Organizations offer travel tips

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The United States Tour Operators Association, a nonprofit, professional or-ganization that represents the tour operator industry, has compiled these tips to help travelers avoid disappointment on their next vacation journey. |ret||ret||tab|

Before purchasing a vacation, check with a travel agent or other reliable source to be sure that the company you are dealing with is legitimate. |ret||ret||tab|

Find out if the company you are dealing with is a member of an organization with a consumer protection plan.|ret||ret||tab|

Know the cancellation clauses in your travel agreements. |ret||ret||tab|

Research early booking discounts offered by tour operators. |ret||ret||tab|

If you can't find space on your own at a popular destination, consider a vacation package. Tour operators reserve blocks of space at the most popular destinations well in advance. |ret||ret||tab|

Book airfare when you make your vacation arrangements. Don't play airplane roulette, waiting until the last min-ute to see what late airline sales occur. This is particularly true if you're traveling to a highly visited area, where flights may be booked well in advance. |ret||ret||tab|

Additional consumer protection tips and information about USTOA is available online at www.ustoa.com.[[In-content Ad]]