How to Avoid Scams When Booking Caribbean Carnival Packages
In our 20+ years in the biz, we regularly get PANICKED calls from folks who booked their Caribbean Carnival packages with a tour provider, paid a partial deposit, and then one month before the trip got an email saying that the company went out of business so their package arrangements weren’t made. No costumes, no accommodations, no nothing!
Or sometimes folks paid the deposit and then the company went radio silent. No matter how much they tried to reach out, they couldn’t get in touch. Then finally, it hits them – they were ghosted.
Stressful right?
This is what happens next:
1. These folks end up losing the money they put down for their deposit
2. If they couldn’t come up with additional money to pay for a Caribbean Carnival package with another provider, they may not be able to take the trip
3. If they end up going to Carnival, they have a much less enjoyable experience because of what they went through. Or they had to cut back on their budget because of the money they lost
Friend, we don’t want this to happen to you!
So check out our video for tips on how NOT to scammed when buying your Caribbean Carnival Packages. And make sure you watch til the end for a bonus tip!
1. Find out how long the company has been in business
Check out the Secretary of State website for the state the business is operating in and search for articles of incorporation (applies to Inc. or LLC businesses). This is a certification that has to be renewed every year. If the articles of incorporation have lapsed, this is a potenital red flag.
Do an online search for the business. Do they have an online presence: website or social media? If they have a website, does it look like it hasn’t been updated recently, are there outdated or broken links? Have they been covered in the media? What do others have to say about them?
2. Is the company accredited or affiliated with business or industry groups?
Check organizations like the Better Business Bureau (USA and Canada) and travel consortiums like CCRA™ Travel Commerce Network and International Air Transport Association (IATA). The 2 latter organizations operate globally, so even if you’re not in North America, you can search for your travel provider there.
BONUS TIP: Stalk them!
You’re going to be giving this company thousands of your hard-earned dollars, so we give you permission to stalk them! Find all their socials, check out their posts, comments, online reviews, etc.
It’s up to you to do your due diligence and make sure the company you’re using is reputable and will deliver your Caribbean Carnival packages, not take your money and leave you high and dry.
Now over to you…
That’s it from us. And if you have anything else to add, feel free to share with the community in the comments below. For even more assistance with planning your Caribbean Carnival travel:
📋 Get our FREE Ultimate Guide for Getting To and Surviving Carnival
It’s a 15 page guide with destination profiles, lingo and other great info to help you plan your own Caribbean Carnival experience
✨ Or if you want to leave the planning to us and show up ready to shine and have a time, sign up for our Mailing list so we can keep you posted on our Caribbean Carnival packages, upcoming trips, and special promotions.
Til de next lime,
Team Events by Ashé
About us: Events by Ashé is a company that curates unique and life-changing Caribbean Carnival Experiences and we’re passionate about the Carnival lifestyle. We’re so passionate about Carnival we created Ultimate Trinidad Carnival, Ultimate Crop Over and Ultimate Spicemas to share these experiences with hundreds of clients around the world. Visit our website or click the links below to learn more!