudsters and is among the most susceptible to attacks, according to an analysis by the Mastercard Economics Institute —with the fraud rate in travel-related industries experiencing more than twice the median fraud rate across all sectors.

In fact, a new global Mastercard Economics Institute report on travel based on aggregated and anonymized transaction data reveals that reported fraud rates increased by more than 18% at popular summer destinations in warm periods and more than 28% during the cold season at winter destinations.

So as summer travel season gets underway, I asked Mastercard’s cybersecurity experts for tips on protecting my money, my data and my identity before I leave and while I’m on the go.

01

Book on reputable websites

When booking your flights, hotels or experiences abroad, interact only with reputable, established vendors. Before you snag yourself a deal, read the reviews and examine their site to ensure it is secure. Make sure the company you are booking with has a phone number or physical mailing address that you can verify before you proceed.

02

Use your own device and secure Wi-Fi networks

Never book or shop on a device you don’t own, or on public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in airports, train stations or cafés. Keep in mind that your information and financial accounts may be at risk if you use an unsecure network. Use your mobile data or, better yet, wait until you can use your home network. And keep your devices’ operating systems up to date — they contain critical security updates that protect you from vulnerabilities.

03

Know your rights

Check what travel benefits and insurance you have in place for your booking and while you are abroad, via your bank or your credit card provider. Familiarize yourself with the chargeback process. This can help prepare you for when you find yourself in a tricky situation — for example, if there are fraudulent or unauthorized charges on your account, damaged or defective goods or incorrect charges. It can help to preregister your trip location and dates with your credit card provider to ensure they know the purchases you make while away are not flagged as suspicious.

04

Protect your tech

Setting up multifactor authentication — a combination of a unique, hard-to-guess passcode and biometrics like your face or fingerprint — means that if your passcode is compromised, fraudsters won’t be able to meet the second authentication requirement, which stops them from gaining access to your accounts. In addition, pack a charging cord with a traditional plug. USB and USB-C cables can transfer data, which could occur when you plug the cable into a public USB/USB-C port. Using a traditional plug removes the risk of data transfer.

05

Back up to the cloud and carry hard copies

Set your phone or device so that data is backed up to the cloud: If you lose your device, you will still be able to access your travel documentation. As an extra precaution, carry hard copies of all your travel documents. Take a photo of the inside of your passport, especially the bar code, which will help if you need to request a replacement when traveling.

06

Know your card’s PIN and check contactless limits

Knowing your credit card and daily debit card limits and PINs can help make travel easier. The PIN assigned to your card is required at ATMs and at some payment terminals abroad. Some countries also have limits on how much you can spend per contactless transaction.

07

Set up account alerts

Setting up alerts can help you monitor your accounts easily and quickly identify transactions that you don’t recognize. Should you suspect fraudulent activity, contact the financial institution that issued your card immediately.

08

Have multiple payment options

Keep an alternate form of payment in a different bag in case your wallet is lost or stolen. Add your eligible debit and credit cards to a digital wallet so you can pay with your mobile device wherever digital payments are accepted — in stores, online and in apps.

09

Don’t overshare

Avoid posting your location or travel agenda on social media. Sharing these details allows potential thieves to keep track of where you are, making it easier for them to time a crime. The same goes for your out of office email message — be careful which personal details you share, as it could prove useful to fraudsters.

10

Report your lost card quickly

If your debit or credit card is lost or stolen while you’re traveling, report it to your bank right away. If you previously added your card to a digital wallet and you are still in possession of your device, your card issuer may be able to update your digital wallet with your new card information so that you can continue using it while you wait for your new card to arrive.

This story was originally published July 1, 2024 and has been updated to reflect new research on travel fraud and fresh tips.

Open this photo in gallery: Alina Naumova/iStockPhoto / Getty Images

Travel has become more expensive in recent years, with increased costs for airfare, hotels, and dining. However, don’t let that deter you from exploring. Regardless of your destination, booking early and choosing off-season travel are effective strategies to save money.

If you want to stretch your budget further, try these tactics that can help maximize vacation dollars.

The insiders’ guide: Where to go in Europe to avoid the crowds

How to save if you’re travelling in Canada

Although travelling within Canada can be notoriously expensive, some recent changes may help reduce your overall costs.

Porter Airlines expanded its network and now flies across the country. Both Air Canada and WestJet have also increased their domestic routes as they’ve scaled back some flights to the United States. As a result, lower fares have been available.

Additionally, the federal government recently announced a Canada Strong Pass, which allows those under the age of 18 to get free access to art galleries, national parks, museums and free seats on VIA Rail when travelling with their parents. While specific details are yet to be announced, this initiative could offer a valuable opportunity to cut costs.

When planning your travel, make sure to check the local tourism website since they often have exclusive deals or passes.

Stephanie Clovechok, chief executive officer of Discover Saskatoon, said her group’s website helps direct those planning their itineraries to a range of services and deals.

“Our offers and packages page connects travellers directly with hotel promotions and seasonal experiences developed in partnership with our hospitality and tourism members,” she said.

In B.C. there’s Whistler’s offer of up to 25 per cent off and a complimentary $100 activity voucher on stays of three nights or more, or up to 30 per cent off and a $200 voucher on stays of at least five nights.

Those headed to Nova Scotia may be interested in the Halifax Experience Pass and the Nova Scotia Museum Pass. Both give you access to some top attractions at one low price.

How to save if you want to lie on a beach

When you bundle your flights, hotel and airport transfers together as a vacation package, it’s often significantly cheaper than booking everything separately. That said, major resorts such as Sandals and Secrets often have seasonal sales, so booking separately might make sense.

Working with a travel agent can also be beneficial since many don’t charge a fee and offer practical advice.

“For flexible travellers, we can help them find the best days to depart to maximize savings,” travel adviser Jennifer Zabloski said. “Sometimes leaving the day before or after your desired date can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”

She points out that online photos and reviews of resorts are frequently misleading, so collaborating with an adviser who has visited the properties and knows the location well can ensure you’re getting the best fit for your needs.

Another sun destination with deals right now is Bermuda, where visitors can get up to 30 per cent off hotel stays, and 20 per cent off air and hotel with BermudAir Holidays.

Open this photo in gallery: Bermuda is a popular sun destination with deals currently on offer for hotels and air travel.

How to save if you want to go to Europe

If you’re headed to Europe for the first time, it will be tempting to visit major destinations such as Paris, Rome and London, however, those cities tend to be the most expensive. Instead, consider more budget-friendly destinations such as Portugal, Poland, Romania or Bulgaria, where costs could be considerably cheaper.

When it comes to flights, choosing an airline that provides a stopover program, such as Icelandair, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and TAP Portugal, can be a cost-effective way to visit multiple countries. Stopover programs allow travellers to break up their journey – usually by at least 24 hours – and visit cities that are en route to their ultimate destination. Google Flights and Flightconnections.com are excellent websites for discovering the lowest prices and best routes.

Many European cities, such as Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin, offer a museum pass that can save you money, depending on how many attractions you plan to visit.

How to save if you book a long-haul flight

“Regardless of what loyalty points you collect, using them for long-haul travel often makes sense because it’ll immediately reduce the cost of your flights or hotels – typically your largest expense,” said Sash Bhavsar, co-founder of pointspartners.ca, a consultancy firm that frequent flyers hire to help them maximize their points.

Don’t overlook local hotel brands abroad, like Tokyu Stay and APA in Japan. They’re often more affordable and offer a more authentic experience than large international chains, Mr. Bhavsar noted.

If possible, opt for a regional or smaller international airport instead of the main one at your destination to save on airport landing fees and taxes that are often reflected in ticket prices.

Secondary airport hubs charge airlines less, so if visiting Bangkok, Thailand, see if you can land at Don Mueang International (DMK) instead of Suvarnabhumi (BKK). And in Buenos Aires, for example, aim for Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) rather than Ezeiza (EZE).

How to save if you want to go on a cruise

Many seasoned cruisers turn to vacationstogo.com as a starting point for trip research. While it may not be the most user-friendly website, its filtering system is arguably the best because it allows travellers to browse cruise deals by departure date, ports, cruise lines and trip duration. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, contact the cruise line and book directly for the best price.

“Most cruise lines offer seasonal promotions, including discounted fares, onboard credits and special deals like free passage for third and fourth guests,” Lisa Huizing, a vacation consultant with Expedia Cruises, said.

Planning ahead and prepaying for add-ons such as beverage packages, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, excursions and gratuities can also help, Huizing added.

No one wants an unexpected charge at the end of their voyage, so securing these extras in advance can ensure a more enjoyable experience. When booking, ask about all-inclusive packages that bundle these extras at a reduced price.

Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert. He was previously affiliated with Air Canada and WestJet, but currently has no relationship with any of the brands mentioned.

Affordable summer travel tips including where to fly and when to book

NEW YORK (WABC) — Does a big vacation seem out of reach? Don’t rule it out just yet.

We have tips that can help you save on travel this summer.

“If you did have a big summer trip in mind, you know this really could be the year that you’re getting it more affordably than ever,” said Katy Nastro, Travel Expert with Going.com.

Nastro is coining this summer as ‘soft demand summer’, which could mean savings.

“People are sort of pulling back or not quite sure they want to spend on travel this year. And so soft demand means less people traveling. Which airlines then to entice people to travel are looking to discount seats,” Nastro said.

Summer is still peak travel season, so the time to book is ASAP.

“Right around early May is when people really should have those flights already booked, but we’re still seeing some incredible prices for peak summer dates,” Nastro said.

And flexibility could be the key to finding the best deal.

“If you haven’t booked anything, try to target those first two weeks in June, or those last two weeks in August,” she said.

Popular domestic spots this summer are Honolulu, Denver and Seattle.

International destinations like Tokyo, Athens and Lisbon are still at the top of people’s lists.

While those hot spots might be pricy, Nastro says there’s a hack for that.

“You fly into a destination that might not be your preferred destination, but then you take alternate means of transport to get to that intended destination. But your cost overall is much less,” she said.

An example could be flying to Lisbon, then catching a train to Madrid.

Traveling smarter could be your ticket to a summer getaway without breaking the bank.

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Google Flights has the data on the best time to book your flight without breaking the bank. Yuttapon Busu/Getty Images

Planning a vacation is stressful and it can get pricey fast, especially if you’re traveling during high-traffic seasons like the summertime. The good news is our CNET experts have compiled and explored a ton of travel tips on how to find affordable flights and properly prepare like a travel pro. This exploration includes reviewing key Google Flights data to help you make smarter decisions when reviewing airfare.

Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important take-aways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money.

For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET’s roundup of the best headphones for travel.

What days are the cheapest to fly?

CNET

If you’re planning to book a flight, you’re likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data.

Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly.

Do layovers on flights save you money?

It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.

Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights?

There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren’t really cheaper days to book. “There’s not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week,” according to the Google report.

Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.

Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance?

To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it’s better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it’s better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel.

For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip — with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average.

For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, “Average prices don’t meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself” for international travel from the US.

Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again. Anton Petrus/Getty Images/Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET

When is the best time to book a flight in every season?

Here’s what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations.

Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book.

Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest — meaning it’s best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October.

Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It’s best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October.

Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average.

When is the best time to book a flight to Europe?

International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can.

When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean?

International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That’s because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest.

For more, check out CNET’s picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.

Summer Travel Tips And Tricks For Women: When summer travel meets soaring temperatures, especially during India’s intense heatwaves these days, safety and smart planning become absolutely essential for women travellers. While solo trips, road getaways, or group holidays offer excitement, the harsh sun can pose serious health and safety risks if not tackled wisely. Here are some simple tips and tricks to help women travel safely and comfortably in India’s summer heat:

6 Summer Travel Tips For Women 1. Stay Hydrated The most crucial rule when travelling in India’s summer heat is to stay hydrated. The health ministry and doctors emphasise carrying a water bottle at all times and sipping frequently even if you don’t feel thirsty. Including electrolyte-rich drinks like lemon water, coconut water, or lassi helps restore salts lost through sweat. Avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, or heavy caffeine.

2. Dress Light

Women should wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing, ideally made from cotton. These fabrics allow better airflow and reflect rather than absorb sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat, scarf, or umbrella can help shield your face, while sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen protect against UV exposure.

3. Avoid The Strongest Sunlight India’s summer sun peaks between 12 pm to 4 pm, and travel experts strongly recommend avoiding outdoor activities during these hours. Instead, plan outings early in the morning (before 9:30 to 10 am) or evening (after 6 :00 pm). If you must step out midday, take frequent breaks in shaded spots. 4. Pack Cooling Essentials Heatwaves in north India frequently exceed 45 °C, and humid climates can push the ‘feels-like’ temperature to around 50 °C. When travelling, consider packing a portable fan, cooling neck towel, or even wet wipes to help reduce body temperature quickly. Don’t miss:Alert Travellers! IRCTC Makes Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory For Tatkal Ticket Booking Starting July 1, 2025