Watch out for instant travel offers. If a company offers special identification that they say will g

Timeshare resorts, travel clubs, and other companies may notify you by mail or telephone that "You have been selected leisure group travel for an island vacation that includes free airfare and accommodations." Or maybe you filled out an entry form for a vacation sweepstakes at a store, trade show or other local event. Why are these offered and how do they work?
Businesses often provide vacation certificates with the goal of selling a specific product or service. They print these certificates in large quantities, believing that the attraction of a "free" vacation will draw customers to their sales site. Making a purchase or attending a sales presentation may be required to claim a vacation at a timeshare resort, leisure group travel membership campground or other land sales promotion.
Vacation certificate offers vary. Some certificates include lodging in a hotel or timeshare resort for a certain number of days and nights. Other offers include airfare or a cruise, or provide one complimentary ticket with the purchase of a second. Some certificates include discount coupons for restaurants, tours or attractions in the resort area.
Companies using vacation certificates may require a non-refundable processing and handling fee or a refundable deposit of $50 to $100 to reserve leisure group travel a vacation offer. Vaca-tion certificates requiring a refundable deposit often state that the deposit will be returned after a vacation has been taken. leisure group travel Written confirmation should be sent when the deposit is received.
Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the company providing the vacation certificate and any other company involved in an offer that requires you to listen to a sales presentation or purchase a product. Until you receive complete details in writing of total cost, terms and conditions and restrictions, do not offer any payment to the company.
If "free" leisure group travel travel is offered, can you make your own travel arrangements, or do you have to use a specific travel agent? If you use the company's travel agent and you must pay for a second ticket, determine if the cost of the second purchased ticket is more than if you had made your own travel plans for two through another source. Is the rate competitive with rates available through other travel leisure group travel agents, airlines, etc.?
A travel package is a prearranged vacation. Usually, these packages are assembled by an independent tour operator and are sold through travel leisure group travel agents. Purchasing a travel package has the advantage of convenience and, in many cases, value. Paying attention to the following can help you choose wisely:
Small Print or Asterisks: Make sure that asterisks or small print are not used as a means of altering the meaning of any advertising statement. Asterisks are commonly used to indicate restrictions -- required length of stay, particular days and/or leisure group travel times of departure or additional charges.
Availability: Make sure that the travel services are currently available at advertised prices. If the travel service at the advertised price is not immediately effective, leisure group travel availability should be stated in the advertisement.
Features: If the brochure/advertisement states, for example, that you can play golf or that you can visit an amusement park nearby, leisure group travel it does not necessarily mean that these attractions will be included in the travel program for the advertised price. Make sure to look for the following:
Verify everything before you pay. Be cautious about prepaying for multiple years. Timeshares, campgrounds or travel clubs may offer to sell membership vacation accommodations for five years or more. Take into account your physical and financial health, a company’s solvency, potential rising membership and maintenance fees, and the often poor appreciation of such investments;
Watch out for instant travel offers. If a company offers leisure group travel special identification that they say will guarantee discounted travel rates, be wary. No company has control over discounts. Only suppliers of travel such as cruiselines, hotel companies, car rental companies, or airlines can decide to extend such professional courtesies.
U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION at 212.599.6599 * If you find any of the web sites listed above to be inactive, please contact the respective organization. Also, be aware that the above phone numbers may be subject to change without notice.
A scam travel agency recently tricked a group of Tennessee dance students out of more than $60,000 by charging for Disney tickets and hotel rooms that they never booked. The story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone planning a vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. The popularity -- and price -- of a Disney vacation means that scams abound.
Is Dad an adventure seeker? Is he up for the thrill of skydiving, leisure group travel whitewater rafting or other exciting adventures? How about golf lessons, a fishing trip, or a wilderness experience? With Father's Day on Sunday, June 16, Better Business Bureau is recommending that shoppers consider the fine print before purchasing high adventure activities or gift certificates for Dad.