In the afternoon of this past October 19th, a speedboat collided with a long-tail fishing boat while heading back to Phuket from Phi Phi Island in Thailand, causing 23 Chinese injured and 2 South Koreans missing. Those on the speedboat were joining the itinerary through roadside booths or booths by the hotel gate, which were missing after the accident, and leaving nobody to handle the insurance issues.

This was not the first time that tourists were “hurt” after joining itineraries organized by irregular or illegal travel agencies. TravelChinaGuide.com warns you not to take itineraries organized by the roadside shops and illegal travel agencies.

On this past July 28th, 19 Xian citizens were abandoned at outskirt of Pattaya, Thailand by their guide for 5 hours; because they refused to join optional itineraries and did not buy anything from the “cooperation shops”.

In Beijing, it is frequently reported that visitors are cheated after taking the roadside one-day itineraries. They are double billed after boarding the bus, or sent to Juyongguan Great Wall other than the supposed Badaling, or taken to “jade factories or shops” for forced shopping…

Once again, TravelChinaGuide.com suggests you to join tours organized by legal travel agencies recognized by local authorities. If you are going to travel on your own, make a thoroughly detailed plan and do not follow others blindly.

Further Reading:
How to Identify a Real Leading China Tour Operator?