"Attention Swindlers" show host Peter Giesel - Holidays as a tourist scheme
The popular documentary series "Achtung Abzocke" is returning for another season. The new episodes will premiere on cable one starting June 6th, every Thursday at 8:15 pm. This time, Producer and Host Peter Giesel (55) will share helpful tips for planning your next vacation. He himself has fallen victim to tourist traps, despite his experience.
On a personal level, Peter enjoys family holidays at Lake Garda and has been drawn to the west coast of the USA. However, in a recent press release from the network, he revealed that his latest "favorite" destination is Japan. Though he missed the cherry blossom season, he found the country to be vibrant, friendly, and emotionally captivating. "Japan is a place where nothing fails to impress - even the strange festivals in shopping centers and the awe-inspiring temples with their sense of calm," he said. "The people there are incredibly considerate, respectful, and caring."
However, even Peter wasn't immune to tourist scams. He was exploited in a karaoke bar, unwittingly paying a five-fold price for his drinks.
His thirst for travel has not quenched despite these incidents. In fact, it's grown stronger. "The more I've traveled and become able to distinguish between good and bad tourism, the more I want to explore new countries," he shared. "I've been doing so since before 'Achtung Abzocke' launched ten years ago." Bad tourism encompasses any service you pay for as a tourist that fails to live up to its hype or even provide the promised service. There are also tourism cultures where you're treated as something more than a walking wallet.
In the new season, Peter visited Vietnam, where he encountered more clever scams. "For instance, we stumbled upon a great seafood restaurant in a coastal town. If you take a taxi there, you won't end up at the original spot, but at one of the overpriced knock-offs instead," he recounted.
Similarly, Peter warned against joining group tours in Hawaii. "I can't think of anything more expensive than Hawaii. And when you sign up for the wrong island tour, you'll lose a fortune," he shared.
Peter emphasized that in addition to spending money, being on the lookout for tourist traps is crucial. "Sightseeing tours can often turn into a series of sales pitches. Some people enjoy this, but for everyone else, it's just a wasted day," he cautioned.
To prevent such experiences and help others avoid them, Peter's team at "Achtung Abzocke" continues to uncover scams both in Germany and abroad. They're always on the lookout for tips from viewers and monitor travel forums around the world.
Since 2015, Peter and his team have exposed swindlers and fraudsters in various fields through the "Achtung Abzocke" reportage series. Spin-offs have also been created, such as "Achtung Abzocke - Holiday Swindlers on the Trail" and "Achtung Abzocke - Swindlers on the Trail."
Stay alert to avoid falling prey to those who exploit travelers, and enjoy your next adventure responsibly!
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