Travel days are hectic enough without adding identity theft, fake booking links, or a compromised phone charger to the mix. The good news is that you do not have to avoid technology when you travel—you just need to use it more carefully. From airport Wi‑Fi to hotel booking apps to public charging kiosks, a few smart habits can dramatically lower your risk. The FTC says public Wi‑Fi is usually safe today because of widespread encryption, but the FTC and FCC still recommend extra precautions like checking for HTTPS, avoiding imposter hotspots, and using a VPN for sensitive activity.
Why travel tech safety matters more than people think
Travel scammers are following travelers online. A December 2025 Joint Economic Committee alert, citing FTC data, said consumers lost $274 million to travel, vacation, and timeshare scams in 2024. That makes travel fraud a real financial risk, not just a minor annoyance.
How to safely use public Wi‑Fi
Public Wi‑Fi is convenient, but you should treat every open network like a shared public space. The safest move is to verify the network name with staff, avoid entering sensitive information on random sites, and make sure the sites you use show https and a lock icon. The FTC says encrypted websites make public Wi‑Fi much safer than it used to be, while the FCC warns you to watch for fake hotspots and to turn off auto-connect to unknown networks.
Use these quick rules when you connect:
- Confirm the official network name before joining. Fake “evil twin” hotspots are a common trick.
- Look for HTTPS and the lock icon before signing in or entering payment info.
- Avoid banking, shopping, or work logins on open networks unless you are using a trusted VPN.
- Turn off auto-join so your phone or laptop does not reconnect to unsafe networks later.
How to avoid fake travel apps and booking scams
Travel apps are helpful, but fake booking sites and phishing links spike during busy travel seasons. The FTC warns that scammers create travel websites advertising “free” or deeply discounted deals, then steal your money or personal information through fake payment pages and phishing messages.
To stay safer with travel apps and websites:
- Download apps only from the Apple App Store or Google Play, not from links in texts, emails, or social posts.
- Type the company’s website yourself instead of clicking travel links in messages.
- Research the company name plus “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” before booking.
- Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for travel bookings. The FTC says those payment methods are major red flags.
Are public charging stations safe?
Be careful with public USB charging ports. Multiple reports in 2025 said the TSA and FCC warned travelers to avoid plugging directly into public USB ports because of “juice jacking,” where a compromised port could expose data or install malware. The safest alternatives are using your own wall charger, a portable battery pack, or a charge-only cable/data blocker.
Travel tech is not the enemy—rushing is. Slow down before you connect, click, download, or charge. Verify the Wi‑Fi, use trusted apps, and bring your own charging gear. Those simple steps can help you avoid the exact kinds of scams and data exposure that turn a good trip into a stressful mess.
