| Almost everyone has heard travel horror stories. | | | | do not allow exports of most pieces of their |
| From robberies to scams, it is important to be | | | | country's history. So, if you did purchase the find of |
| informed about what to possibly expect on your | | | | the century, you will probably not be able to take it |
| luxury vacations. The most common stories of being | | | | home. If you are dedicated to taking something |
| ripped off abroad involve currency, purchasing | | | | home with you, go to a well-known and licensed |
| "priceless artifacts" and being trapped by taxis. Take | | | | antiquities dealer. Your tour guide or cruise purser |
| a look at these common ways people are either | | | | should have the best recommendations. Be sure to |
| overcharged or ripped off, and use these strategies | | | | ask the right questions, such as delivery options, |
| to stay in control of your money! | | | | legality issues and get a receipt of sale. |
| Currency Fraud | | | | Taxi Fraud |
| One of the most difficult parts about traveling to | | | | Most travelers get around their destinations via taxis, |
| other countries is using foreign currency. There are | | | | unless they are on a guided excursion from their |
| several ways to handle this issue; the most important | | | | luxury world cruise Most taxi drives know this, and |
| one is to be somewhat familiar with the exchange | | | | can spot a tourist from a mile away. They know you |
| rate. For example, one Euro is the equivalent of $1.50 | | | | are unfamiliar with the exchange rate, the going local |
| USD. Also, be familiar with what the local currency | | | | taxi rate and unfamiliar with the area. They may |
| looks like. A common tourist scam is being | | | | overprice their rate to take advantage of your |
| approached in the airport or in front of a hotel by | | | | ignorance, or take a more scenic route in order to |
| what appears to be a fellow tourist. They may wish | | | | run up the tab. Some may not run a meter at all and |
| to exchange some of their "left over" currency for | | | | tell you a high flat rate. You can avoid being taken |
| dollars. They may attempt to sell you counterfeit | | | | advantage of by asking the going rate before you |
| currency, or offer a high rate of exchange. Do not | | | | step into the cab, and an estimate of how much to |
| be taken in by such people. The only safe way to | | | | get to your destination. If there is no meter, do not |
| exchange currency is through a bank, your local | | | | get in. They might not be a legitimate taxi service, |
| American Express Office, or the purser aboard any | | | | and may take you somewhere unless you pay them |
| luxury world cruise. | | | | off. Do not hesitate to try another taxi if you think |
| Purchasing Antiquities | | | | you can do better. Suddenly, the price might change |
| When traveling to countries with rich ancient histories | | | | to something more reasonable if you threaten to |
| on a luxury travel vacation, you may be tempted to | | | | look elsewhere. |
| take a piece of it home with you. In countries such | | | | The first step in avoiding becoming involved in any of |
| as China, Egypt and Britain, there are a number of | | | | these scams is to be aware and informed. |
| licensed and unlicensed antiquities dealers that will | | | | Now that you are armed with information and |
| offer to sell you some of the greatest finds of the | | | | strategies to avoid becoming involved in these |
| century. But buyer beware, even experts can be | | | | situations, you are ready to face your luxury travel |
| fooled by fakes. Not to mention that most countries | | | | vacation without fear. |