Desertstartravel.com Review

Based on looking at the website, Desertstartravel.com presents itself as a tourism agency specializing in Morocco trips and desert tours.

While the site offers various travel packages and contact information, several key elements typically found on trusted, professional travel websites are notably absent or underdeveloped.

This raises questions about its overall legitimacy and the level of trust a potential customer can place in its services.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Design & User Experience: Clean, but lacks modern interactive features.
• Transparency & Trust Signals: Limited company registration details, no clear privacy policy or terms of service, and no customer testimonials visible on the homepage.
• Customer Support: Direct contact methods are provided phone, email but no live chat or extensive FAQ.
• Pricing Clarity: Prices are listed, but details on what exactly is included or excluded beyond basic inclusions are not always clear for every package.
• Booking Process: No direct online booking system. implies manual communication for trip planning.
• Security Information: No explicit mention of payment security or data protection protocols.
• Ethical Considerations: Travel and tourism itself is permissible. However, the lack of transparency and standard business practices on the website is a significant concern from an ethical standpoint, as it can potentially lead to unforeseen issues or dissatisfaction for customers. Trust and clarity are paramount in any transaction.

The detailed explanation reveals that while Desertstartravel.com attempts to showcase its offerings, the absence of crucial trust-building elements is a red flag.

A legitimate and customer-focused travel agency would prioritize clear terms, security assurances, and verifiable customer feedback.

The site’s reliance on direct communication for trip planning without a robust online booking system or a detailed FAQ suggests a less streamlined, potentially less secure, and less transparent operation than what is expected from a modern travel provider.

Here are some alternatives for ethical travel planning and booking, focusing on renowned platforms that emphasize transparency, security, and customer support:

• Expedia

  

  • Key Features: Comprehensive flight, hotel, car rental, and package deals. extensive search filters. customer reviews and ratings.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on destination, duration, and package inclusions.
  • Pros: Wide selection, competitive pricing, strong customer support infrastructure, clear cancellation policies, secure booking platform.
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming due to vast options, some third-party booking issues reported occasionally.

• Booking.com

  • Key Features: Specializes in accommodation, but also offers flights, car rentals, and attractions. flexible booking options free cancellation on many properties.
  • Average Price: Highly variable depending on property type and location.
  • Pros: User-friendly interface, vast database of properties, excellent customer support, transparent review system.
  • Cons: Some properties may have strict cancellation policies, occasional discrepancies with hotel descriptions.

• TripAdvisor

  • Key Features: Primarily a review site, but also offers booking for hotels, flights, restaurants, and attractions. robust forum and travel guides.
  • Average Price: Varies as it aggregates deals from various providers.
  • Pros: Unmatched wealth of user reviews and photos, helpful travel forums, good for discovering unique experiences, allows price comparison.
  • Cons: Information overload, some reviews may be biased, direct booking often redirects to third-party sites.

• Kayak

  • Key Features: A meta-search engine for flights, hotels, cars, and packages. price alerts and predictive pricing tools.
  • Average Price: Aggregates best deals, so prices are typically competitive.
  • Pros: Excellent for price comparison, efficient search, useful price forecasting, clean interface.
  • Cons: Doesn’t directly book, redirects to other sites, limited customer service for specific bookings.

• Google Flights

  • Key Features: Powerful flight search engine, price tracking, flexible date options, map-based exploration.
  • Average Price: Displays various airline prices, usually competitive.
  • Pros: Extremely fast and accurate, intuitive interface, helpful for finding the cheapest dates and destinations, direct links to airline sites.
  • Cons: Only focuses on flights, no hotel or package bundling.

• Airbnb

  • Key Features: Specializes in unique accommodations homes, apartments, unique stays. offers “Experiences” for local activities.
  • Average Price: Varies greatly by location, property type, and duration.
  • Pros: Offers local and unique experiences, often more affordable than hotels for groups, good for longer stays.
  • Cons: Quality can vary significantly, cancellation policies depend on the host, less standardized customer service than hotels.

• Travel + Leisure

  • Key Features: A reputable travel content platform offering inspiration, guides, and often linking to vetted travel providers. While not a direct booking site, it provides high-quality information to help plan trips with trusted partners.
  • Average Price: Not a booking site, offers guides and curated lists.
  • Pros: High-quality editorial content, trustworthy recommendations, good for discovering luxury or niche travel, links to established booking platforms.
  • Cons: Not a direct booking engine, primarily informational.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Desertstartravel.com Review & First Look

When you first land on Desertstartravel.com, it presents a fairly clean and straightforward interface focused on Moroccan desert tours and trips.

The homepage quickly outlines various tour packages, durations, inclusions, and starting prices.

You’ll see offers for multi-day desert excursions from Marrakech and Casablanca, as well as shorter day trips.

The site prominently features contact information, including a phone number and email address, along with links to “About Us” and “Our Team” pages.

This immediate presentation suggests a direct approach to tourism services.

Initial Impressions and User Experience

The site’s aesthetic is functional but not cutting-edge.

It prioritizes information delivery over immersive visual experiences.

The navigation is simple, with clear categories for “Tours,” “Day Trips,” and “Treks & Bivouacs.” The individual trip listings provide basic details like duration, pick-up/drop-off locations, and inclusions e.g., 4×4 car, driver, fuel, camel ride.

• Clean Layout: The design avoids clutter, making it easy to see the tour options available.
• Direct Information: Essential details like duration and starting prices are immediately visible for each package.
• Mobile Responsiveness: The site appears to adapt reasonably well to different screen sizes, which is crucial for modern users.

Missing Trust Signals on the Homepage

However, a critical aspect that’s noticeably absent from the homepage, and indeed across the site upon initial review, are robust trust signals.

In the world of online travel, especially for international trips, users seek strong assurances. Kmttech.com Review

• No Customer Testimonials/Reviews: There isn’t a dedicated section or even a snippet of customer reviews or testimonials on the homepage. This is a standard feature for building credibility.
• Lack of Security Badges: You won’t find prominent security badges e.g., SSL certificate verification, payment gateway logos like PayPal, Visa, MasterCard that indicate secure transactions. While an SSL certificate might be present indicated by HTTPS in the URL, its visual confirmation isn’t highlighted.
• Absence of Business Registration Details: While an “About Us” page exists, explicit company registration numbers or official licensing information are not readily displayed on the homepage, nor are they easily found elsewhere on the site. This is a vital piece of information for any legitimate business.

First Look at Tour Offerings

The tours are categorized logically: “Marrakech Desert Tours,” “Morocco Tours from Casablanca,” and “Marrakech Day Trips.” This structured approach helps users find what they’re looking for.

The variety of tours, from 2-day express trips to 12-day grand tours, caters to different timeframes and budgets.

• Variety of Trips: Offers a good range from short excursions to extended multi-city tours.
• Clear Inclusions: The “Included” list for each tour is helpful, detailing transport, fuel, and specific activities like camel rides.
• Pricing Visibility: Prices are clearly stated per person, which is a good starting point for budgeting.

Desertstarttravel.com Pros & Cons

Delving deeper into Desertstartravel.com, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against its weaknesses, particularly from the perspective of a consumer seeking reliable and transparent travel services.

While the site attempts to present a straightforward offering, several critical areas fall short of industry best practices for trust and comprehensive service.

The Cons: Significant Areas for Concern

The primary concerns revolve around the lack of transparency, a non-standard booking process, and missing elements that are now considered baseline for reputable online travel agencies.

• Absence of Customer Reviews and Testimonials: This is perhaps the most glaring omission. In the travel industry, social proof is paramount. Without visible reviews, potential customers have no way to gauge the experiences of previous travelers, making it difficult to assess the quality of service, guide expertise, or overall satisfaction. According to a 2023 Statista report, 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, highlighting their crucial role in building trust.
• Limited Company Information and Licensing: While an “About Us” page exists, it lacks specific business registration numbers, accreditations from tourism bodies, or detailed licensing information. Reputable travel agencies typically display these prominently to assure customers of their legal standing and adherence to industry standards. For instance, in many countries, travel agencies must be licensed and bonded. The absence of such details makes independent verification challenging.
• No Direct Online Booking System: The site does not feature an integrated online booking and payment gateway. Instead, it directs users to “Start Planning Your Journey Today!” or to contact them directly via phone or email. This manual process can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and raises questions about payment security, as transactions would likely occur off-platform. Modern travel platforms prioritize secure, instant booking.
• Lack of Clear Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy: Comprehensive terms and conditions outlining cancellation policies, refund procedures, liability, and dispute resolution are not readily apparent or easily linked from the homepage. Similarly, a clear privacy policy detailing how customer data is collected, stored, and used is essential under global data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Without these, customers are left in the dark about their rights and the company’s responsibilities.
• No SSL/Security Badges Visually Prominent: While the site uses HTTPS, which implies an SSL certificate for basic encryption, there are no visual trust badges from recognized security providers e.g., McAfee Secure, Norton Secured or payment gateways e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express logos prominently displayed near payment options. These visual cues reassure users about the security of their personal and financial information.
• Limited Information on Guides and Vehicles: While some tours mention “expert Berber & Nomad guides” and “4×4 car,” there’s no detailed information about the qualifications of the guides, vehicle safety standards, or fleet maintenance. For desert tours, especially, safety and reliability of transport are critical.
• No Emergency Contact Information: Beyond the general contact number, there’s no specific emergency contact or 24/7 support line mentioned, which is crucial for travelers who might encounter issues during their trip.
• Pricing Ambiguity: While prices are listed, the currency is often denoted as “€ Per Person,” without immediately clarifying if this is Euros or another currency, especially for an audience in the United States. Furthermore, for some tours, the price field is simply “From € Per Person,” leaving the exact cost unclear without direct inquiry.

The Pros: What Desertstartravel.com Does Well

Despite the significant drawbacks in transparency and trust-building, Desertstartravel.com does have some positive aspects in its presentation and service offerings.

• Clear Service Focus: The website is very clear about its niche: Morocco trips and desert tours. This specialization can be appealing to travelers looking for specific experiences in the region.
• Variety of Tour Options: It offers a decent range of tours, from short day trips to longer multi-day desert expeditions departing from both Marrakech and Casablanca. This variety caters to different travel durations and interests.
• Direct Contact Information: A phone number and email address are prominently displayed, making it easy for potential customers to reach out with inquiries. This direct line of communication can be preferred by some who wish to discuss customized trips.
• Details on Inclusions: For each tour, there’s a clear list of what is included e.g., 4×4 car, driver, fuel, camel ride, local guides. This helps manage expectations regarding basic provisions.
• Customized Trip Option: The “Customised Trip” page highlights a willingness to tailor itineraries, which is a valuable service for travelers with specific needs or preferences.

While Desertstartravel.com provides a functional overview of its tour packages, the critical missing elements—especially around trust, security, and a robust booking process—make it difficult to recommend without significant reservations.

For travel, which often involves considerable financial and personal investment, transparency and verifiable legitimacy are non-negotiable.

Desertstartravel.com Alternatives

Given the significant lack of crucial trust signals and the absence of a direct, secure online booking system on Desertstartravel.com, it is highly advisable for travelers to consider more established and transparent alternatives.

Reputable travel platforms prioritize customer safety, financial security, and clear communication, offering peace of mind that Desertstartravel.com, based on its current website, cannot provide. Efytal.com Review

Here are some top-tier alternatives that offer robust features, strong customer support, and verifiable legitimacy:

*   Focus: Comprehensive travel booking flights, hotels, cars, packages, activities.
*   Key Features: Global reach, extensive inventory, robust customer review system, price comparison tools, secure online payment gateway, 24/7 customer support.
*   Why it's better: Expedia is a multinational company with decades of experience, offering transparent pricing, clear terms and conditions, and dedicated support, all within a secure booking environment. It allows users to book and manage their entire trip in one place.

*   Focus: Primarily accommodation, but also flights, car rentals, and attractions.
*   Key Features: Massive database of hotels, apartments, and unique stays. flexible cancellation options. secure online payment. a highly active user review system. global customer service.
*   Why it's better: Known for its user-friendly interface and vast selection, Booking.com offers immense flexibility and transparent policies. Its review system provides genuine insights from millions of travelers, building trust in bookings.

*   Focus: Travel reviews, planning, and booking aggregation.
*   Key Features: World's largest travel platform with millions of reviews, photos, and forum discussions. allows comparison booking from various providers. offers "Things to Do" and tour bookings.
*   Why it's better: While not a direct booking site for everything, TripAdvisor empowers travelers with unparalleled information. It aggregates deals from trusted partners, ensuring that bookings are made through established entities, and its community-driven content is invaluable for research.

• GetYourGuide

  • Focus: Tours, activities, and experiences worldwide.
  • Key Features: Curated selection of local tours, skip-the-line tickets, unique experiences. user reviews. instant confirmation. flexible cancellation.
  • Why it’s better: If the primary interest is booking specific tours or activities like those offered by Desertstartravel.com, GetYourGuide specializes in this. It partners with local operators but handles the booking and payment securely, offering customer support and a clear refund policy.

• Viator

  • Focus: Tours, activities, and experiences.
  • Key Features: Similar to GetYourGuide, a vast selection of excursions, workshops, and attractions. backed by TripAdvisor. user reviews. 24/7 customer service.
  • Why it’s better: As part of the TripAdvisor family, Viator provides a reliable platform for booking tours. It offers a wide range of options, including many specific to Morocco, with clear descriptions, secure payments, and the backing of a large, reputable company.

• Intrepid Travel

  • Focus: Small group adventures, sustainable travel.
  • Key Features: Focus on authentic, responsible travel. local guides. diverse itineraries. strong commitment to ethical tourism.
  • Why it’s better: For those seeking curated, ethically-minded group tours which might include desert experiences, Intrepid Travel is a globally recognized leader. They prioritize local immersion, safety, and transparent operations, offering comprehensive packages with all details upfront.

• G Adventures

  • Focus: Small group tours, responsible travel.
  • Key Features: Similar to Intrepid, emphasizes local experiences, sustainable practices, and community benefits. diverse range of trips from classic to active.
  • Why it’s better: G Adventures is another highly respected alternative for organized small-group travel. They provide structured itineraries, experienced local guides, and a commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring a well-planned and secure travel experience.

These alternatives provide secure online booking, comprehensive information, verified customer reviews, and established customer support systems, mitigating the risks associated with less transparent online operations like Desertstartravel.com.

Prioritizing platforms with clear terms, trusted payment gateways, and visible credentials is key to safe and enjoyable travel planning.

How to Cancel Desertstartravel.com Booking If Possible

Given that Desertstartravel.com does not feature a direct online booking system, the process for canceling a trip would fundamentally depend on the method by which the booking was originally confirmed.

Since the website encourages direct communication via phone or email for “Start Planning Your Journey Today!”, it’s highly likely that any booking confirmation and subsequent cancellation would follow a similar manual process.

There are no explicit cancellation policies or terms and conditions published on the website’s main pages. Igloobaby.com Review

Steps to Attempt Cancellation:

1. Review Any Existing Correspondence: Check your email, phone messages, or any physical documents received from Desert Star Travel. Look for specific booking confirmations, invoices, or any terms communicated regarding cancellations, refunds, or changes. This is your primary reference point.

2. Contact Desert Star Travel Directly Email is Best for Record-Keeping:

   • Email: Send a formal email to [email protected].
     • Subject Line: Make it clear, e.g., “Cancellation Request – Booking Reference – – “
     • Body: Clearly state your intention to cancel. Include:
       • Your full name as used in the booking.
       • The trip name e.g., “Desert Express Trip in The Zagora dunes 2 Days”.
       • The dates of the trip.
       • Any booking reference number provided.
       • The reason for cancellation optional, but can sometimes be helpful.
       • A polite request for confirmation of cancellation and details on any applicable refunds or charges.
     • Keep a Record: Always keep a copy of the sent email for your records.
   • Phone: Call the provided number: +212 612 831 613.
     • Be prepared with all your booking details.
     • Note down the date, time, and name of the person you speak with.
     • Request written confirmation of your cancellation via email.

3. Inquire About Cancellation Policy: Since none is published, explicitly ask them about their cancellation policy. Key questions include:

   • What is the deadline for cancellation to receive a full or partial refund?
   • Are there any cancellation fees?
   • What is the refund processing time?
   • How will the refund be issued e.g., original payment method?

Potential Challenges:

• Lack of Published Policy: The absence of a clear, accessible cancellation policy means you are at the discretion of their internal process, which may not be standardized or transparent.
• Manual Communication: Relying on email and phone calls can lead to delays compared to automated online systems.
• Payment Method: If payment was made via bank transfer or an informal method, tracking and securing a refund could be more complex.
• Time Zones: Be mindful of the time difference if calling from the United States to Morocco.

Important Note: Without a published cancellation policy or a robust online booking system, there’s a higher risk of disputes or difficulties in securing refunds. This highlights the importance of choosing travel providers with clear, consumer-friendly policies.

Desertstartravel.com Pricing

Desertstartravel.com provides pricing for its tours directly on the homepage for each listed package.

The prices are quoted “Per Person” and predominantly in Euros €. This immediate display of costs is a positive, allowing potential travelers to quickly gauge the affordability of different options.

However, the level of detail and potential hidden costs warrant closer examination.

Overview of Pricing Structure

The pricing on Desertstartravel.com follows a per-person model, common in tour packages.

Each tour itinerary, whether a 2-day desert trip or an 8-day grand tour, has a starting price listed.

• Per Person Basis: All listed prices are From X € Per Person. This indicates that the final price might vary based on group size, specific dates, or additional customization requests.
• Currency: Prices are consistently shown in Euros €, which is standard for many European-facing tourism businesses, but might require currency conversion for a U.S. audience. As of late 2023/early 2024, the Euro to USD exchange rate has fluctuated around 1 EUR = 1.05-1.10 USD.
• Duration-Based: The pricing clearly correlates with the duration of the trip, with longer tours naturally costing more. For example, a 2-day trip starts around 225 €, while an 8-day trip is 795 €.

What’s Included and Excluded Based on Homepage Info

The website attempts to clarify inclusions, which is helpful. Textwizard.com Review

For most desert tours, the “Included” section lists:

• 4×4 car, driver, fuel: This covers the primary transportation, a significant component of desert tours.
• Camel ride: A quintessential desert experience, confirming its inclusion in the package.
• Local guides: For some tours e.g., Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, this indicates guidance during specific excursions.
• Lunch: Included in some day trips e.g., Day Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.

However, what is explicitly not included is often just as important, and this information is largely absent or vague:

• Accommodation: While “hand-picked riads” are mentioned in the Casablanca tours, specific accommodation details e.g., hotel star rating, type of lodging in the desert are not detailed with pricing. It’s unclear if the listed price includes the cost of overnight stays or just the transportation and activities. This is a major potential hidden cost.
• Meals: Apart from specific instances of “lunch” in day trips, it’s not clear if breakfast, dinner, or other meals are part of the multi-day tour pricing.
• Entrance Fees: Fees for historical sites, museums, or other attractions along the route are not mentioned as included, implying they would be extra.
• Tips/Gratuities: Driver and guide tips are almost certainly not included and would be an additional expense.
• International Flights: It’s standard for tour prices to exclude international airfare, but it’s not explicitly stated on Desertstartravel.com, which could lead to misconceptions for first-time travelers.
• Travel Insurance: This is almost universally excluded and should be purchased separately by the traveler.

Pricing Ambiguities and Concerns

The “From € Per Person” phrasing suggests that the displayed price is the lowest possible. The final cost could be higher based on:

• Seasonality: Peak travel seasons e.g., spring, autumn often incur higher prices, which is not reflected.
• Group Size: The price “Per Person” usually decreases with larger groups. The listed price might be for a minimum group size e.g., 2 people or a larger group, but this isn’t specified.
• Customization: Any deviation from the standard itinerary would undoubtedly increase the cost.

For example, the “Casablanca to Essaouira, Merzouga, Marrakech 11 Days” and “Casablanca to Tanger, Merzouga, Marrakech 12 Days” tours notably display “From € Per Person” without any number provided, suggesting incomplete information or a requirement for direct inquiry to get even a baseline price.

This lack of concrete pricing for extended tours is a significant red flag.

In summary, while Desertstartravel.com provides starting prices for its tours, the lack of detailed inclusions, explicit exclusions, and transparent information regarding final costs and varying factors creates a significant financial ambiguity.

Travelers would need to engage in extensive direct communication to ascertain the true total cost of their desired trip, which is a less than ideal user experience compared to established online travel agencies.

Desertstartravel.com vs. Established Travel Agencies

When evaluating Desertstartravel.com against established, reputable online travel agencies OTAs or specialized tour operators, significant differences emerge, primarily in terms of transparency, trust infrastructure, and overall customer experience.

These distinctions are critical for travelers seeking reliable and secure booking platforms.

Transparency and Trust Signals

• Desertstartravel.com: As discussed, the site lacks fundamental trust signals. There are no readily visible customer reviews, no clear business registration or licensing details, and no prominent security badges. Its “About Us” and “Our Team” pages offer some personal insights but fall short of verifiable business credentials. This creates an environment where potential customers must rely heavily on direct communication rather than established public information.
• Established OTAs e.g., Expedia, Booking.com, GetYourGuide: These platforms invest heavily in building trust. They prominently feature millions of user reviews with detailed ratings and photos, often verified by actual bookings. They display clear business credentials, adhere to industry regulations, and provide robust security features SSL certificates, secure payment gateways that are visibly communicated. Organizations like ABTA or ATOL for UK travelers or similar international bodies often accredit them, providing financial protection.

Booking Process and Convenience

• Desertstartravel.com: The booking process is entirely manual. Users are prompted to “Start Planning Your Journey Today!” via contact forms, email, or phone. This means no instant booking, no real-time availability checks, and no immediate confirmation. Payments would likely be handled off-platform, potentially via bank transfers, which lack the consumer protections of credit card transactions processed through secure gateways.
• Established OTAs: Offer seamless, instant online booking. Users can browse real-time availability, select dates, customize options, and complete secure payments directly on the platform within minutes. They provide immediate booking confirmations, often with electronic tickets or vouchers. This efficiency and convenience are a cornerstone of modern travel planning.

Customer Support and Policies

• Desertstartravel.com: Provides a phone number and email address. There’s no evident 24/7 support, live chat, or comprehensive FAQ section. More importantly, policies regarding cancellations, refunds, changes, and liability are not published. This means any issues would need to be resolved through manual correspondence, potentially leading to lengthy and unclear processes.
• Established OTAs: Boast extensive customer support systems, including 24/7 helplines, live chat, comprehensive FAQ sections, and self-service portals for managing bookings. Their terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and refund processes are clearly published, often with different tiers e.g., free cancellation within a certain period. This transparency empowers customers and provides clear recourse in case of problems.

Pricing Transparency

• Desertstartravel.com: Displays “From € Per Person” pricing, but often lacks clarity on what’s truly included beyond basic transport and a camel ride. Major components like accommodation, most meals, entrance fees, and tips are generally not detailed, leading to potential hidden costs. Some tour prices are even missing the numerical value, requiring direct inquiry for basic information.
• Established OTAs: Strive for all-inclusive pricing or very clear breakdowns of what is and isn’t included. They often provide detailed itineraries, accommodation specifics e.g., hotel names, star ratings, and options to add on meals or activities. Any additional fees e.g., resort fees, taxes are typically disclosed upfront before the final booking.

Scope and Breadth of Offerings

• Desertstartravel.com: Specializes narrowly in Morocco desert tours and trips. While this niche focus can be a strength, it means travelers seeking a broader range of destinations or travel components e.g., flights from their home country will need to use other platforms.
• Established OTAs: Offer a vast global inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and activities. They provide one-stop-shop convenience for planning complex itineraries worldwide. Specialized tour operators like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures offer curated group tours with detailed itineraries and a focus on responsible travel.

In conclusion, while Desertstartravel.com might offer specialized tours, its operational model and online presence fall significantly short when compared to the transparency, security, convenience, and comprehensive support provided by established online travel agencies. Ncrccoin.com Review

For safe and reliable travel planning, especially for international trips, opting for well-known and reputable platforms is always the more prudent choice.

FAQ

What is Desertstartravel.com?

Desertstartravel.com is a website that presents itself as a tourism agency based in Morocco, specializing in organizing desert tours and trips from cities like Marrakech and Casablanca.

Is Desertstartravel.com a legitimate travel agency?

Based on the website’s public presentation, Desertstartravel.com lacks several key trust signals like visible customer reviews, clear business registration details, and secure online booking systems that are typically associated with fully legitimate and reputable online travel agencies.

This raises questions about its operational transparency.

Can I book tours directly on Desertstartravel.com?

No, the website does not feature a direct online booking system.

It encourages users to contact them directly via phone or email to “Start Planning Your Journey Today!”

What types of tours does Desertstartravel.com offer?

Desertstartravel.com offers various multi-day desert tours from Marrakech and Casablanca, as well as shorter day trips to destinations like Ouzoud Waterfalls and Essaouira.

Are prices listed on Desertstartravel.com all-inclusive?

The prices are listed as “From € Per Person” and include basic elements like 4×4 car, driver, fuel, and often a camel ride or local guides.

However, it’s not explicitly clear if accommodation, most meals, entrance fees to attractions, or tips are included, suggesting potential additional costs.

What currency are the prices on Desertstartravel.com displayed in?

The prices on Desertstartravel.com are displayed in Euros €. Pvc-films.com Review

Are there customer reviews or testimonials on Desertstartravel.com?

No, the website does not prominently feature customer reviews or testimonials on its homepage or easily accessible sections, which is a significant missing trust signal.

How do I contact Desertstartravel.com?

You can contact Desertstartravel.com via phone at +212 612 831 613 or via email at [email protected].

Is my payment secure on Desertstartravel.com?

Since there is no direct online booking or payment gateway on the website, the security of your payment would depend on the method used when transacting directly with the company e.g., bank transfer vs. credit card processed through a third-party link. The website does not display explicit security badges for payment processing.

What is the cancellation policy for Desertstartravel.com?

A clear and comprehensive cancellation policy is not published on the Desertstartravel.com website.

You would need to inquire directly with them regarding their cancellation terms and potential refund eligibility.

Does Desertstartravel.com offer customized trips?

Yes, Desertstartravel.com mentions offering “Customised Trip” options, allowing travelers to tailor their itineraries by contacting them directly.

What are the durations of tours offered?

Tour durations range from 1-day trips to 12-day multi-city and desert expeditions, catering to different travel schedules.

Are international flights included in Desertstartravel.com tour prices?

No, it is standard for tour prices not to include international airfare, and Desertstartravel.com does not explicitly state its inclusion, implying flights would need to be booked separately.

Does Desertstartravel.com provide emergency contact information?

Beyond the general contact number, specific emergency contact details or 24/7 support lines for during-trip issues are not prominently listed on the website.

Are entrance fees to attractions included in Desertstartravel.com tours?

The homepage inclusions list does not typically mention entrance fees to attractions, suggesting these might be an additional cost for travelers. Creative-tops.com Review

Can I find information about the guides and vehicles used by Desertstartravel.com?

While the website mentions “expert Berber & Nomad guides” and “4×4 car,” detailed information about specific guide qualifications, vehicle safety standards, or fleet specifics is not provided.

Why is having customer reviews important for a travel website?

Customer reviews are crucial for travel websites because they provide social proof, offer insights into real customer experiences, help gauge service quality, and build trust for potential new clients.

What should I look for in a legitimate online travel agency?

Look for clear business registration, visible customer reviews/testimonials, secure online booking and payment systems, transparent terms and conditions including cancellation policies, and robust customer support options like 24/7 helplines or live chat.

Are there better alternatives to Desertstartravel.com for booking tours?

Yes, established online travel agencies and tour operators like Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator offer more transparency, security, and customer support.

What happens if a price on Desertstartravel.com shows “From € Per Person” without a number?

If a price on Desertstartravel.com shows “From € Per Person” without a numerical value, it indicates that the basic cost for that specific tour is not publicly listed and would require you to contact them directly for a quote.