Home
Samsonite
 

Newsflash

Easter Island: No Selfies With The Famed Sculptures


There are overwhelming numbers of thoughtless tourists with smartphones these days. The selfie has become an annoying reality in the world of travel. No monument or statue is safe from thoughtless point-and-shooters crawling all over them and posing.

Other world-respected statues have suffered the same disgraceful behavior. Think of David in Florence, Admiral Nelson in London, the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, the peeing boy in Brussels and many others. Before you attempt some offensive climbing and posing, know the local rules. If you do it on Easter Island, it could cost you $500 and/or some time in the local hoosegow.

Senior Traveler Scam: Phony Hotel Food Delivery PDF Print E-mail


When arriving in your hotel room, you’ll find a number of menus there for local dining options. Additionally, you may see a menu slid in from underneath the door. Beware! While the list looks real, it may be a restaurant that doesn't exist.

Here's how the scam works: thieves create and print a menu that looks realistic. They roam hotel hallways and push copies into hotel rooms. The menu, listing a local restaurant, invites hotel guests to phone or Email in an order at the end of the day.

Actually, the restaurant doesn't exist. When guests place orders, they’re required to pay by credit card. The food never comes, and the scammers quickly run up phony withdrawals on the credit card.

While traveling, before you decide to order local food, do some homework. An internet search of restaurants near the hotel will give you plenty of dining options. Also, ask the front desk to suggest local restaurants that deliver to the hotel.

 
 
Stay in-the-know about the latest Sports, Life, Money, Tech, and Travel stories. You'll get your first 2 months of USA TODAY for $25 (charged monthly). All print subscribers receive the e-Newspaper included with their subscription.