Searching for hidden cameras in hotel rooms and rentals is an emerging trend as more and more people report the invasion of privacy. USA TODAY
It hasn't been an easy year for the privacy of travelers, at least so far. Data breaches, surveillance worries and those troublesome cameras in airplane seatbacks and hotel rooms are enough to make passengers paranoid.
Maybe they should be.
More: Guests at 30 South Korean hotels secretly filmed, live-streamed for paying customers
“Travelers are particularly vulnerable to security threats because they are in a different environment with unfamiliar risks," says Adam Dean, a senior security specialist with GreyCastle Security, a cybersecurity services provider in New York. "Generally speaking, travelers should assume they have no privacy and know that somebody is always watching."
Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard your privacy on land and in the air. These tips can help you deal with cameras, data breaches and visual hackers.
"Your privacy is being compromised pretty much everywhere," warns France Bélanger, a frequent traveler and a business professor at Virginia Tech. Generally, the key to protecting your privacy is to limit access to your information, she says.
What to do about cameras
Airlines swear – swear! – that the cameras in their seatback entertainment systems are disabled. But cameras in other locations may not be. The most troubling ones are in vacation rentals, like the one an Indiana couple discovered in their Airbnb rental in Longboat Key, Florida.
More: United Airlines is covering up cameras on seatbacks amid privacy backlash
"Some 真人百家家乐官网网站homeowners renting their residences through 真人百家家乐官网网站home-sharing services may install security cameras," says Mike Tanenbaum, head of cyber for Chubb's North America operation. "Travelers should find out if the hosts are required to disclose the presence of surveillance devices."
If the rental comes with cameras, ensure they aren't in a sensitive area by conducting a careful sweep. Report anything suspicious to the host immediately – and if you don't like what you hear, leave.
More: How to check for hidden cameras in your hotel room or vacation rental
![How to select the right travel app for your next trip: 1. Download from a trusted source. That would be iTunes or Google Play. 2. Read the stars – and the reviews. The best travel apps have at least four stars, but many exceed 4 1/2 stars. Pay attention to the reviews, too, especially if you might need the app for a special purpose, like translating a particular language. 3. Test before you take it on the road. You don't want to find out that your app has a critical flaw while you're traveling. That might include consuming too much data, demanding you upgrade to a paid version, or only working in the United States. ]()
1 of 50![How to know if you need specialty travel clothing: 1. Does it match your trip? For example, UV-protective clothes and bug-repellent clothes are great if you’re going on an African safari. On an average beach vacation, your regular clothes and bug-repellent sprays should do the job. 2. Does it help you blend? A lot of travel clothing does the opposite: There are logos, bright colors, flashy designs. 3. Does it simplify your choices? The most experienced travelers have just one set of clothes – a "preset" wardrobe. ]()
2 of 50![How to avoid getting hacked on vacation: 1. Back up, update and encrypt. Before you leave, make sure you back up all devices and data. Double-check that all security updates are applied that sensitive data is encrypted. 2. Beware of new mobile apps. Before you go, you might be tempted to install a museum app, a language translation app or a local news app. But it may also be malicious and compromise your data. 3. Mind the "evil maid." When you leave your laptop out of your sight in a hotel bedroom, someone can take advantage of that and either copy your laptop hard drive or infect it with malware. The workaround? Encrypt your disk or never let your PC out of your sight.]()
3 of 50![What you need to know about minimum connection times: 1. They're a team effort. Minimum connection times are initially set by a group of airlines or by an airport operating committee. The times are built into the airline reservation systems, ensuring each reservation is "legal." 2. They can be specific to airports or flights. Times can change if a terminal is under construction or an airport train closes for repairs. It's always a good idea to check your airline's airport-specific page for any changes. 3. They are not a guarantee that your connecting flight won't leave without you. They are only guidelines that are meant to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.]()
4 of 50![What you need to know about an extended-stay hotel: 1. Amenities. Most extended-stay hotels have kitchenettes, but they may not have an oven, in-room laundry facilities or separate living room area. Check the property descriptions carefully. 2.<strong> </strong>Services. While some extended-stay hotels offer room service, many clean their rooms only weekly. 3. Policies. Extended-stay properties generally don't charge mandatory "resort" fees. But pay attention to their cancellation policies, which can vary. ]()
5 of 50![How to get a better cup of in-room hotel coffee: 1. Rinse and run. Always rinse your coffee maker thoroughly and run it once without any coffee; that will clear out any residual coffee or other debris. 2. Consider bringing your own beans. You can overcome even a substandard coffee machine with terrific grounds. 3. Call room service. If you find a coffee maker that doesn't meet your standards, consider ordering coffee through room service or buying one in the lobby.]()
6 of 50![How to not look like a tourist (even if you are one): 1. Think of it as a game. How closely can you mimic surrounding behavior to fit in without notice? 2. No maps! Don't walk around with a giant map in your hands. Instead, keep the map on your phone – and stay cool. 3. Slow down. Tourists try to do everything in a day. If you stop running, you won't stand out.]()
7 of 50![How to get a refund from a travel company: 1. Patience. Give the company at least a week to respond to your refund request and two credit card billing cycles to pay you. 2. Persistence. Don't let months pass by without letting the company know that your money is still missing. If necessary, set a calendar reminder so that you don't forget. 3. Politeness. Angry demands for a refund and threats to take a company to court almost always backfire. The company may refer your case to its legal department, where it could linger for weeks or months. Be nice!]()
8 of 50![Reasons you can get a hotel room upgrade: 1. A special event. Honeymoons rank high on the list. Hotels will try to make your special occasion more memorable if you ask. 2. A special circumstance. If you're thinking of coming back to the hotel and bringing a big group with you, mention it. If you're planning to return again in a month or a year, say something. Anything that sets you apart as a more valued customer can sway a hotel to upgrade you. 3. A special need. Some of the larger rooms are more disability-friendly. If you need extra room to accommodate a wheelchair, or walker, the only room that might fit you is a suite. Don't be shy about asking.]()
9 of 50![How to handle a cleaning fee: 1. Click to find it. If you're booking online, don't pay attention to the "per night" charge. Instead, scroll down to the "total." That's the amount you actually will pay. Now, look up. If there's a cleaning fee, you'll see it there. If you're booking by phone, always ask about the cleaning fee – and never assume there isn't one. 2. You can negotiate a cleaning fee. If the host balks, you can at least ask for a cleaning halfway through your stay. (On stays of longer than two weeks, a cleaning halfway through your stay is fairly standard.) 3. If it isn't disclosed, dispute it. Save your screenshots and confirmations, because if the cleaning fee isn't disclosed – and if you paid by credit card – you may be able to dispute it with your credit card company. But that's a last resort. Try asking politely to remove the fee.]()
10 of 50![How to find the best – and avoid the worst – hotel room: 1. Note the age of the hotel: The older the hotel, the less comfortable and older the beds will be. 2. Don't forget about safety. The safest rooms are located on the side of the hotel farthest from the front entrance, located above ground level but not on the top floor (nothing higher than the sixth floor), without a balcony and not overlooked by another room. 3. Use a rebooking site. Sites such as Tingo.com or DreamCheaper.com can help you score an upgrade. They look at the reservations you’ve already made. If a nicer room opens up at that price, you automatically get switched over.]()
11 of 50![How to get more comfortable airline seats: 1. Avoid "low cost" carriers. Airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit have a well-deserved reputation for small seats and a scarcity of personal space. 2. Look for the good seats in economy. The exit row and bulkhead seats typically have more room than a standard seat, if you can afford them. The worst seats are the ones in the rear of the aircraft, which don't recline. 3. Travel with pillows and blankets. Even if you're in a "premium" seat, it's also true that the cushions aren't what they used to be.]()
12 of 50![Tips for getting a vehicle when they run out of rental cars: 1. Confirm your reservation: Contact your car rental agency a day before you arrive. Always bring your reservation confirmation to show the rate you paid. Make a printout, just in case the battery on your phone dies. 2. Arrive on time: Check in as close as possible to the time indicated on your reservation. 3: Have a Plan B: That could mean renting from a competitor, taking a bus or using a cab or a popular ride-sharing service.]()
13 of 50![How to switch seats with another airplane passenger: 1. Be polite: Sometimes, you won't have any leverage, like a better seat or a set of extenuating circumstances. A "please" and "thank you" can overcome all of that. 2. Sweeten the deal: Offer to buy the passenger a drink or slip them a few $20 bills. 3. Wait, then ask your flight attendant: After your flight reaches cruising altitude, try asking the flight attendant for help. You may also want to ask for the purser, or chief flight attendant, if your requests to be reseated are rebuffed.]()
14 of 50![Tips for avoiding a missing hotel reservation: 1. Call to confirm before your visit. Yes, even if you booked directly with the hotel. 2. Double check your dates. Even veteran travelers get hotel dates wrong. 3. Make a printout of your reservation. A hard copy printout remains the most reliable evidence of your reservation.]()
15 of 50![How to get around the new carry-on rules: 1. Fit it all into your "personal" item. That's defined as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches or less. 2. Use a luggage shipping service. Companies such as Luggage Forward and many other similar services will send your bags ahead of you for a price. 3. Be the first to board and have the right ticket. Avoid "basic" economy-class fares and discount airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit, which charge extra for carry-on items.]()
16 of 50![How to write an airline consumer complaint: 1. Be precise. Include details such as your confirmation code, flight number and travel date. 2. Cut the drama. When you claim that your entire 10-day trip to Barcelona was "ruined" because the flight attendant spilled orange juice on your leather jacket, you trigger eye-rolls at the airline. 3. Explain what you want. Don’t leave the airline guessing. Are you asking them to refund your checked bag fee? To add miles to your frequent-flier account? To simply apologize?]()
17 of 50![How to find the best road stops: 1. Identify the official rest areas before you leave. Most states list their welcome centers and rest areas online. 2. Do your research on roadside businesses. If you have a smartphone, doing a quick search on Yelp or TripAdvisor before your stop will help you choose between several gas stations. 3. Time your stops if you can. Planning your road trip stops can help you avoid the worst road stops.]()
18 of 50![Three things airlines won't tell you about vouchers: 1. We're legally required to offer you cash. In some cases, such as a canceled flight, an airline is required to offer you a refund. Instead, it will try to offer to rebook the flight or give you a voucher. 2. The blackout dates make it impossible to redeem the voucher. Make sure you read the fine print on the voucher before you agree to it. If you don't like the terms, ask for a better deal, or a refund. 3. The credits will expire sooner than you think. Airline representatives are particularly vague about the terms. In reality, most airline credits last far less than a year from the date of your aborted trip.]()
19 of 50![How to book a hotel the smart way:
1. Start with a thorough search. Check an online travel agency like Expedia or Booking.com or call your travel agent. Check the rate against the price your preferred hotel would charge if you book direct. 2.
Review the restrictions. Hotels can impose restrictions for booking through their site, like making their rooms non-refundable, so read the conditions closely before deciding where to go. You might be better off working with a big agency that has negotiated better terms. 3.
Check the incentives. Ask yourself if you really need the points or the upgrade.]()
20 of 50![Tips on avoiding tips: 1. Take out instead of eating out. If you order takeout, no tip is expected because no table service is provided. 2. Visit a business with a no-tipping policy. But beware: Instead, some "no tipping" restaurants add a mandatory "service charge" of 18% to 20%. 3. Avoid the outstretched hands. (You can.) You can stay in vacation rentals, rent a car or use mass transit, buy your food in a grocery store and take the self-guided tour and avoid having to leave a tip.]()
21 of 50![How to avoid missing amenities in your vacation rental: 1. Carry a vacation rental emergency kit. If you're staying at a rental, be prepared. Consider an emergency kit with towels, toilet paper, soap and detergent. 2. Consider renting through a service. Companies such as Vacasa, Wyndham Vacation Rentals and TurnKey Vacation Rentals go beyond bare-bones listings. 3. Just ask. Vacation rental owners can be very accommodating.]()
22 of 50![How to opt out of aggressive email campaigns: 1. Click the unsubscribe button. Every legitimate email campaign must have one. The sooner you click it, the louder your message to the hotel, tour operator or cruise line that these high-pressure tactics won't be tolerated. 2. Say "no" — and say why. Most travel companies will offer a "feedback" option when you opt out of an email campaign. Tell them why you're unsubscribing, especially if the annoyance affects whether you'd do business with them again. 3. Tell the feds. Complain to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if a business is emailing you without consent. Under the CAN-SPAM Act, you have the right to end the seemingly relentless emails.]()
23 of 50![How to handle a rude TSA agent: 1. Report the agent to a supervisor. Ask for a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) immediately. 2. Complain in writing. You can send an email directly to the TSA (tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints). 3. Contact your elected representative. You can contact your representative online at house.gov/representatives/find. Congress has tried to hold the agency accountable for its actions in the past, and its vigilance is bipartisan.]()
24 of 50![Who to call if your travel insurance claim has been denied: 1. Your state insurance commissioner. To find your insurance commissioner, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners site: naic.org/index_members.htm. Some travelers have reported that their claims were honored after copying their state insurance commissioner on their appeal. 2. The Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB investigates claims of this nature, but it has little sway over the final outcome of your appeal. 3. A consumer advocate. Even though travel insurance companies operate "by the book," they can be prodded into changing their minds by an outside party. Check out the National Association of Consumer Advocates site for a referral: consumeradvocates.org.]()
25 of 50![How to avoid an in-flight emergency: 1. Know when you shouldn't go. Generally, you should avoid flying if you're sick, recovering from a serious illness or have a condition that is easily exacerbated by the stress of flying. 2. Don't fly if you're contagious.Airlines will issue a credit and may waive the change fee if you can prove you were sick at the time you were supposed to fly. 3. Avoid flights that could divert. Some flights are likelier to experience a medical emergency than others, particularly those to destinations that tend to attract retirees or passengers in poor health. Flights to Las Vegas, Miami and Fort Lauderdale may fall into that category.]()
26 of 50![How to avoid wrinkled clothes: 1. Roll, don't fold. It doesn't just save space, it can prevent wrinkles. 2. Spray 'em out. Wrinkle-release sprays can fix travel-related wrinkles in a pinch. 3. Don't overpack — or underpack. “Wrinkling is caused when the bag is underpacked or overstuffed, so add or remove items until you have the perfect amount of items to keep the items in place while traveling," advises Tori Toth.]()
27 of 50![How to keep your travel complaint from being ignored: 1. Cite the rules, chapter and verse. If you have a strong case for compensation or a refund, it'll be in the contract. 2. Lawyer up — without lawyering up. Without threatening to go to court, let the company know that it may be violating the law (if, indeed, it is). 3. Appeal to a company's customer service culture. Travel companies frequently promote warranties, customer promises or mission statements that claim to put you first. A quick reference to these documents can be enough to persuade an airline, car rental company, hotel or cruise line to do the right thing.]()
28 of 50![What standard travel insurance doesn't cover: 1. Pre-existing medical conditions. Though some policies offer a waiver for medical conditions, you have to make sure you meet all of its conditions. 2. Changing your mind. Don't want to take the vacation? Most insurance won't cover you, but you can always go for a more expensive "cancel for any reason" policy, which would. 3. Psychological or nervous disorders. If you can't board a flight because you're afraid of flying, you generally can't file a successful claim. 4. Partying too hard. If you had a little too much to drink the night before your return flight and missed it, don't bother filing a claim.]()
29 of 50![How to avoid visa problems: 1. Mind your expiration dates. Both visas and passports have an expiration date. Be aware of them, and make sure you don't overstay. 2. Take the right photo. Countries are specific about their requirements (no sunglasses, no hats, specific formatting). 3. Remember, a visa isn't a guarantee of admission.]()
30 of 50![How to find the best agent: 1. Ask a friend. A personal recommendation remains the best way to find a competent travel professional. 2. Use an agent finder. The American Society of Travel Agents publishes a directory of its agents at Travelsense.org. Also, check a consortium such as Virtuoso or Travel Leaders. 3. Look for the title. The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations issued by The Travel Institute are signs that your agent has taken the time to study up on the industry.]()
31 of 50![How to avoid a car rental surprise: 1. Read the fine print. Many surprises aren't surprises at all — they're just "gotchas" concealed in the fine print. Look for the "terms and conditions" in small type. Don't ignore them. 2. Ask before you rent. Does your car insurance cover the vehicle? How about your credit card? The only way to know for certain is to ask. If you assume, you may be stuck with an unnecessary bill. 3. Resolve in real time. Don't wait until you get 真人百家家乐官网网站home to fix a bad surprise. Most problems can be resolved at the counter.]()
32 of 50![How to spot a fake review: 1. Check the reviewer's record. Fake reviews are often posted by accounts with little or no additional review history. 2. Show and tell. Talk is cheap, but photos of a resort or restaurant are harder to fake. You might think twice before trusting a detailed review without photos. 3. Look for extremes. If you see a one-star or a five-star rating or a lot of superlatives in the description, chances are you're looking at a fake.]()
33 of 50![How to say no to a tip request: 1. Be polite and firm, but don't over explain. 2. Avoid a confrontation. Restaurants and other establishments generally push you to offer a tip privately. Just leave the tip field on your credit card slip blank or decline to leave extra cash. 3. Use the system to your advantage. For example, can the employee see the tip amount you're izing on Square? Not always. If you don't believe you should be tipping, just click the "no tip" field and sign the screen.]()
34 of 50![How to avoid a traffic ticket overseas: 1. Stay out of downtown areas. Restricted zones are largely confined to heavily congested city centers. 2. Do the math. Pay particular attention to the difference between kilometers and miles, and slow down unless you want a speeding ticket! 3. Read the signs. Look for red circles with the words "Zona Traffico Limitato" in them when you're in Italy. In Germany, it's called an "Umweltzone." In Britain, the signs read, "Congestion Charging" and "Central Zone."]()
35 of 50![How to avoid unfair fees: 1. Single supplement: Some cruise lines offer single cabins. And some tour operators charge modest single supplements. 2. Non-refundable tickets: Southwest Airlines has some of the most passenger-friendly fares and fees, when it comes to changes. 3. Fuel surcharges: Fortunately, these fees must be included in the price of your ticket. But if you see an airline with high fuel surcharges in time of lower oil prices, you may want to seek one that doesn't. 4. Resort fees: Don't stay at a hotel with resort fees. It's the only way to send a message that you don't tolerate these misrepresentations.]()
36 of 50![How to prevent your identity from being stolen: 1. Don't play fast and loose with your ID. Your passport and ID are some of the most important travel documents. Don't leave them in your hotel room. And when you carry them on your person, keep them close to you, preferably in a money belt or travel wallet. 2. Keep 'em separated. Don't store critical documents in the same place. You may need one in order to replace the other. 3. Upload copies of critical documents online. A copy of a document by itself will not allow you to travel, but it can make the process to replace a passport a whole lot easier.]()
37 of 50![How to fit more in your suitcase: 1. Cube it. Luggage cubes allow you to compress lots of clothes into a compact space. 2. Vacuum pack it. You'd be surprised how much air is between the clothes in your carry-on. A vacuum packing technology can create even more space, although your clothes may be a little wrinkly. 3. Roll it. Instead of folding your clothes and pushing them into the bag, fold and then roll. Even without a cube or vacuum pack, you'll fit more in your luggage.]()
38 of 50![How to avoid a flight from hell: 1. Avoid connecting and late flights. Generally, the more connections you make, and the later in the day your flight leaves, the greater the chances something will go wrong. 2. Know your rights. By far the best resource for airline consumer rights, at least when it comes to federal regulations, is the DOT's Fly Rights brochure, which is available online. Also, check your airline's contract of carriage. 3. Be grateful. Take a deep breath and appreciate the big picture. If your flight lands safely, that's the most important thing.]()
39 of 50![How to avoid a dirty hotel: 1. Set high standards. Stay at a hotel with top-notch reviews or customer service scores. 2. Check in and check out. If a hotel doesn't meet your standards, don't let an employee talk you into staying, even if you've prepaid for your stay. Leave and ask for a refund. If you don't get it, dispute the charges on your credit card. 3. Report the hotel. If you check into a property that's unlivable, your next call needs to be to the health department to report the condition of the hotel.]()
40 of 50![How to avoid a vacation rental surprise: 1. Rent with names you trust. Airbnb, VRBO and FlipKey have legitimate rentals and higher standards. 2. Assume nothing. Every vacation rental comes with linens, right? Wrong. 3. Never wire money. Wiring money can lead to the most unpleasant surprise of all: a rental that doesn't even exist.]()
41 of 50![How to spot hidden fees: 1. Don't get cute. If you're booking online, avoid pop-up blockers, unconventional browsers or anything that might interfere with the normal display process. Why? Clever operatives can hide their disclosures in places that can't be seen if you're browsing in an unconventional way. 2. Use a big screen. Making reservations on a tiny phone screen is just asking for trouble. 3. Review the grand total. Almost always, you'll find every required extra, including taxes and fees, as part of the "final" charge.]()
42 of 50![How to avoid fees on your rental car:
1. Tolls: Car rental companies add extra fees for using their transponders, sometimes charging by the day. Either bring your own toll transponder or avoid tolls with a reliable mapping app. 2. High insurance rates: Car rental insurance can be found in unexpected places, including your own credit card, travel insurance policy or as a standalone product from your online travel agency. 3. Tickets: Download an app like Speed Cameras & Traffic by Sygic, which lets you see the speed limit for the road you are traveling on, or CamSam Plus, which alerts you to speed cameras. Many GPS navigation systems also come equipped with traffic enforcement warnings.]()
43 of 50- study by 3M, more than 90% of visual hacking attempts are successful.
You need to take precautions when you're on the road, says Josh McCormick, the vice president of operations for Mr. Electric, an electrical installation and repair services company. "Consider getting a privacy filter that covers your laptop or tablet," he says. "These screens let the user see the content on the screen from a front-on view, while anyone trying to view the content from the next seat over will see a black screen and nothing else."
Travelers say they are taking privacy seriously. Leon Rbibo, president of a Los Angeles-based jewelry store and a frequent traveler, says privacy is a "huge concern," now more than ever. "Flying internationally poses a real challenge, between airlines, hotels, security and more," he says.
Rbibo already uses a privacy screen for his computer, but also packs an RFID wallet, avoids hotel safes and uses a burner phone.
A burner phone? Yep.
You don't have to be involved in illegal activities to carry a burner phone. My whole life is on my cellphone. When I travel, I sometimes find it more convenient to bring a cheap, essentially disposable phone with me rather than risk my personal cellphone being stolen.
It's clear that when it comes to privacy, travelers are hitting some turbulence. And while there's no quick fix for many of these privacy problems, you can minimize your exposure with the help of these expert strategies.
More ways to enhance your privacy when you travel
• Don't broadcast your itinerary on social media. "Don't declare on Facebook that you're traveling to somewhere, alerting a wide range of people that your property is sitting empty," says Danny McLoughlin, a content director for a review site and a frequent traveler. "That puts your security at risk." Wait until you return to start posting vacation photos.
• Get a virtual private network. "The No. 1 danger, when it comes to privacy, is public Wi-Fi hotspots," says Dimitar Dobrev, a director for VPNArea, a VPN provider. "They can be faked by hackers to allow them full access to your information." A VPN can protect you.
• If your laptop or any storage devices are reviewed at customs or appear to have been moved in your hotel room, you should assume that your drive has been copied, says Bruce McIndoe, founder of WorldAware, a travel risk management firm. "Only take the bare essentials when you are traveling," he advises. "A travel laptop stripped of any nonessential files is a good strategy. Keep your laptop locked up when you are leaving your room. Do not leave it or any electronic devices unattended."
More: elliott.org.
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