Traveling this Weekend? Don't Fall into This Common Tourist Trap

"There's a sucker born every minute" is a phrase often credited to P.T. Barnum [an American showman remembered for hoaxes and for founding the circus that became the Ringling Brothers and the Barnum and Bailey Circus]. It is generally taken to mean that there are (and always will be) a lot of gullible people in the world. (Whether or not Mr. Barnum was actually the one who uttered this now infamous phrase is open to debate.)

No matter who the actual one who uttered these words was, we can all agree on one thing. The phrase is completely and utterly true. I'm sure you and I can both name at least one person we know that can be convinced of just about anything. Now, if you can't think of anyone, you might want to make sure the gullible person isn't you. Here's how to do that: Question everything.

If you're the type of person that takes everything at face value without questioning and researching for yourself, you will be taken advantage of at one point or another. Unfortunately, vendors in areas with high tourist traffic count on this. Now, of course, before traveling, we all know to research the best places for us to eat, sleep and play. But even with the best planned itinerary in place, there will always be the inevitable emergency or unplanned event that arises.

Always expect the unexpected. In the situations where even the most prepared person finds themselves unknowledgeable, how can they avoid being taken advantage of? Ask lots of questions. Let me tell you a personal story of mine where I could have avoided being taken advantage of had enough questions been asked.

My husband and I were a newly married couple and we passed by one of those caricature vendors in Times Square. Now, we had passed these spots countless times before (there are many of them in this area) and every time we had, my hubby had said he always wanted to get one of those done. So, this time we decided to go for it. The sign said it would only cost $5, so we figured it was worth a try.

I sat down in the chair. The vendor asked my husband to join me. Being that I was uncomfortable because I was the only one sitting there, I didn't question that. I asked my hubby to join me. I didn't even think to question why the vendor had made this suggestion. That was my first mistake. Then, once the vendor was done drawing, he asked if we wanted a frame for our picture. He stated how the picture would most likely get ruined if we didn't buy the frame. So, we agreed, of course. It was then time to pay up. Mr. Vendor said, "$35" to which we, in turn, asked the inevitable, "WHAT???"

He then pointed to the (handwritten) sign that he had displayed, which, in very large print stated $5 but the small (and quite fine) print let us in on the fact that if someone else were to join in the caricature, the price would shoot up to $15. AND if you were to buy a frame, the price will shoot up another $20. (If you think that's bad, consider the fact that the "frame" was nothing more than two pieces of cardboard and a plastic sheet in the form of a frame!!!) We then realized that we had, in fact, been had. And it was, of course, our own fault for not questioning anything. (In your own city, I guess you feel protected.)

My husband bargained the price down to $20 after telling the Vendor that we were fellow New Yorkers and asking him not to "jerk a fellow New Yorker". At this point, the vendor realized that, as fellow NYers, we had more of an opportunity to either give him repeat business in the form of ourselves (which won't happen!!!) or by referring others to him. Unfortunately, what the vendor did to us isn't illegal. As long as your prices are listed somewhere (whether in fine print or not), you can charge whatever you want.

My husband and I weren't even traveling at the time and we were taken advantage of. We were at least able to use our residency as a bargaining chip but what happens if you're not from the area? Although it may be possible to haggle with some vendors, others may not budge. As the customer, you always have the right to walk away, refusing to take the product but what if it was something you really wanted or something you can't leave behind (such as food in a restaurant)? The best option is to avoid putting yourself in that situation in the first place. And, of course, we all know how to do that by now, right?

Question everything, especially while traveling, because vendors in high tourist areas count on the idea that "There's a sucker born every minute". Let's all do our best not to be that person (sucker).