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Be a Smart Vacation BuyerMegan Markey, Republished from SafetyIssues.com Vol 2 Issue 21 August 2003 |
Volume 4 Issue 44July 2005 |
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July/August is the peak of the summer
vacationing season. As you decide your destination take caution in
believing vacation advertisements that sound too good to be true. When
shopping for vacation packages, be a smart buyer just as you would in any
other case. Vacation sellers use certain phrases to catch your eye that
may sound appealing but may in fact lead you to spending more than you had
expected. SafetyIssues.com has put together a few tips to keep your ears perked to the gimmicks vacation retailers will try to put past you. |
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It is always safer to book vacations through a
reputable travel agency. They eliminate the hassle of researching the
vacation spots, finding actual bargains and keeping track of all of your
travel reservations. However, if travel agency fees are too expensive and you choose to plan your vacation yourself keep these important consumer tips in mind that SafetyIssues has provided you. Be wary of phrases such as “You are qualified to win a dream vacation”, this does not mean that you have won anything. In fact this may mean that if you respond to their advertisement they will follow up with soliciting calls and more junk mail while you may never receive anything in the way of a dream vacation. Also “Subject to Availability” means that the deal does not apply in all seasons, and you may only get the deluxe suite if it is available when you arrive. Gimmicks such as these provide no guarantees.Also be alert when a travel company selling vacation deals asks you to send your money by mail or western union. They may be trying to take your money and avoid being tracked for mail or money wire fraud. It is safer to pay for your vacation with credit card. Credit card money can be traced so that someone cannot simply disappear with it. Also, if you do not get the vacation you feel was promised, you may be able to get some insurance money back from your credit card company. Be cautious to purchase a long term vacation arrangement such as a Time Share home or a Travel Club Belonging to a travel club may seem like a bargain for the amount of vacation time offered but the amount of time you will be able to use it may be restricted or you yourself may not have much time to spend vacationing. Pre - paying upfront for these “deals” may mean that the company will take your money and not guarantee any responsibility for the upkeep of the property over the term that you purchased the usage for. Vacation homes that were beautiful at the time that you bought them may be run down and greatly devalued after a few years. Also annual membership fees to vacation clubs may increase without notification. Have a safe summer and enjoy a safer vacation! |
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