06.29.26 Travel Booking Basics / Online Shopping: Spotlight On Dark Patterns

Clark’s first business was a travel agency and he specialized in saving his clients money. Travel costs are challenging now, with airlines facing higher fuel expenses and travelers paying the price. Clark shares his back-to-basics strategy for finding affordable trips, including why flexibility is your greatest money-saving tool. Learn why Clark lets the deal determine the destination, how shoulder-season airfare pricing can create opportunities for savings, and why being a "free agent" when booking flights can help you see more of the world for less. Also, Clark explains the growing problem of "dark patterns" online—those annoying popups, misleading buttons, and sneaky subscription tactics designed to manipulate your decisions. While many of these practices aren't illegal, they are deceptive and can lead to unwanted purchases and recurring charges if you're caught unaware. Know what to watch for and how to avoid getting tricked into spending money you never intended to spend. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 29, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Clark Smart Travel: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Dark Patterns On The Lit Web: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Beat Summer Sticker Shock and Travel the ‘Clark Howard Way’ Follow Clark Howard’s #1 Rule To Travel Cheap Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending How Does Booking Travel Through a Credit Card Rewards Program Compare? 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room  Dark patterns on the web are designed to manipulate you – why aren’t they all illegal? Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks - Clark Howard  How To Create and Use Passkeys - Clark Howard Safe Browser Alternatives That Promise Not To Track You NYT - Her Life Savings Mysteriously Disappeared After a Systems Glitch Why You Need Paper Evidence of Your Financial Accounts Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices