B4-U-BUY(tm) FYI VACATIONS - Travelers Look For Security In Vacation Packages

Travelers Look For Security In Vacation Packages

With the sun shining on longer days, many Americans are getting out the guide books to map out new places to visit. Whether they decide to tour through New England or cruise by glaciers in Alaska, many travelers are looking seriously at security.

If you, too, are planning summer travel, be sure that you receive the greatest value for your vacation dollar. To ensure that you are making a good investment, here are some guidelines from the experts at the National Tour Association (NTA).

Verify that the travel agent or tour company is a member of a professional association such as the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association or the American Society of Travel Agents.
Make sure that the tour operator company offers a consumer protection plan.
Carefully read the company cancellation and refund policies.
Use a credit card to purchase tickets, and if cash must be used always get a receipt.
Verify that the tour company has professional liability and errors and omissions insurance.
Ask for a reference from a client with whom you are familiar.
Avoid high pressure sales with a limited time to evaluate the offer.
Beware of companies sending a courier for a check or requesting a direct bank deposit or certified check.
Prior to payment, review complete details about any trip in writing.
Request hotel and airline names, addresses and phone numbers -- broad terms such as "all major hotels" and "all major airlines" are a warning flag.
If given an 800 number, insist on a local phone number-this will establish that the tour company or travel agency has a central office from which it operates.
Never use 900 numbers.

The National Tour Association's 600-plus members who offer travel packages are covered by the organization's $100,000 Consumer Protection Plan. This plan applies to deposits or prepayments made for packaged travel by the consumer in the unlikely event that an NTA tour operator member declares bankruptcy. For a free list of NTA members call 800/755-TOUR, ext. 62 or write the National Tour Association at 546 East Main St., Lexington, Kentucky 40508. (NAPSI)