No matter where you visit, to see the beauty of an area, to get to secluded spots, to arrange tours, visit villages, witness wildlife and taste the adventure, travelers will inevitably need to get in touch with a tour company. In South East Asia, there are thousands of tour companies, so which one should you choose? How do you ensure you get value for money and an excellent experience?Here are a few tips for picking a tour company that will give you the awesome trip you deserve:Are they Registered?

• There are certain tour companies who offer cheap deals to lure in travelers. These companies, however, do not have a license to conduct a tour business. To make sure a company is registered, check out the tour company listings on the local tourism site, ie. Sabah Tourism. If you tour with an unregistered company, you will be uninsured (and your travel insurance won't cover you), tours undertaken may not use the right safety equipment, and there will be no guarantee of receiving the requested package.

Are they Agents or Operators?

• Many tour companies boast a range of tours - you want it, they got it. Actually, they don't got it, but they will get it from a different company. These companies are agents; they will often confirm a tour with you at an inflated price, before contacting a separate tour operator to actually conduct the tour itself. You pay extra and are handled by a third party. Wherever possible, cut out the middleman and try to book directly with a tour operator.

How experienced are their guides?

• To make your tour is a truly memorable one, it's important to have an experienced guide who knows their stuff about the place and is enthusiastic and passionate about their area of expertise. All good tour companies will be happy to let you know about their guides; just ask.

What is included?

• When touring, it is vital to check what is and what is not included in the package. Ensure you are well informed about what you will need to bring, and what the company will provide. Return transportation, equipment, food and drink are especially important, so always ask if these are covered in the package price.

Are they Eco-friendly?

• Many tour companies offer wildlife and nature tours; ensure that these cause minimal disruption to the eco-systems, and check whether the company supports conservation efforts, wildlife re-habilitation, and educational nature programs.

Are they the right price?

• If you are unsure as to whether or not you are getting a reasonable price from a tour company, don't be afraid to browse around, compare prices and companies, and decide what is best for you. Remember to check what's included - do they include transport, meals, extra activities? Are their guides experienced? All good tour companies will be happy to explain their prices and detail what's included.

Are they Friendly and Enthusiastic?

• From your initial interest in a package a tour company offers, the staff should be friendly, helpful and keen to let you know about the particular place, be it Borneo or Vietnam, Thailand or Singapore. Their attitudes should be positive and enthusiastic, and they should be happy to give you advice about the area, whether you buy from them or not.

Happy Touring Everyone!