Vacation

Summer 2026: Vacation Spending Boosts Retail Activity

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La consommation des Français affiche une dynamique soutenue durant l'été 2026 selon SumUp - Depositphotos.com @Kitzcorner

MSC Croisières


As the summer season 2026 comes to a close, French consumer spending displays sustained momentum.

This emerges from an analysis conducted by SumUp based on the transactions recorded across thousands of merchants in July and August 2026, compared with the same periods in 2025.

The fintech data notably highlight the weight of the dining sector, but also a solid performance in tourism and accommodation.

Regionally, Île-de-France stands out particularly for the growth of its business volume.

In July 2026, the activity of the merchants analyzed by SumUp rose by 17.4%, while turnover increased by 35.5% compared to July 2025.

The trend continued in August, with a rise of 11.1% in activity and 25.5% in turnover year over year. An evolution that aligns with the summer of 2025, when SumUp had already observed a growth of 35.1% in activity and 27.3% in turnover compared with summer 2024.


The restaurant sector remains the engine of activity

As in the previous summer season, cafes and restaurants are among the sectors showing the strongest gains.

In July, the sector records a rise of 24.3% in activity and a 45.5% increase in turnover compared with July 2025. The food trucks also benefit from this momentum, with +20% activity and +24% turnover.

The momentum continues in August. Cafes and restaurants show a rise of 13.6% in activity and 31.1% in turnover.

This performance extends the trend observed in 2025, when cafes and restaurants recorded a turnover growth of 31.4% and an activity growth of 45.8% over the studied period.


Tourism and accommodation benefit from the summer season

Professionals directly linked to holidays also profit from this consumption dynamic.

In July, activity in the accommodation and hospitality sector rises by 10.6%, while its turnover soars by 62.3% year on year. The tourism sector shows a turnover increase of 44.7%.

The trend remains positive in August, with tourism turnover up by 20.5% year on year. Accommodation and hospitality likewise register an increase of 36.5%.

For SumUp, these results illustrate the dynamism of the entire tourism ecosystem, supported by holiday and leisure spending during the departure and return periods of vacationers.

The analysis also highlights several peak periods during the season. Nationally, the week of 20 to 26 July 2026 constitutes the main consumption peak of the month. Activity then rises by 17% and turnover by 37% compared with the same week in 2025.

In August, the peak occurs during the week of 16 to 23 August, with a rise of 17% in activity and 35% in turnover year on year.


Île-de-France stands out in August

The performances vary across territories.

In July, the Pays de la Loire register a 31% rise in activity and a 48% increase in turnover. Bourgogne-Franche-Comté shows +18% and +40%, Bretagne +19% and +38%, while Nouvelle-Aquitaine progresses by 18% in activity and 32% in turnover.

The Île-de-France also ranks among the most dynamic regions in July, with +24% activity and +48% turnover.

In August, the Centre-Val de Loire confirms its progression, with +24% activity and +31% turnover. Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine continue their growth as well, with +15% and +14% activity respectively.

The Île-de-France nevertheless retains a special place with a 44% increase in turnover, the strongest regional growth observed by SumUp on this indicator in August.

According to the fintech, this territorial distribution extends certain trends already seen in 2025, notably in several Western regions such as Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Normandy.


A summer season favorable to merchants

For SumUp, these results reflect a solid performance of consumption in France despite the episodes of extreme heat recorded during the summer.

“Summer 2026 confirms the solid state of consumption in France despite the heatwaves“, analyzes the fintech. The dining sector remains, according to it, the main driver of this momentum, while accommodation and tourism directly benefit from the summer season.

Beyond Île-de-France, the performances recorded in Pays de la Loire and the Centre-Val de Loire also testify to a momentum that goes beyond the main economic hubs. Expenditures related to holidays and leisure will thus have contributed to supporting merchants’ activity throughout the season.

Vacation 2026: Heatwaves Shake French Travel Plans

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Vacances d'été 2026 : budget et canicule bousculent les choix des Français, photo by VVF

Costa Rica


For their summer holidays, the French now apply the “four-hour drive rule” and prefer cooler destinations.

According to data published by VVF and IFOP, the cost and duration of travel, as well as climate comfort, have become decisive criteria, directly benefiting regions such as Brittany or the Hautes-Alpes.

The tight economic context and rising fuel prices are forcing families to reassess their entire vacation budget.

Transportation costs push them to limit the distance traveled, while stays within a four-hour drive from home are drawing a growing share of bookings.

To read: Tourism: Serge Papin expresses confidence for the summer season

According to the IFOP study, budget is the main obstacle to departure for 57% of 18-40-year-olds, prompting vacationers to prioritize proximity rather than forgoing their getaways.


Holidays: seeking cooler weather and nature

Comme le souligne Stéphane Le Bihan, directeur général de VVF : “les arbitrages ne portent plus uniquement sur le prix de l’hébergement.

Le coût du trajet devient un critère de choix à part entière. Les destinations accessibles rapidement, offrant un environnement plus tempéré, gagnent en attractivité.

Cette évolution traduit une nouvelle manière de choisir ses vacances d’été.

Parallèlement aux enjeux financiers, le facteur climatique transforme les critères de sélection. Les territoires offrant des températures plus clémentes ou des environnements naturels adaptés enregistrent une hausse nette d’attractivité.

Pour l’été 2026, les données de réservation de VVF font état d’une progression de 5 points pour la Bretagne et de 8 points pour les Hautes-Alpes par rapport à l’année précédente, portée par la recherche de moyenne montagne, de lacs ou de littoraux tempérés.

A lire : VVF takes a new direction and will open a holiday village right in the middle of… the city!

Pour répondre à cette demande d’adaptation aux fortes chaleurs, VVF propose une garantie de flexibilité permettant de modifier sans frais le lieu de séjour jusqu’à deux jours avant le départ en cas d’épisode caniculaire.

L’étude souligne également qu’au-delà de l’aspect financier, 62 % des jeunes actifs et familles aspirent à des vacances davantage tournées vers la nature et le bien-être.

What If the Annoying Tourist Is You? Habits That Annoy Everyone on Vacation

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Vacations are supposed to be synonymous with relaxation. “Supposed”, because it takes so little to dull a jovial and invigorating mood. A disruptive neighbor on a sun lounger, a passenger on an airplane or a cruise ship, or an inattentive tourist in a guided tour group. A new Booking.com survey reveals that 84% of travelers say they are annoyed by the behavior of other vacationers, and sometimes even before they reach their destination.

At the airport, stubborn bad habits can try the patience of more than one traveler. Forgetting to prepare their passport or boarding pass, arriving with luggage that is too heavy or too bulky, and slowing down the queues are all small things that irritate.

Barefoot Passengers or Phone Addicts

Although 89% of travelers believe that behavior aboard an airplane should be “like in any other form of public transportation”, one in ten admits to removing their shoes and traveling barefoot during the flight. Some film their neighbors deliberately or unintentionally for social media when they are not attempting a manicure at 10,000 meters above ground. Such freedoms are called out by the respondents. Etiquette rules do not reappear on land, where other frictions arise.

Music, Screams, and Swimsuits at the Restaurant…

Another survey conducted by Tiger, a travel insurance specialist, and reported by the DailyMail, finds that 84% of holidaymakers are bothered by others once they arrive at their destination. Those who make crude remarks in the presence of children, especially by the pool or during a family activity, those who make noise or play music at full volume, those who smoke or vape near others, such as on the beach, those who jostle for sun loungers or umbrellas, or those who stroll around in swimsuits or bare-chested in town or in shops are the ones most singled out.

Even though it may seem minor, listening to or playing music at excessively loud volumes can incur hefty fines in certain destinations, such as Portugal. Far from the crowds spread across the warm sand, visitors also encounter some conflicts with their peers. There, it is mainly noisy, intoxicated individuals or those who stroll with large umbrellas, for example in the narrow streets of Venice, who annoy people the most.

How to Protect Your Camera on Vacation

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Holidays, and a fortiori travel, are among the moments when we take the most photographs. If you’re lucky enough to own a real camera to capture moments beyond your smartphone, you may be looking for tips to take care of it during the summer. MPB, the platform specializing in buying and selling used photographic gear, offers advice to prevent damaging your camera.

Keeping the Camera Safe

Whether you’re hiking, driving, cycling, or even on the beach, there are times when you need to snap a shot on the spur of the moment, without pulling the camera from a pouch. If it seems easier to let your gear roam in a bag without a case, that is actually the worst idea for preserving its lifespan and quality. Dust and sand can slip into the grooves of the lens and scratch it! Without a case, you also risk finding your camera switched on, with the lens extended and blocked by another item in your bag.

Sand is a real foe to photographic equipment. Even outside of your bag, it can sneak into several parts of the device and cause damage. If you plan to shoot in the sand, make sure to adjust your settings beforehand so you won’t have to touch dials or open compartments once you’re on site – thereby limiting entry points for sand. After the moment has passed, you can also use a soft brush to remove grains from the lens. But do not blow on it! That would introduce moisture as well.

Keep it in the shade and dry

In addition to giving it a prime place in a dedicated pouch, you’d better avoid exposing your camera too much to direct sunlight. It’s fine to take beach shots, but don’t let the case heat up in full sun afterward. The sensors would take a hit. The battery as well. Lithium-based ones can even swell, or leak.

Be mindful of water as well. The camera hates it. It isn’t fond of humidity in the air either, especially when it’s salty. Too much moisture can lead to connectivity problems, charging issues, or even mold inside the lens. To prevent this, professionals recommend silica gel sachets to absorb moisture. Also wipe the lens daily with a soft cloth.

Air conditioning can also be your foe due to abrupt temperature changes. Always allow time for the temperature to acclimate before going outside and turning your device on in a new location.

Want to share your view on climate change in France? Join the Climate Eye photo contest!

This Platform Lets You Buy Someone Else’s Vacation at a Discount

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Have you ever heard of the “Travel Vinted”? It involves booking a discounted trip without going through a traditional promotion, a principle offered by a platform that relies on reselling reservations that have become unnecessary. The concept is attracting more and more travelers in search of bargains, but also those who want to recover part of their spend when an unforeseen event prevents them from leaving. With discounts that can exceed 60%, this second-hand market applied to tourism is gaining momentum. A trend that accompanies rising travel costs and the growth of flexible bookings.

A platform that gives travel bookings a second life

When a trip can no longer be undertaken, refund options are sometimes limited, or even nonexistent. This is the realization that led to the development of Transfer Travel, a platform specialized in the resale of travel reservations, whether for stays, cruises, train tickets, or accommodations.

The mechanism is simple: a traveler posts a booking that they will ultimately not be able to use. A buyer can then purchase it immediately or try to negotiate the price. Once the transaction is completed, the seller has 72 hours to make the name change and transmit the updated documents so that the booking is officially transferred.

The phenomenon is gaining ground. The platform claims more than 162,000 users spread across more than 170 countries. According to its data, the number of listings published rose by 185% in one year. Since the beginning of the year, around seven million pounds (nearly 8.2 million euros) of travel bookings have been put up for sale there.

The savings can be substantial. According to Maisie Blewitt, Commercial Manager of Transfer Travel, “we have always said that we were like Vinted or eBay for travel. If you can no longer go on holiday, you can simply put them on our platform and resell them,” she told the Daily Mail. She adds that “in general, we see savings between 40 and 70%, but in the last month the average discount was around 62%.”

Certaines offres sont particulièrement attractives. La responsable cite notamment un séjour à Malte vendu initialement 90 livres sterling (105 euros) puis revendu 45 livres (52 euros), soit un peu plus de 20 livres (23 euros) par personne pour deux voyageurs.

Significant savings, with a few caveats to know

This reselling of trips can also help avoid substantial financial losses. The Daily Mail reports the case of a Welsh couple who risked losing nearly 9,000 pounds sterling (10,500 euros) after having to cancel a cruise, with neither the company refund nor coverage by their insurer following a heart-related issue. Their son, Owen Basset, turned to the platform to try to limit the damage. The cruise, priced at around 9,000 pounds, was ultimately sold to a buyer for 3,000 pounds (3,500 euros) a few days before the transfer deadline.

“At this stage, we already thought the money was lost, so recovering even a portion of the amount was a real victory and that made a huge difference”, recounts Owen Basset to the Daily Mail. He also notes that “once everything was agreed with the buyer, the sale proceeded quickly and the entire process felt really safe and secure. There was no worry that everything would fall through at the last moment”.

The platform also attracts travelers looking for last-minute opportunities. An American woman bought two first-class train tickets between London and Glasgow, originally sold for £240 (€280), for only £150 (€175), after discovering this service on social media.

However, the system does have a few drawbacks. The information available depends entirely on the seller, which can make some listings less detailed than a booking made directly with a tour operator or a lodging site. Furthermore, the platform does not yet offer a dedicated feature for family searches with children. Despite these limitations, travel resales seem to be gradually establishing themselves as a new way to travel cheaper while reducing the financial waste associated with unused bookings.

How to Prevent Travel Fatigue at the Start of Your Vacation

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Holidays are often associated with rest and recovery. Yet many travelers feel more fatigued upon arriving at their destination than before departure. This widely shared impression contrasts with the very aim of a trip meant to recharge the batteries. Sleep specialists have studied this phenomenon and explain why vacations do not always translate into immediate recovery. Indeed, holidays are supposed to allow recuperation, but they often begin in the worst possible conditions for the body…

A study conducted with 1,000 Britons reveals that 76% of them believe that travel disrupts their sleep. More than two in five acknowledge that fatigue affects at least their first day of vacation, while nearly 14% say they lose the first two days of their stay due to exhaustion. And even though the figures from this study were collected in the United Kingdom, the sleep mechanisms highlighted concern travelers just as much among French holidaymakers.

Holidays that begin with a sleep debt

According to data analyzed by Simba, a company specializing in sleep technologies, nearly 18% of Britons have already booked or plan to travel abroad this summer, meaning more than 23 million adults potentially affected by travel-related fatigue. For Lisa Artis, Deputy Chief Executive of The Sleep Charity, Simba’s partner, several factors accumulate even before arriving at the destination.

“The ‘holiday sleep hangover’ has become the hidden physical and mental cost of modern travel. Sleep disruptions usually start well before unpacking the suitcase and can continue long after you’ve unboxed your things”, she explains in a statement relayed by the Daily Mail. The expert notes that many travelers already depart with a sleep deficit. More than a quarter of respondents (26.1%) report sleeping less well than usual the night before departure, while 22.1% sleep three hours or fewer.

Nevertheless, 19.2% still book very early morning or late-night flights, while 17.6% land at their destination completely exhausted. Lisa Artis also warns against a common mistake before departure. “If you wake up at 3 a.m. to reach the airport after a restless night, you are asking your body to function with less recovery than usual. This sleep debt can follow you during the first days of your trip”, she explains. And she adds: “It can be tempting to try to optimize the night before departure by going to bed very early. But trying to fall asleep earlier by force can make falling asleep even harder. You end up checking the clock and feeling even more awake”.

These moments that prolong fatigue

Sleep deprivation does not end once you are on the plane. The study shows that 29.9% of respondents have trouble sleeping during the flight, especially when seats offer little legroom. Lisa Artis recommends preferring a window seat, ideally over the wings, where turbulence is generally less noticeable, while avoiding seats near bathrooms or galleys. Airport habits can also amplify the phenomenon. Nearly one traveler in five (19.4%) consumes alcohol before or during the journey.

The expert notes that “the higher the level of alcohol, the more dehydrating its effect”. She also points out that “spirits such as vodka, gin, rum or whiskey contain a much higher alcohol concentration than beverages like beer or wine. They can therefore contribute more to dehydration when consumed in large quantities”. To minimize this effect, she advises alternating alcoholic drinks with water throughout the journey.

Arrival at destination does not necessarily erase this fatigue. More than one Briton indeed reports rarely sleeping well on the first night in the hotel, particularly due to an unfamiliar environment. To ease adaptation, Lisa Artis recommends bringing a pillowcase from home, avoiding long afternoon naps, and quickly exposing oneself to natural light.

Finally, coming back from vacation can also be taxing… More than a quarter of participants (27.5%) report feeling the effects of this fatigue for at least two days after their return, while 18.3% say they are more exhausted during their first week back at work than before their departure. As Lisa Artis reminds us, “the goal isn’t perfection. It is about giving your body the best possible conditions to recover. Holidays should leave you rested, not make you feel you need another week to get over it”.

Spain Heat Wave: Why You Should Stay Vigilant Before Your Summer Vacation

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Barcelona, Marbella, Granada… Spain ranks among the most popular summer destinations for travelers each year. But this summer, vacationers will need to exercise extra vigilance. Indeed, a fresh heatwave is set to strike the country, bringing extreme temperatures and several associated risks. Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, foresees the heat wave intensifying, with temperatures expected to climb to a peak on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This comes after a summer that has already been exceptionally hot, with average temperatures from early June to mid-July about 3.3°C above the seasonal norm, making it one of the hottest starts to summer ever recorded in Spain.

According to forecasts, southern regions are expected to be the most affected, notably Andalusia and popular tourist destinations such as Seville. Forecast models indicate temperatures could reach 47°C or 48°C in parts of the region, approaching or surpassing the all-time Spanish record of 47.6°C recorded in Córdoba province in August 2021. Some parts of Catalonia are also expected to see temperatures well above 40°C in the coming days, and popular tourist hubs like Malaga could experience peaks around 45°C. It is therefore strongly advised to check the weather regularly, especially if you are traveling to one of the affected areas, so you can take precautions.

Is it reasonable to travel to Spain this summer?

In addition to the heatwave, several wildfires have also ravaged various regions of southern Europe, notably in Spain. In Almería, Andalusia, a fast-spreading blaze has claimed at least 12 lives and destroyed more than 6,600 hectares. It ranks among the deadliest fires the region has seen in recent years. Another fire broke out in Aragon, near Zaragoza, burning about 15,400 hectares since it began on July 15. In the province of Guadalajara, the La Mierla fire has already consumed over 32,000 hectares. In total, these fires forced the evacuation of 34 municipalities.

The European Commission has deployed this year what it describes as its most substantial wildfire-fighting arrangement, mobilizing 777 firefighters from 14 countries, along with 22 water-bombing planes and 5 helicopters, in high-risk areas, notably in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. For the moment, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued no travel advisories against heatwaves or wildfires in Spain, and no major disruption to air traffic has been reported in connection with the current fires.

However, conditions can change rapidly during a heat wave; it is therefore advised to check your airline’s website before departure and to follow local news once on site, especially if you are headed to Andalusia, Aragon or Castilla-La Mancha. If you are traveling during the hottest parts of the day, take precautions by avoiding sun exposure from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and wearing light clothing.

Cancelling Your Trip to Spain: What Are Your Rights?

Facing the current situation, you might decide to opt for another destination for your summer holidays after all? Here is what you need to know before canceling your stay, along with the rights you have. Refunds and cancellations are generally possible only if the government officially advises against travel to the region, in cases of a nearby wildfire near your accommodation, or if your flight or transport is canceled due to a fire.

Moreover, if you booked your vacation through a travel agency, don’t hesitate to contact them to explore the options available to you. Some agencies may offer flexible solutions even without a formal cancellation, especially if your destination is near a fire. However, remember that canceling as a precaution, in the absence of an official travel advisory against travel, makes obtaining a refund unlikely.

Huttopia Launches Its Vacation Observatory

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Huttopia annonce la création de son Observatoire des vacances

CroisiEurope


Huttopia has created the Huttopia Holidays Observatory, launching with a first major survey.  
This research and analysis body, developed with ObSoCo, aims to fill the lack of solid data on this topic.  
Here are a few figures: 
Although it is often said that 40% of French people do not take holidays, the survey shows that the actual rate of non-vacation is 28%. Situations vary: only 4% are truly and permanently excluded from holidays, 11% cannot afford to go this year, but hope to be able to do so soon, and 7% make a financial or time-related choice, preferring to use their money or their time for other things, such as renovations.  
Meanwhile, 6% choose not to travel by preference. However, the study reveals a strong democratization of holidays. Indeed, 74% of 18-24-year-olds used to go on holidays when they were children, compared with only 48% of those aged 65-75.  
 
Another important point of this survey: ecology. The environmental impact is the last criterion for choosing a destination, affecting only 8% of French people.  
Yet, 75% of them express strong interest in holidays centered on the outdoors and nature. Today, the term “ecological” is often seen as a constraint, whereas vacation time is linked to pleasure and freedom.


What is the aim of this survey?

The results of this first edition will be analyzed in the book “The Book of Holidays, and What They Tell Us” (co-authored by Guénaëlle Gault and Jean Viard), which will be published on June 5, 2026 by Éditions de l’Aube. 

 
This survey will be annual to track evolutions over time. All results will be freely available online to feed public debate. 

 
Through this Observatory, the Huttopia Foundation aims to provide a solid database to encourage public and economic actors to support universal access to holidays, through public policies for holiday camps, green classes, or affordable and locally available private offers. 

 
 

Italy Vacation: Must-Know Rules Before Dining Out

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Dining at a restaurant in Italy is a serious business. Cutting your spaghetti, ordering a cappuccino at 2 p.m., asking for a carafe of water—these are French reflexes that risk betraying you to the Italians. Some rules may seem strict to foreign visitors, but they remind us that sampling an Italian specialty means also immersing yourself in a culture, adopting its codes, and accepting to disrupt your habits.

Coffee, a Whole Story

Do you dream of a delicious espresso? In Italy, a coffee is inherently an espresso. So there is no need to specify it, unless you want a ristretto. As for the moment you order your coffee, it also matters. No Italian waiter will agree to bring it to you before your meal is completely finished, as well as your glass of wine. The ultimate mistake is ordering a cappuccino after a meal. Don’t even think about it. Italians drink their cappuccino (which contains milk and sugar) in the morning, as breakfast. After 11 o’clock, cappuccino time has passed!

Shaking Up the Order of Courses

For a beginner, reading a menu in Italy can be unsettling. A traditional meal is composed of 4 courses: antipasti (starters), primi piatti (first courses), secondi piatti (second courses), dolci/frutta (desserts or fruit).

And that plate of pasta or that risotto you crave so much is part of the “primi piatti.” Of course, restaurateurs will accept (perhaps with a sigh) serving you only spaghetti alle vongole, even if you forget to order a meat or fish dish that would normally come next.

Asking for a Carafe of Water

There is nothing stopping you from asking, but it is very unlikely you’ll get your way. Even when ordering still water (Acqua naturale) rather than sparkling (Acqua frizzante), a bottle of mineral water typically appears on your table. A tip? Don’t bother fighting it.

Adding Parmesan to Seafood Pasta

Imagine you’re in Venice and order Spaghettoni al nero di seppia at the Do Farai (Calle del Cappeller, Dorsoduro 3278). When the plate arrives, you’ll have to resist the urge to ask for parmesan at all costs. In Italy, mare and monti do not mix. This applies to parmesan on pasta, as well as to the secondo piatto, which would then be… only fish.

Cutting the Spaghetti

Here is a rule you must never break, or you might see the carabinieri appear behind you. We’re hardly exaggerating! The shape of the pasta is its very essence, and cutting it deprives it of its identity. And don’t even think about using a spoon to make life easier. Again, this is a gesture considered particularly ineloquent.

Good to know. For the same reason, spaghetti should never be broken before cooking.

This New Scam That Threatens to Ruin Your Vacation

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When you travel, scanning a QR code has become a routine gesture… one that delights cybercriminals. According to a recent report from the antivirus company McAfee, 62% of travelers take risks by scanning QR codes in train stations, airports, hotels, or restaurants. But the danger does not come from the code itself. Explanations.

For Nacho González, a QR code expert, tourists are particularly vulnerable. “They scan codes they do not know, in places they are discovering, often in a hurry and with an unstable Internet connection”, he told Travel Leisure on Wednesday, July 1. He adds that “the danger begins when the page asks for permissions, personal data, a payment, a connection or the installation of an application”.

Fake QR codes affixed to real ones

The most common fraud is known as “quishing”, or QR code phishing. The principle is simple. Scammers place a fake QR code over a genuine one, for example on a parking meter, a bike rental stand, a restaurant table or the counter of a hotel. That code redirects travelers to a counterfeit site to harvest their credentials, their banking details, or to install malware on their smartphone. And the trap closes around them.

“The situation becomes risky when three conditions come together: the code is displayed in a public place without surveillance, it has been sent to you by SMS, email, or a flyer without your having requested it, and/or it urges you to make a payment or verification in a hurry”, adds Harry Maugans, cybersecurity expert and CEO of Privacy Bee.

Techniques to avoid falling for it

Experts recommend taking a few seconds before scanning a code. It is advised to check that it is not a sticker placed over an original surface, with possible raised edges, to inspect the print quality and layout, and to seek confirmation from staff if in doubt. It is also best to use directly the camera on your phone to display the site address before opening it.

“Read the web address and verify the absence of spelling mistakes, shortened links masking the final URL, or sites using the HTTP protocol instead of HTTPS, and make sure the full URL matches the real name of the company”, suggests Nacho González. A menu, a hotel registration page or a payment service will never ask for your password or your full card number.

If a traveler suspects they have been trapped, the recommended course of action is to immediately stop browsing, disconnect from public Wi‑Fi, and avoid downloading anything. Experts then advise promptly changing passwords for sensitive accounts, informing their bank if a payment was made, and monitoring transactions for several days.

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