Travel smart this winter: protect your finances and pack with purpose

When the temperature drops, you can often find Australians on the move in search of sunshine, snow, or simply a change of scenery. With winter travel in full swing, being smart about how you plan, spend and pack is more important than ever. With the continued rise in scams across the globe, NAB is helping holidaymakers stay one step ahead of common travel scams, while cult luggage brand July has tips on packing with intention and ease.

From accommodation bookings and event tickets to and taxis and transport, holidays generally mean more spending in more places, and criminals are ready to take advantage.
NAB Executive, Group Investigations Chris Sheehan said travelling can create the perfect storm for scams.

“Travel scams tap into emotions including fear of missing out, tiredness and excitement, which can be heightened in an unfamiliar environment or if we’re really focused on looking for a bargain or managing a budget,” Mr Sheehan, a former Australian Federal Police executive, said.

“Just like you’d check the weather or plan your itinerary, it’s vital to be aware of common scams – whether you’re travelling locally or abroad – so you can recognise the red flags and protect yourself.”

Three scams to watch out for if you’re heading off on an adventure include:

• Accommodation or booking website impersonation scams: Criminals can pose as hotels or booking platforms to convince travellers into sharing payment details or transferring money. The biggest red flag is an email or message requesting you to verify payment details or risk losing the reservation. Always type the website address into your browser rather than clicking a link and contact the provider using details you’ve sourced independently.
• Ticket scams for major events: Fake listings for concerts and sporting events exploit urgency and excitement. Look for tickets through official resellers, or if possible, speak directly to the seller before sending money.
• Overcharging or wrong charge scams: These often occur in taxis, restaurants or shops, relying on distraction and unfamiliarity. Research typical costs ahead of time, especially when converting currency, and always review your bill before paying.

But smart travel isn’t just about protecting your wallet, it’s also about packing with purpose. July co-founders Richard Li and Athan Didaskalou swear by two simple packing hacks to help travellers stay organised and avoid overpacking.

NAB recommends travellers notify their bank if heading overseas, monitor transactions closely, and use secure payment methods. NAB’s scam prevention initiatives — including removing links from text messages and introducing real-time payment alerts to digital banking — helped stop and recover more than $48m in scam payments between October 2024 and March 2025.