Red Flags Booking Travel Experiences

Red Flags to Watch for When Booking Travel Experiences Online

How to Avoid Getting Scammed (or Seriously Disappointed)

Booking a cooking class in Tuscany? A surf lesson in Costa Rica? A desert jeep tour in Sedona? Amazing. But before you hit “Book Now”, especially on smaller or independent travel websites, it’s smart to double-check that you’re not accidentally signing up for a scam.

Here’s how to spot the red flags when booking travel experiences online and how to make sure your solo adventure stays awesome, not awkward (or unsafe).

Red Flag #1: No (or Very Few) Reviews

If you can’t find a single review, or only one glowing comment from “Anonymous123”, it’s a no-go. Legit experiences, even small ones, usually have feedback across multiple platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or GetYourGuide.

Solo Tip: Look for photo reviews and mentions of other solo travelers. Bonus if someone says “I felt totally safe as a woman traveling alone.”

Red Flag #2: “Too Good to Be True” Pricing

If a $250 day tour is listed for $25 with luxury promises, pause. Scammers know how to lure you with bargain pricing and vague but exciting descriptions.

Ask yourself:

• Is the offer wildly cheaper than the average?
• Are they promising 10 stops in 2 hours?
• Are the details weirdly vague?

Always compare similar tours to get a sense of what’s normal.

Red Flag #3: No Real Web Presence or Contact Info

If there’s no way to contact a human, that’s a problem.

Check for:

• A physical business address or phone number
• An “About” page with host or guide names
• A presence on Instagram, Facebook, or Google Maps

No site, no socials, no transparency = no booking.

Red Flag #4: Pressure to Pay Off-Platform

This one’s big. If someone asks you to pay via Venmo, PayPal Friends & Family, or bank transfer to “avoid fees,” walk away. You lose all payment protection.

Only book through secure platforms like:

• Airbnb Experiences
• GetYourGuide
• Viator
• TravelZoo
• Eventbrite (for local events)

These sites offer reviews, payment protection, and support if something goes wrong.

Signs You Can Trust a Tour or Experience

• Detailed descriptions, itineraries, and cancellation policies
• Real photos (not just stock images)
• Host bios or company background
• Clear refund terms
• Lots of reviews over a period of time
• Consistent branding across their website and social pages

Tools to Vet a Travel Experience

• Google the business name + “scam”
  It sounds silly, but it works.
• Check Instagram tags or stories to see real people on the tour.
• Use Google Maps to view the meeting point—does it exist?
• Ask in a solo female Facebook group if anyone’s used that vendor.

Travelers are generous with feedback and a few screenshots can save you from a bad experience.