Travel Notes: Use care when selecting 'unbelievable' travel plans

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Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.|ret||ret||tab|

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When terrorists attacked our nation, they used our main form of long-distance travel as a weapon. One result was a negative impact on the travel industry. Since Sept. 11, the way we think about travel has changed. Our preferences, habits and desire for security have shifted.|ret||ret||tab|

Travelers responded in three ways to the Sept. 11 attacks. |ret||ret||tab|

Some canceled their plans and stayed home. |ret||ret||tab|

Others were adamant that they were not going to change their lifestyle over the actions of terrorists and stuck to their travel plans. |ret||ret||tab|

A third group saw travel bargains never before offered and quickly took advantage of discounted cruises and tours at rock-bottom prices.|ret||ret||tab|

Bargains are still plentiful as tour companies, cruise lines and resort hotels work to stimulate travel.|ret||ret||tab|

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Warning signs|ret||ret||tab|

As a consumer, you may find that dream trip affordable now. |ret||ret||tab|

But how do you know if a trip is too good to be true? Here are some of the warning signs.|ret||ret||tab|

Does the price seem unreasonably low compared to similar offers?|ret||ret||tab|

Are you asked for immediate payment over the phone by credit card, or do they require personal checks or money orders only?|ret||ret||tab|

If being solicited by a company unknown to you, are they willing to give you the name, address (including street address) and phone number of their company? Are they willing to give you their full name?|ret||ret||tab|

Are you asked to make an immediate decision?|ret||ret||tab|

Is the company willing to send you information about their offer, including your total cost (in dollars) and the specific components, including the terms and conditions that pertain to your trip in writing, before you have to commit any money? Do they have a prepared brochure?|ret||ret||tab|

Do they specify the airlines and hotels in which you will be staying? |ret||ret||tab|

Don't accept answers like "all major airlines," and be wary if they list several hotel "possibilities" with only one from a major chain.|ret||ret||tab|

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Protection|ret||ret||tab|

If you find the trip you've been looking for, here are some things you can do to protect your travel investment.|ret||ret||tab|

Pay for your trip with a credit card. If services are not delivered, you have a right to dispute the charges through your credit card company. |ret||ret||tab|

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, cardholders have 60 days from the time they received the billing statement on which the charge first appears to refuse payment for services not rendered.|ret||ret||tab|

When selecting a tour company, make sure that they are members of the United States Tour Operator Association. USTOA has a $1 million consumer protection plan that protects consumers for the loss of deposits and payments made to member companies in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency.|ret||ret||tab|

Purchase trip cancellation insurance from an independent company. You should receive a written brochure on the coverage you are purchasing, with contact phone numbers for getting answers to your more specific questions.|ret||ret||tab|

Work with an experienced travel agent who is established in your area. She/he will be your adviser and advocate if necessary.|ret||ret||tab|

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