Your Adventure Awaits… BUT so do the scammers!

When you're planning the trip of a lifetime, how do you really know if that guide is legit?
In this episode of the Learn Online Security podcast, host Tamara Michèle sits down with Melanie MacCarthy—co-owner of North Mountain Adventures and president of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. From luxury cruises to remote cabins, Melanie breaks down how to protect yourself from fake listings, online scams, and dishonest hosts—before your money’s gone.

They cover:
✔️ Red flags to watch for in travel listings and online bookings
✔️ How to vet hosts, rentals, tours, and experiences before you pay
✔️ Why picking up the phone can save your trip
✔️ How real relationships protect travelers from getting scammed
✔️ The surprising ways the travel industry is evolving in a digital world

Whether you're planning an international outdoor experience or just curious about how cybersecurity intersects with tourism, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice from someone who lives and breathes the outdoor adventure lifestyle.

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⌚Time Stamps ⌚
00:00:00 Booking an Outfitter? Watch This First
00:00:28 Meet Melanie: North Mountain Adventures’ Story
00:01:04 Booking Risks: Cybersecurity and Outdoor Travel
00:01:40 Don’t Get Scammed: Research Your Outfitter
00:02:27 Airbnb to Cabins: How North Mountain Adventures Grew
00:03:09 Why Your Guide Should Know More Than Just Hunting
00:04:00 Melanie’s Tips: Choosing the Right Outfitter
00:04:43 Trust Online? Website Red Flags to Watch For
00:05:25 Why Having a Website Matters in 2025
00:06:08 What Melanie Looks for When Booking Online
00:06:50 Scam Signals: No Reviews, No Contact, No Thanks
00:07:24 The WildTV Connection: Real Hunts on Real TV
00:08:02 Behind the Scenes of North Mountain on WildTV
00:08:44 MLOA: Protecting Manitoba’s Outfitters and Guests
00:09:22 Supporting the Industry: Why MLOA Matters
00:10:00 Safety and Integrity: Building Guest Trust Online
00:10:47 North Mountain’s Approach: Bookings with Transparency
00:11:25 Melanie’s Final Advice for Future Guests

*References:*
🌲 North Mountain Adventures https://www.northmtnadventures.com/
🎣 Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association https://mloa.com/
Tamara Michéle Podcast Host: https://www.youtube.com/@UCNW7n6n7q9GzulfZ8fIW0cg