How to Verify Legit Travel Agencies in the Philippines

Travel is calling, and it’s time to pack your bags! Whether you’re planning a DIY trip or thinking of booking with a travel agency, there’s one thing you need to know: not all agencies are created equal. When you’re trusting someone with your hard-earned cash and dream itinerary, you can’t afford to take chances. (And yes, if you’ve never been the friend in charge of planning a group trip, back off with the judgy side-eye.)

The solution? Consider hiring a travel agency. Excited for your next adventure? Don’t let scammers ruin it. Some agencies are out there just to grab your money and disappear. Before you pay a single peso, make sure the travel agency you’re dealing with is legit and accredited in the Philippines.

Galit ka rin ba sa magnanakaw? Here’s how to spot a fake travel agency

1. The deals are too good to be true

Image credit: Elnur via Canva Pro

Who doesn’t love a bargain? Because of the demand, and with travel agencies still getting back on their feet, it’s understandable that prices for travel packages cost a little higher. So naturally, many will be frantic to save some buck, and thieves take advantage of that. Now that it only takes one click to make things happen, scammers can come up with outrageously cheap tour packages for everyone to see.

Keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. Think about those knock-off items that are supposed to save you some money only to leave you spending more because they’re faulty and of bad quality. But at least, these unwise purchases allow you to use them for some time. With scammers, they’ll run with your money and never look back.

Also read: 10 Signs You’re Talking to a Bank Scammer

2. They don’t have a business bank account

Image credit: vicky_81 via Canva Pro

Agents from legit travel agencies in the Philippines will not give clients their personal bank information. More often than not, these agencies have their business bank account and that’s only where you should pay.

Whether it’s a significant amount or not, practise due diligence before paying for anything. Money doesn’t grow on trees — be mindful of where you spend it!

3. They seem to be in a rush to close the deal

Image credit: Pears2295 via Canva Pro

Distraction and intimidation scams are possibly the oldest deceptive tricks out there. While legit travel agencies will follow up appropriately and calmly, crooks will pressure you into closing the deal without giving you enough time to think about it.

Some would even harass you with endless text messages and calls to convince you, while others will offer to throw in more inclusions to lure you. When you refuse, they will make you feel foolish for not availing of their limited-time-only promos. If you encounter this, you might want to turn the tables and blow their cover.

4. There’s no valuable information about them online

Image credit: rilueda via Canva Pro

Now is the time to make use of your detective skills! (Maybe use the same amount of passion you have when searching the entire world wide web for details about your crush.) Anyone can set up a social media account and invent a good lie. You should know by now that not everything you see online is real.

Be smart, and do not let the scammers outwit you. You can go to the Philippine Travel Agencies Association website to check the list of legit travel agencies in the Philippines. Reviews matter! Check out what other clients have to say. If it only takes one click for them to initiate their crime, we also have the power to protect ourselves by relying on legitimate sources.

5. They lack the proper documents

Image credit: Oneinchpunch via Canva Pro

Ask for their permits. Legit travel agencies in the Philippines should be able to present these without making up excuses.

After a travel agency scam in 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded the public that the DTI Business Name Registration doesn’t suffice. They recently released a statement emphasising that Business Name Registrations are not licenses to operate. Businesses like travel agencies should process and comply with the necessary permits from barangays and local government units (LGUs).

Fake permits are easy to produce. Trust your guts and contact related government agencies to know more when in doubt.

Also read: Travel Fund 101: 9 Ways I Save Up for my Next Travel

Your next adventure shouldn’t end in tears over lost money. Ask yourself: Do you really want to roll the dice with a sketchy agency? Pick wisely, protect your cash, and enjoy the trip like a boss. Travel smart, travel safe. Mag-ingat sa magnanakaw!