Worst Travel Scams

One minute you're lounging on the beach in Cancún, engrossed in a page turner. The next, a timeshare saleswoman is plying you with free frozen margaritas and inviting you to a brief presentation. You'd be surprised by how many tourists fall for this scam, and they fall hard. It isn't unusual to leave Mexico tens of thousands of dollars lighter, owning a timeshare that's basically unusable. And getting a refund is all but impossible, since these condos are technically—but barely—legal. Solution? Just say no to their come-ons, and if you're in the market for a timeshare, do your research first and don't buy under the influence. Remember, in Mexico, you have five business days to cancel the contract, but keep in mind that these shady timeshares are offered everywhere.