Travel Notes: Beware of 'bargain' travel promotions

From time to time we are asked by consumers to advise them on an offer that seems too good to be true. Perhaps as a result of airline deregulation a few years ago and uneven economic conditions since, travel "bargains" exist in great profusion.

However, they may contain special conditions, restrictions, and fine print that could affect your chances of getting the trip that you thought you paid for. Since you are not able to "inspect" your trip before you take it, or before you pay for it, it is important that you know as much as possible about the bargain you are considering.

Nationwide networks of telemarketing "boiler room" scams have been uncovered. Companies have sold a number of cruise vacations from Florida to the Bahamas worth as much as $1,500 for between $398 to $598.

However, consumers learned that they were just paying for the option to purchase a trip and were forced to pay additional fees to actually take the trip. "Cruises" were a ferry ride, and hotels were "vermin infested."

This same type of scam has also been promoted through direct mail. Extremely discounted Florida/Caribbean vacation packages, sponsored by well-known hotels and resorts and airlines, sold for $276 to $498.

As a consumer you should examine these warning signs:

Does the price seem unreasonably low compared to similar offers?

you asked for immediate payment over the phone (by credit card), or do they require personal checks or money orders only, if making payment by mail?

Are the solicitors willing to give you the name, address (including street address) and the phone number of their company? Are they willing to give you their full name? Are they willing to give you their escrow account and the name of their bank?

Are you asked to make an immediate decision? Is the company willing to send you information about the offer, including your total cost (in dollars), and the specific components included and the terms and conditions that pertain to your trip in writing before you have to commit any money?

Do they have a prepared brochure?

Do they name the airlines on which you'll be flying and the hotels in which you'll be staying?

If they say reservations are done through another company, ask for the name, address and phone number of that company.

Are you quoted one price, then asked to provide an additional deposit or pay a fee to join a club? Do they require that you or your traveling companion purchase additional travel services at an unspecified cost?

To avoid these hassles, you should deal directly with a local travel agent who is part of your community. Ask if the agent belongs to ASTA. ASTA members are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics, and they are the only agencies backed by ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department.

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)