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Avoiding Summer Travel Scams
Yes
If you’re already planning your summer vacation, here’s some advice from the Consumer Information Center (CIC) about how to avoid travel scams that will waste your money and ruin your holiday:
- Deal only with travel agencies or tour companies that have a good standing. Ask if they belong to a professional association. Call your Better Business Bureau chapter to find out whether there have been any complaints filed against the company.
- Shop around. Never rush into booking a vacation without getting offers from at least two agencies or tour providers. Think of it as being like car shopping; find out how far your buck will stretch before you buy.
- Beware of offers that are too good to be true. Be leery of “free” trips or ridiculously cheap prices. If you’re offered a “two-for-one” deal, a “free stay,” or such, make sure to find out what the deal really involves.
- Ask—and ask again. Get as many details as you can about each travel offer. Be sure you fully understand all the terms before agreeing to buy. Ask for specific names of airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour providers, or any other vendor mentioned as part of the package. Also ask whether there’s a cancellation policy.
- Get all promises in writing. Consider trip insurance for additional protection.
- If you’re asked to pay in advance, ask if you can pay a deposit. The CIC adds that using a credit card is safest because of your right to dispute the charges if the services were misrepresented or never delivered.
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