Organizations offer travel tips

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.

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.

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

Know the cancellation clauses in your travel agreements.

Research early booking discounts offered by tour operators.

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.

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.

Additional consumer protection tips and information about USTOA is available online at www.ustoa.com.