PACKAGES AND TOURS

A package or tour can make your vacation less expensive and more convenient. Firms that sell tours and packages purchase airline seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars in bulk and pass some of the savings on to you. In addition, the best operators have local representatives to help you at your destination.

A GOOD DEAL?

The more your package or tour includes, the better you can predict the ultimate cost of your vacation. Make sure you know exactly what is included, and beware of hidden costs. Are taxes, tips, and service charges included? Transfers and baggage handling? Entertainment and excursions? These can add up.

Most packages and tours are rated deluxe, first-class superior, first class, tourist, and budget. Usually accommodations are the key difference. If the package or tour you are considering is priced lower than in your wildest dreams, be skeptical. Also, make sure your travel agent knows the hotels and other services. Ask about location, room size, beds, and whether the hotel has a pool, room service, or programs for children, if you care about these. Has your agent been there or sent others you can contact?

BUYER BEWARE

Each year consumers are stranded or lose their money when operators go out of business---even large ones with excellent reputations. If you can't afford a loss, take time to check out the operator---find out how long the company has been in business, and ask several agents about its reputation. Next, don't book unless the firm has a consumer-protection program. Members of the United States Tour Operators Association and the National Tour Association are required to set aside funds exclusively to cover your payments and travel arrangements in case of default. Nonmember operators may instead carry insurance; look for the details in the operator's brochure---and the name of an underwriter with a solid reputation. Note: When it comes to tour operators, don't trust escrow accounts. Although there are laws governing those of charter-flight operators, no governmental body prevents tour operators from raiding the till.

Next, contact your local Better Business Bureau and the attorney general's office in both your own state and the operator's; have any complaints been filed? Last, pay with a major credit card. Then you can cancel payment, provided that you can document your complaint. Always consider trip-cancellation insurance (see Insurance).

Big vs. Small
An operator that handles several hundred thousand travelers annually can use its purchasing power to give you a good price. Its high volume may also indicate financial stability. But some small companies provide more personalized service; because they tend to specialize, they may also be experts on an area.

USING AN AGENT

Travel agents are an excellent resource. In fact, large operators accept bookings only through travel agents. But it's good to collect brochures from several agencies, because some agents' suggestions may be skewed by promotional relationships with tour and package firms that reward them for volume sales. If you have a special interest, find an agent with expertise in that area; the American Society of Travel Agents can give you leads in the United States. (Don't rely solely on your agent, though; agents may be unaware of small niche operators, and some special-interest travel companies only sell direct to travelers.)

SINGLE TRAVELERS

Prices are usually quoted per person, based on two sharing a room. If traveling solo, you may be required to pay the full double-occupancy rate. Some operators eliminate this surcharge if you agree to be matched up with a roommate of the same sex, even if one is not found by departure time.