For Immediate Release
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR A SECURE & REASSURING VACATION
How Tour Operators Lend a Helping Hand
USTOA Suggests Five Things to Look For

On any given day during peak season, tour operators and vacation packagers may have from 70 to 10,000 passengers traveling in all corners of the world. When an unforeseen crisis occurs, they go into action in order to secure the comfort and security of their passengers.

If you’re planning to take a tour or vacation package, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has designed a checklist to help assure your vacation success.

Here are five key items to look for.

  1. Find out if the tour operator or vacation packager has a central telephone number that you, your travel agent or family can contact in case of emergency. Does the company provide a website page that you and your family can consult in case something happens? Remember that your tour operator will have a record of every passenger, so that they can track them down in case they need to provide alternative arrangements.
  2. In case airports are closed and your itinerary needs to be changed (you need to leave a day later because of a snowstorm or heavy rains, etc.), be certain the company will help reschedule your flights and other arrangements included in your vacation package or tour.
  3. Check to see whether the company has local offices where you’re traveling that can help you on the spot. Some tour operators have staff located throughout the world, while others have staff in major cities who can help solve transportation problems, make substitute flight arrangements or provide alternate modes of transportation.
  4. If you’re buying an escorted tour, find out whether the company requires its tour managers to stay with all passengers until they are accommodated and cared for.
  5. Ask whether the company will help you find extra or substitute lodging if your package or tour is delayed because of airport closures, bad weather, etc. Because of long-standing hotel contacts, tour operators can negotiate and secure extra hotel nights for stranded passengers – often at highly reduced rates.

And, remember: In case of a widespread problem when communications may be difficult, tour operators utilize sophisticated computerized communications systems. They can often help passengers by relaying information between the traveler and those at home.

"While travel insurance is always recommended to cover unforeseen events, reimbursements for cancellation due to personal illness, and other circumstances, it is important to know that 'We’re There For You.' Our individual Member companies stand behind their travelers, and we want to reassure the public that each company is committed to providing a secure, quality experience," says Bob Whitley, USTOA President.

USTOA member companies have met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which among other things, requires a company to set aside $1 million to help protect consumer deposits and payments in case the tour operator goes out of business. To locate a USTOA member company, visit www.USTOA.com. For a free copy of USTOA’s "Smart Traveler’s Planning Kit," phone 1-800-GO-USTOA, (1-800-468-7862).

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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.