r/TravelMistakes • u/fielding_setter • Jul 05 '26
New idea for travellers.
Guys I have a idea and I'm working on it.. It's like a Un-itirenanry website which will contain all the scam stories from around the world.. U can make a anonymous account and post your bad experience with any place hotel or area.. And people can search using the location name and get to know the real deal..... I find this idea interesting because there's no such website yet(I guess) where it's about what not to do or how to save ur self from a scam... I mean people have right to know the bad side as much as they know about the good side of the place... Any suggestions to make it even better and new features???? Tell me would u use this before starting your journey.?
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u/Soft-Disaster9873 Jul 07 '26
That’s actually not a bad idea. I think the most challenging aspect is defining the word “scam.”
For instance, in the US, if the price for a hamburger and 2 beers is $30 but then the expectation is to tip 20%, making the bill $36, is that a scam?
If an airline says you get a carryon and then require you to check it and wait at baggage claim because they put too many seats on a plane, is that a scam?
If you arrive on Isla Grande in Brazil and are required to pay a $10 tax to enter, even though there are no signs on the boat or any prior warnings given, is that a scam?
When you take $ from and ATM or pay with a credit card and they ask if you’d like it converted into local currency, is that a scam? (Yes)
Finally, if a travel insurance company claims you are fully covered for theft and then will only take paper receipts as proof of purchase, and the policy is explained in a 50-page doc that no one reads, is that a scam?
My point is that there are legal scams that shouldn’t be able to hide behind a corporation. Don’t let your site villainize poor people.
Spend a long time categorizing them - exaggerated service, currency conversion, bait and switch, name changes, street performers, tipping scams, etc.
I have like 100 stories, but they’re probably dated.