What warning signs should I look out for before booking a tour?

Major red flags show up when they ask for 100% upfront money through unsecured wire transfers, there is no Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) registration number, the itinerary looks vague and generic, and the sales pitch gets aggressive. These things strongly point to possible scams or at least low quality.

Before you commit any funds, step away if the operator shows any of these traits:

• Refusal to provide specific names of the hotels you will be staying in.
• Communication exclusively via WhatsApp or Gmail without a professional corporate domain.
• An absence of verifiable, third-party reviews spanning several years.
• Inability or refusal to produce a formal, written contract outlining cancellation terms.