Serious question, has anyone else's local guide contact just ghosted them before a trip?

I booked a guy in Lisbon for a food tour next month, paid a deposit through his site. He was super responsive for weeks, then radio silence for the past ten days. I sent two follow up emails and a message on WhatsApp, nothing. I'm scrambling now to find someone else because I don't want to show up with no plan. It's a real gut punch when you think you've got a solid local lined up. Has this happened to anyone, and what did you do to find a backup?

3 comments

3 Comments

diana_flores252mo ago

Ten days of silence after paying a deposit is so unprofessional!

coleman.jade1mo ago

Ten days with zero communication after you handed over money is a huge red flag. Even a two line text saying "hey still working on it" takes five seconds. Sounds like they took your deposit and went ghost which is a scammy move honestly. Small businesses that are legit usually send updates even if it's bad news. You might need to start leaving public reviews if they don't respond soon. Sucks that you have to chase people for basic decency.

olivia4782mo ago

Ugh, classic. Guess your deposit bought him a nice dinner instead. Time to hit up those last minute tour apps.