When planning an event, looking for a good deal for a family vacation, or a getaway, Better Business Bureau encourages people to plan ahead to save money, avoid scams, and travel safely.
Scammers will often target people looking for great deals online by offering tempting vacation packages at unrealistically low prices. One place to begin an online search is BBB.org for finding reputable travel agencies, agents, and websites.
To help ensure an enjoyable vacation, plan ahead. Allow plenty of time to research hotels, flights, and the area where you will be staying. Typically, the earlier reservations are made, the better the deals and the lower the risk of the destination being booked solid. Making reservations in advance also locks in rates, and prevents higher prices later during spring break, summer, or holiday travel seasons.
Avoid broad internet searches. Entering phrases like ‘best deals’ into whichever search engine used can sometimes bring up-websites that look official, but are designed solely to rip people off.
Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming a 'free trip' or websites offering prices that appear too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo, and out of money.
Do your homework. Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website, and read customer reviews about any rentals under consideration.
Before making a final payment, get all the details of the trip in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels. Also, review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and refund policies, as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or booking site used.
Pay with a credit card; this provides additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.
If you’re planning to travel internationally, check to see if there are any advisories affecting Canada and the U.S. Travel Association for any issues that may impact the trip.
