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"Stay safe from fake travel providers in India! Book with trusted platforms, check reviews, and avoid deals too good to be true. Verify licenses, pay securely, and keep documents handy. Research ensures a smooth trip to India’s wonders. Travel smart and explore worry-free!" – Sakina Ghiya

Keeping yourself safe from Fraudsters

This is a guest article which was contributed by our friend Rajesh who is an author and publisher for Gurdial Taxi Services. He loves to share his travelling experiences and provides useful tips which can help you in making your travelling experience the most memorable. Follow them on Facebook to get more updates.

Travelling is fun, but the experience becomes memorable when you have the right travel service provider. Although there are a number of travel companies around you, choosing the one that suits your needs isn’t easy. A number of fraudsters will try to con you under the pretext of being travel service providers.

It is essential to take a break from your hectic schedule and take a vacation. This not only offers you a chance to explore new places, people and foods but also help you to rejuvenate your lives and relations.

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.”  ~ Rumi

So if you’re planning to travel, don’t delay it anymore. The first thing that strikes your mind is hiring a travel agent or at least getting some professional consultation. Well, it is an extremely important decision, as you need professional help to make your trip memorable.

But are all the travel companies reliable? Can you hire anyone without doing at least an online background check? NO! With a few trustworthy travel service providers, there are also some fake companies. While these companies will entice you with dreamy thoughts, they will burn a hole in your pockets too.

Don’t let them fool you, and before making a decision, keep a check on the following things:

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers Find your adventure

Certification

This is the best tool to guess the quality of service provided by the travel company. Nowadays, there are a number of certifications for which travel companies can apply, but they get the certificate by only fulfilling the necessary requirements. Also, they need to maintain the quality standard throughout to own the certificate. If you are travelling with them for the first time, make sure to check their certifications beforehand.

Some of the major standardized certifications are from associations like ISO (International Organization Standardization), TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India), TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India), IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) and ADTOI (Association of Adventure Tour Operators of India).

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers Travel with a professional

Associates

You are out of your home and probably your country, new to the place, you can need anything, anywhere and anytime. Therefore, you need someone to help you in every situation. From the travel arrangements to accommodation and the delivery of the most scrumptious food, your travel company needs to be able to serve all your needs. This is possible only if they have a long list of reputed associates in different locations and have steadfast relations with them.

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers India Someday will have well-connected travel companies all over the country

Packages

You might be travelling alone, with your spouse, family or with a big gang of childhood friends. Everyone has a different requirement and a varying budget. It is difficult to put everyone in one frame. Therefore, make sure the travel service provider you are choosing is proffering a wide range of packages to serve all needs and budgets under one roof. Moreover, they should be a little flexible. For example, if you need a car for 2 days and 1 night, they should make the arrangements accordingly, rather than insisting you to stay for the next night.

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers Backpacker in India (Photo Credit: Pixabay)

Chauffeurs

Whether you are travelling for a day, a week or more, the driver of your taxi is someone with whom you need to spend a reasonable amount of time. Along the journey, he is the one responsible for your safety and security. You cannot take the risk of travelling with someone in the hills that is new to the turns and twists of the area. Hence, among all the things, don’t forget to look for the list of chauffeurs linked with the company. They must be licensed, insured and experienced. In addition, they should be friendly, punctual, well-mannered and polite.

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers The driver always wears a uniform of grey, blue, or khaki colour

Amenities

A number of companies serve you with varying packages and offers, and these depend on the companies’ policies. But there are a few basic facilities, which you can always look for. These include pick-up and drop-off facilities, 24×7 availability, emergency services, online or telephonic booking services and many others. If they are providing you with them, they are a superb choice!

Tips to protect yourself from Fake Travel Service Providers Anytime assistance from your travel service provider is key

Travelling is a wonderful experience in itself. And having the right partner, i.e., the most reliable and proficient travel service provider, makes your trip outstanding and extraordinary!

Frequently Asked Questions

Legit companies will never ask you to pay through cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. Always pay with your credit card as it is the safest option.

Travel agents do charge a percentage of your total trip expenses. The percentage can range from 5 to 15 percent.

Ensure that you talk to a legitimate organisation. Never pay money through a gift card or via any money transferring services. Always talk to a reputable organisation or agency.

Harsh Sonawala

About Harsh Sonawala

Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.

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