Vacation and Travel What to Look For Before committing to participate in any vacation promotion, it's wise to do the following: 1. 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. 2. Read the rules carefully. Do you meet the required conditions, such as age and marital status? 3. Determine all costs involved in using a vacation certificate. It will be your responsibility to pay for anything not specifically mentioned. Do you pay for: (1) Hotel, timeshare resort or other lodging? Meals? (2) Transportation from your home to the resort? Do you have to travel to a distant location before the company pays for 'free' travel? (3) Transportation from the airport to the lodging accommodation.'? (4) Additional fees for the peak tourist season? When is the peak season? Are there any port taxes when visiting a foreign country? 4. Before traveling, confirm all arrangements directly with the: (1) Airlines cruise lines, etc. (2) Hotel, timeshare resort, etc. (By requesting descriptive brochures directly from the lodging you may avoid any unpleasant surprises once you arrive. ) (3) Business sponsors such as restaurants or resort attractions offering discount or other coupons. Determine any restrictions on the use of these coupons. 5. Ask the vacation certificate promoter what happens if the hotel or other accommodations are completely booked. 6. If a refundable deposit is required, when and how do you get it back? Find out what the company will do if it can't match your request with a specific vacation time. Can you get your money back? 7. If 'free' 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 agents, airlines, etc. ? 8. If you attend a land sales presentation, obtain a copy of the Property Report often required by federal law, and read it before signing any contract or written agreement. Travel Packages A travel package is a prearranged vacation. Usually, these packages are assembled by an independent tour operator (经营商) and are sold through 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 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, availability should be stated in the advertisement. Extra Charges: Any extra charges such as port taxes, service charges or single supplement charges should be clearly and conspicuously (明显地) disclosed. Features: If the brochure/advertisement states, for example, that you can play golf or that you can visit an amusement park nearby, it does not necessarily mean