For Immediate Release
WINNING
VACATION STRATEGIES
Practical
Hints From The Travel Experts at USTOA
Picking the right investments for your portfolio ... choosing the ideal place to live ... plotting the next move on the career ladder ... all require developing a winning strategy. So, too does planning a successful vacation.
The experts at the United States Tour Operators Association -- who arrange vacations for more than 10 million people a year -- suggest these practical points to help you plan your perfect vacation.
I. What
are those hidden questions you need to ask?
What is and is not included in the price?
Find out if airport transfers, service charges, airport and hotel taxes
are included. Also, find out what sightseeing and meals are built into
the price.
What
features are optional?
Check out optional excursions, meals, or transportation, and find out
how much spending money you'll need for these items.
Am I
getting the best value for my dollar?
The cheapest tour or vacation package doesn't always give you top value.
You might have to pay extra for things that aren't included such as transfers,
local sightseeing, etc. Find out about your hotels -- the location, standard
and features. If meals are included, what category restaurants, and will
you have a choice of menu? On an escorted motorcoach tour ask what type
of features the coach has panoramic windows, reclining seats, washroom,
high deck seating? If a rental car is included, what size is it, and,
if overseas, is it an automatic transmission?
Are my
dollars protected?
Find out if the company you're traveling with has a consumer protection
plan that will reimburse your deposits and payments in case the company
goes out of business. All USTOA member companies, for instance, must participate
in the organization's Travelers Assistance Program, which among other
requirements, reimburses travelers up to an aggregate $1 million in the
case that an Active corporate USTOA company becomes insolvent or bankrupt.
Also check out trip cancellation insurance, in case you have to change
your vacation plans.
Are there
penalties if I cancel?
Read the fine print on your travel brochure and documents. Know when payments
are due, and what cancellation or late penalties may be incurred.
II. How do you get the most bang for your buck?
Save money by traveling in the "off season"
Ttravel in the "off-season," or shoulder (in-between) season,
when you can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on land arrangements, and up
to 50% on air fare.
Choose
an All-Inclusive Tour
By choosing an all-inclusive tour, you can often realize an average savings
of 15% - 20% over the cost of buying the same elements yourself. Because
tour operators contract with properties and buy in large increments, they
are able to pass the savings on to travelers.
Look
for roommate shares
If you're a single traveler, check for roommate shares. It's a convenient
way to avoid single supplement charges.
Use a
Travel Agent
A good travel agent can save you valuable time and money. He or she has
access to special booking systems, and can also sell you vacation packages
and tours that are not otherwise available directly to the public.
III.
What should you do when your dream destination puts out the "sold-out"
sign?
Look for a vacation package or tour
Tour operators contract with hotels and other sightseeing attractions
well in advance; and, because they reserve blocks of space, your chances
of finding accommodations are far better than when you book on your own.
Use the
internet to find a tour company
To find a company that serves your dream destination, contact your local
travel agent; or, for a listing of USTOA members by the destinations they
serve, see the USTOA web site, www.ustoa.com. Or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA
1-800-468-7862 for a free copy of USTOA's "Smart Traveler's Kit."
# # #
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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.
