Travel Tips
Smart Travel Shopping Tips
HOW TO AVOID TRAVEL SCAMS
- Beware of the ploy of you, (the groom or the bride) of being “selected” to receive honeymoon travel. No one is going to pull your name out of the hat and give you a free honeymoon.
- Free vacations often come with the stipulation that a second must be purchased at “regular price,” which is usually two to three times more than it would cost to purchase the ticket through a travel agent.
- Lodging certificates may also require users to purchase a second ticket at an inflated rate. Moreover, this “free” stay probably comes with a long list of limitations and exclusions and may even require attendance at timeshare presentations.
- So-called “free” airline certificates are often not really free. They require you to purchase hotel accommodations at inflated prices. Be sure to read the fine print for limitations, exclusions and refund restrictions. Some certificates might require attendance at a timeshare or real estate sales presentation.
- Some Spring Break companies don’t use a formal contract, which further complicates matters. Tour company brochures often double as contracts and as a result, when students sign up for more information, they might be unwittingly signing a contract.
- Beware of travel offers extended by postcard, telemarketer or newspaper invitation.
- Paying for travel in advance can be risky for customers who wait too long, or the company could very well go out business.
- Buyers should also be wary of paying for accommodations they’ve never seen or heard of being stuck in a poor quality motel in an inconvenient location is no bargain.
- Education is the key to avoiding travel scams. Know the vocabulary scam artists frequently use and book through a professional travel agent.
- Avoid telemarketers. They have no further responsibility to consumers after the sale has been finalized.
- Be wary of firms asking consumers to send payment by overnight delivery. It’s more difficult to detect fraud through mail correspondence.
- Companies offer to make people instant travel agents, so they can receive the discounts offered to certified agents. But only suppliers such as airlines, car rental companies, hotels or cruises have the authority to offer discounts.
- “You have been specially selected to receive our spectacular vacation offer” translates to “You have been offered an opportunity to pay for a trip that fits OUR definition of luxury, whatever that might be.”
- “Blackout periods” are also common to the fine print. These are blocks of dates, usually during peak travel times and holidays, during which time discount rates do not apply.
- “Subject to availability” means consumers could be denied the accommodations and times they requested.
- Be skeptical of ads that have large pictures without much text. Also, watch for trips that guarantee your dream vacation for seemingly impossible rates.
- Prepaid timeshares, campgrounds or travel clubs are risky investments because membership and maintenance fees can increase, the company can go bankrupt and timeshares are difficult to resell and rarely appreciate in value.
- Don’t be pressured into accepting limited time offers--choosing a vacation is a big decision and legitimate deals won’t expire after a night’s sleep. When in doubt, always say no.
- Never give your credit card number or bank information over the phone, not even for so-called verification purposes. Only disclose this private information to trusted businesses you’ve used in the past and trust.
- Senior citizens should be especially cautious of travel fraud since they are the most targeted consumers, according to the FBI.
- An AARP study revealed that three out of four victims were chosen solely on the basis of their age. Consumers over the age of 50 are targeted because they have more free time, are inclined to spend money on travel and have fixed incomes.
- Planning your vacation can be fun and exciting if you follow this golden rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Look for the ASTA logo when choosing a travel agent to book your travel arrangements. As the travel industry’s leading association for travel professionals, ASTA agents pride themselves on their integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- What looks too good to be true, usually is. Talk to your ASTA agent when you are unsure about online deals and “free” vacation offers.