Avoiding Scams

Scams are part and parcel of world travel. Whether you are visiting a third world country or standing in the heart of New York City, you are vulnerable to scams. Here are a few that you should be aware of:

1. A stranger asks for fuel money - Usually this is accompanied with a sob story of a funeral, family emergency, etc. If you do feel compelled to help this person, tell them that you will go with them to a gas station and you will find that they disappear very quickly.

2. Free gift - Someone asks you a very simple favor (i.e. directions) and return they put a bracelet on your arm or something similar. You don’t want it but you can’t take it off your arm either, so feel compelled to give that person some money. A variation of this is where someone “finds” a “valuable” watch or bracelet in front of you and tries to sell it to you.

3. Diversion - You get a flat tire and a good Samaritan pulls up to help you. Keep an eye out, his friend might be emptying your luggage. This works in reverse as well, where you are flagged down by someone who needs help. Another diversionary tactic is where someone helps to clean bird poo from your shirt. You wallet might disappear at this point.

4. Overcharge - Taxis are notorious for taking advantage of unsuspecting travellers. If they are on the meter, they will deliberately take longer routes. If they are without a meter they will name atrocious rates.

How to travel the world without a budget

You can go around the world in 80 tram stops - once you get off the couch.

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How to travel the world without a budget

Vet’s love for animals continues into retirement

He’s been bitten, scratched and kicked by a horse but after 35 years long-serving Dubbo veterinarian Gordon Bentley will retire tomorrow with mixed emotions.

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Vet’s love for animals continues into retirement

World Briefs

Tentacle of God? An octopus in Germany called Paul who has shot to stardom for his spot-on World Cup predictions yesterday forecast a quarter-final win by his home country over Argentina.

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World Briefs

Wish you were here?

Cairns may top the list for Victorians wanting a winter break, but travel experts say families are also flocking to New Zealand’s ski fields.

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Wish you were here?

Wish you were here?

Cairns may top the list for Victorians wanting a winter break, but travel experts say families are also flocking to New Zealand’s ski fields.

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Wish you were here?

Travel: Cheaper to holiday in Bulgaria than Brighton’

Britons will be better off financially by holidaying in Bulgaria than Brighton, according to a survey today.

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Travel: Cheaper to holiday in Bulgaria than Brighton’

It’s STILL cheaper to holiday in Cyprus or Turkey than stay in UK

British resorts and businesses impose such high prices that it might be cheaper to fly thousands of miles to a resort abroad, a study shows.

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It’s STILL cheaper to holiday in Cyprus or Turkey than stay in UK

Message washes ashore in africa

Annie O’Sullivan dropped a bottle in waters off Indonesia and it washed up in Mozambique, 9000km away. Picture: ELENOR TEDENBORG ANNIE O’Sullivan from Kiama hoped that someone would get her message in a bottle - and they did.

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Message washes ashore in africa

The cheap getaway: It’s STILL cheaper to holiday in Cyprus or Turkey than to stay in the UK

British resorts and businesses impose such high prices that it might be cheaper to fly thousands of miles to a resort abroad, a study shows.

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The cheap getaway: It’s STILL cheaper to holiday in Cyprus or Turkey than to stay in the UK

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