How to avoid scams and protect your data while traveling.
Traveling is one of the best feelings in the world. However, in a time when almost everything happens online, taking care of digital security has become essential. Online scams, fake reservations, public Wi-Fi networks, and even insecure apps can turn a dream trip into a huge problem.
The good news is that, with a few simple precautions, you can keep your data protected and enjoy your trip with much more peace of mind.
The digital world and the risks of modern travel
Our daily lives are already full of scams, but in the digital world the danger is even greater. Every year, everything becomes more connected, and that includes tourism.
In my travels, I clearly notice this change. The first ones were all analog, and I had to buy everything physically. When I did my round-the-world trip in 2017, about 60% of the purchases were online. Today, that percentage exceeds 90%. Flights, hotels, local transport, tours, tickets—everything is done online.
In some cases, there isn’t even the option of buying in person anymore.
But don’t panic: with the same precautions, you can avoid most problems. Here are the main ways to protect your digital security while traveling.
1. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true
Irresistible promotions are the preferred lure of scammers. Fake websites, “unmissable” accommodations, and incredibly cheap flights are usually traps. They know that every traveler loves a good deal, and that’s where the danger lies.
If the price is 20% or 30% below average, be suspicious.
Check if the website is official, with “https://” and the padlock in the browser.
Search the company name on review services or in travel groups.
Avoid direct payments or deposits without a refund guarantee.
Tip: always use secure and well-known platforms, such as Booking, Airbnb, and GetYourGuide.
2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Simple passwords are the easiest path for hackers. Create unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. And activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your services—email, social media, and banking apps.
Even if someone discovers your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second code.
Also, never use the same password across multiple apps. Ideally, use a different password for each one.
How to do this without going crazy?
The solution is to create a personal rule for building your passwords. That way, you don’t have to memorize everything, just remember the logic.
A simple example:
- Start with two special characters — for example: ##
- Enter the first four letters of the website name, with the first letter capitalized.
- Add the year you changed your passwords.
- End with two special characters, such as @@.
See how it looks:
- Gmail → ##Gmail2025@@
- Google → ##Goog2025@@
- Amazon → ##Amaz2025@@
Each password follows the same pattern, but is unique. Therefore, if one is leaked, it doesn’t affect the others. Easy, practical, and much more secure.
3. Be careful with public Wi-Fi. Digital security will thank you.
Staying connected is essential, but public networks are a major risk to your digital security.
Cafes, airports, and hotels often offer free Wi-Fi, but these networks can expose your data.
Avoid accessing emails and bank accounts. If necessary, use a reliable VPN, which encrypts your connection.
Nowadays, there are excellent mobile internet options with great cost-benefit. I, for example, use Airalo, which offers practical and inexpensive international packages.
4. Beware of suspicious messages
Scammers love to pretend to be airlines or hotels. Received a strange email? Stop and be suspicious.
Never click on unknown links. Prefer to type the address into your browser or open the official app.
Check the sender — often, the email looks legitimate, but it’s fake.
Always confirm reservation and flight information directly on the company’s website.
5. Protect your devices
Before boarding, do a complete check:
- Update your operating system and applications
- Install a reliable antivirus
- Activate cell phone tracking (Find My iPhone or Find My Device)
In Brazil, cell phone theft is very common, so be extra careful.
Avoid using your cell phone in crowded places and never charge it using unknown USB ports — use its own charger.
These small actions prevent major problems and keep your digital security intact.
6. Avoid exposing data on social media; this greatly improves digital security.
It’s tempting to share every moment of your trip, but posting your real-time location is risky.
Wait to post later or avoid tagging hotels and places while you’re still there.
Criminals can use this information to identify that you are away from home or to commit fraud.
7. Back up your data.
Before leaving, save copies of important documents — passport, reservations, and itineraries.
Keep an offline version on an external hard drive and another in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive).
During the trip, continue making backups. Nothing is more frustrating than losing amazing photos because of a lost cell phone.
Digital security also means having a physical copy.
8. Beware of overly helpful people
Every traveler has experienced this: you’re lost and someone approaches to help. Sometimes it’s a true good Samaritan — but not always.
Scammers often act with friendliness, especially in tourist areas. While one helps, another may be eyeing your camera or cell phone.
Be polite, but stay alert.
I learned this through experience. In the beginning, I fell for a few scams. But with time and more care, I managed to avoid dozens of similar situations — and I even met many good people along the way.
9. Report the incident to the authorities
Many travelers avoid reporting scams out of shame, but this is a mistake.
Reporting the incident helps authorities improve security and creates a record that can protect you and other tourists.
In addition, sharing the incident in travel groups and forums helps other travelers stay alert.
10. Stay informed and share knowledge
Scams change all the time. Therefore, it’s worth following trusted blogs and websites—such as Descobrindo Mundos—to stay updated on digital security while traveling.
Sharing what you learn is a powerful way to protect others.
See also the article 13 travel scams to help you prepare and stay safe.
Conclusão: viajar com segurança digital é viajar com tranquilidade
Cuidar da segurança digital é tão importante quanto levar o passaporte ou contratar um seguro de viagem.
Com pequenas mudanças de hábito, você evita fraudes, protege seus dados e garante que sua única preocupação seja viver novas experiências — e descobrir novos mundos com liberdade e confiança.
