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PLANNING A VACATION PACKAGE OR TOUR SOON?
HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1) What does a tour operator do?

A tour operator puts together travel "packages" involving a number of different elements: airlines, ground transportation, hotels, restaurants, local guides and other services for one or more destinations. These packages are sold to the public, usually through travel agents.

2) What is a vacation package?

A vacation package combines multiple travel elements into an all-inclusive price. This price is usually lower than if the elements were purchased separately. Volume purchasing makes this possible. Any of the following elements (or others) can be present in a package: air transportation, lodgings/ accommodations, meals, motorcoach, rail or private vehicle, entertainment, car rental, airport transfers, sightseeing, etc. One or more destinations can be involved, and optional elements can be added.

3) What is a tour?

A tour is a trip taken by a group of people who travel together and follow a pre-planned itinerary. Most tours include accommodations, a number of meals, sightseeing, land transportation and/or other transportation, plus the services of a professional tour manager or escort who accompanies the group.

4) What is the difference between a hosted and an escorted tour?

On a hosted tour, a local guide and/or representative is available at each destination to handle sightseeing and other travel arrangements, and usually accompanies the group at the destination itself. On an escorted tour, the tour manager travels with the group throughout the trip. Some companies additionally augment the services of the tour manager with local guides at specific destinations, who provide in-depth sightseeing and insight into local customs.

5) What are the benefits of a vacation package or tour?

Besides lower price, the traveler enjoys peace of mind and convenience. Prepayment covers all major expenses, so that money concerns are minimized. On group tours, there is the added camaraderie of other travelers. Tour operator representatives visit destinations in advance of tours, checking hotel quality, dining facilities, equipment, etc. This advance planning allows realistic information to be passed along to travel agents, and then to their clients.

6) Is it advisable to book through a travel agent?

Yes. In fact, some tour operators will only work through travel agents. Travel agents are professionals who have the latest information, first-hand knowledge and experience in all phases of travel. They know the tour operators and can be especially helpful. Agents can translate a traveler's preferences into those specific packages that will best satisfy each person's needs, style and budget.

7) What does the USTOA symbol in a travel brochure mean to a consumer?

It means that the tour operator has been in business at least three years and has 18 industry references. Additionally, the company must participate in USTOA's Consumer Protection Plan by posting a $1 million bond, letter of credit or certificate of deposit to be used solely for reimbursing consumers in the case of bankruptcy or insolvency. The symbol also represents commitment to truth, accuracy and clarity in advertising. In a nutshell, a company deserving your confidence.

8) Where can consumers get additional information about USTOA, its members, the destinations they serve, and how to select a tour or vacation package?

Write the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), 342 Madison Avenue, Suite 1522, New York, NY 10173, or call (212) 599-6599, or e-mail: USTOA@aol.com. Information on USTOA is available on the Internet at www.USTOA.com. For a free copy of "The Smart Traveler's Planning Kit" phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862).

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Press Contact:

Linda Kundell
Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798 phone
(212) 877-3387 fax
LRKPR@att.net or LRKPR@aol.com

For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.