Urgent holiday warning as travel experts reveal European hotspots with worst attractions – what to avoid on your trip
TRAVEL experts have given urgent holiday warnings on which European hotspots with the worst attractions tourists should avoid.
Some of the continent's most popular destinations have been included on a new hitlist of where to swerve.
Travellers have been feeling cheated at such sites as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral in French capital Paris, a study shows.
The new so-called "European Scam Index" has been drawn up by travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk who also issued handy advice on how to dodge being scammed.
Ruses people have fallen for include buying fake tickets in surrounding streets or being given half-hearted city tours.
Others have told of ordering premium trips to the top of major landmarks only to be let down when getting nowhere near.
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The new data is based on analysis of online reviews filled out by disgruntled holiday-makers this summer.
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic symbols of 2024 OIympics host city Paris, had 537 scam mentions in traveller reviews - putting it top of the new list.
Visitors complained nearby street tours were a rip-off - while also telling of pickpockets crowding around the base of the landmark.
Con artists were also reported to be a problem around the Brandenburg Gate in Germany's capital Berlin, with 56 complaints.
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France dominated the index, with the country's five top tourist attractions attracting 748 reviews talking about feeling cheated.
That was more than eight times more than next-worst Spain on 91, while Britain came in sixth with 37 complaints.
Italy was third with 72, followed by Turkey's 67 and Greece's 64.
Croatia and Poland were each mentioned 26 times, while ninth place went to Portugal on 17 and 10th Austria with just 13 mentions.
The website's CEO Greg Wilson suggested online reviews were only the tip of the iceberg - warning thousands more could be at risk.
He added: "Visitor hotspots are focal points for anyone looking to target tourist dollars, leaving many feeling they have been short-changed.
“It’s important for people to check and make sure what they have purchased is legitimate and meets their needs.
“It’s also worth checking to make sure that what is being promised can be fulfilled so planning in advance and doing any necessary research is recommended."
He also urged anyone who has lost items or had them stolen to make sure they get a police report, to help with insurance claims.
Quotezone.co.uk experts have revealed what they say are the top five travel scams and how to avoid them.
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They advise doing your homework on local restaurants and only going to those with plenty of positive reviews.
Some will lure tourists in but with more expensive menus than the cheaper ones handed to locals.
Ask for an itemised receipt and be on alert for potentially being charged more money for the same food and drink if sitting outside.
TAXIS
Visitors are urged to use a taxi rank whenever possible and check cabs are licensed.
You should also agree a price before getting in or make sure the meter is at zero when setting off.
LOCKERS
Scammers can target travellers at train and bus stations by selling fake keys for storage lockers.
You should always rent them from the official sources - and be wary of accepting offers of help from passers-by.
HUSTLERS
Beware of anyone approaching in crowded areas, whether offering gifts, suggesting they take holiday photos or pretending to help - for example, with an apparent stain on your clothes, experts say.
Tourists are advised not to carry cash and to keep bank cards in a zipped bag across your chest or strapped under your clothes.
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TICKETS
When pre-ordering tickets for attractions you should only use official sites which have a high volume of good reviews.
Also check whether the website address has an "S" in it - pages with "httpS" should be more secure for sending data.
