The travel and tourism industry has gained momentum ever since humans started travelling. People love to travel and travelling has become an inseparable part of life. The lure of exploring and experiencing the unknown regions of the world have increased ever than before. Quite often people book hotels/cars in advance with any of the travel companies. Well, it has its own advantages and disadvantages too. Travelling with a well-known company gives relief from any unnecessary tension as you could complete trips with comfort and ease. However, if a travel company turns out to be a fake/scam, then you get into troubles and face problems. The whole touring experience turns into a nightmare.
Travellers often face unwanted situations while touring with certain travel companies. They complain of not receiving the services they were promised before and they were forced to pay more money than the agreement during their journey. The conditions get even worse sometimes when tour managers declare their incapability of spending any further cash. Innocent people thus get victimised often by falling an easy prey in the clutches of such fake/scam travel agencies. Now, the question that arises is there any way to avoid these unwanted situations? Well, the only way out is to be careful and avoid this type of travel agencies. You need to choose those travel agencies that have the goodwill and has earned trust of other travellers. Given below some useful tips how to deal with in such situations:
Contact for instant help
Make sure to contact with the nearest police control room or with the tourist assistance force to register grievances if you go through any unwanted situation during your journey. Most places have registered grievance counters of travel agents and hotel owners where you should relate your grievances. The registered grievance would reach directly to the state tourism office. Besides, with the help of a lawyer you could even send a legal notice to the fake/scam company.
Spread your bitter experience
You should not hesitate to spread a word about the bitter experience you have been through. Publish your grievances with the help of newspapers, travel magazines and online travel sites. This would not only increase the possibility of getting back your money to an extent, but also make it tougher for the scam company to carry on its business. Besides, people could learn from your grievances and avoid such companies in the future.
Carry out researches
Before booking with any of the travel agencies, you should carry out a thorough research and try to find out more information about the company, its products and its services. Online reviews of companies do help the cause. Try to get feedback from friends and relatives about the companies they recommend for a certain destination. Further, rely on companies that have repute and goodwill among the customers.
Pay only by written contract
Often one needs to pay in advance to companies before travelling either in one time full payment or partial payment options. However, before doing so you need to read the contract form and the services the company provides. Payment should only be made only through written contract not on verbal basis.
Have your queries
As a customer you have every right to ask questions and cross-check until and unless you are satisfied. It's important because it's you who would be paying. Ask for details like if there any hidden charges like processing fees, service taxes, etc. If you receive a call from a travel company make sure to ask about its legal business name, physical location, office address, telephone numbers, etc. Finally, never share your credit card details until you are sure it's a legitimate company.
To conclude
Before visiting any destination, make sure to have the address/phone numbers of friends and relatives living there. You never know, you may need those during emergencies. Besides, no matter what company you travel with, keep some extra-cash. You may need those in case of some mishap during your journey. Keep your contacts up with friends and relatives while you are away. You may ask them to deposit some money in your account if required.