Think like a spy to avoid travel scams

Valerie Plame, the ex-CIA covert operative, may have had her cover revealed by the Bush Administration in 2003, but she says she’s never been the victim of a travel scam. For this Travel Scam Tip, Plame and another travel expert were interviewed. Plame said, “I pay extremely close attention to details. And when you’re traveling under cover, you need to be on the ball. I have never been scammed because I check and double check everything.”

As a CIA operative, Plame traveled extensively. Now, as a bestselling author on tour to promote her new thriller “Blowback,” she’s traveling again. Just like the millions of others who travel each year, she needs to continue that vigilance she exercised as a spy. Los Angeles travel expert Natalie Compagno agrees with Plame’s philosophy and said that she’s seen travel crime in many countries. She offered one travel tip that should be adopted by every traveler.

“Unless you’re going really deep into bush,” said Compagno, “it’s easy to get cash. The fees are exactly the same wherever you go. Travelers should bring a credit card with a low ceiling for use on a trip. They can always go to an ATM and take out a little cash if they need it. Always use a credit card for purchases because that way you’re protected. And if someone steals your card, you’re also protected. Your insurance is to always keep a second card in your luggage back at the room. That way, if someone does steal your other card, you can cancel it and still have money.”

More information

For more information about “Blowback” or Valerie Plame, visit her website at valerieplamewilson.com. In addition to her travel agency, Natalie Compagno runs travelersbookcase.com, a travel website devoted to traveler’s books and information.

While you’re here, why not discover Kauai Temptations? Learn why New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinley called it “More delicious than a Coconut Mocha Frap…”