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SELECTING A TOUR?
USTOA Suggests Four Practical Questions to Ask

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1. What is my dollar buying?
2. What is the tour company's policy concerning reservations, deposits and cancellations?
3. What is my responsibility and that of the tour operator?
4. How do I know whether a tour company is reliable?

These are four important questions to ask when selecting a tour or vacation package, according to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

What is your dollar buying?

When comparison shopping, note what is and is not included in the tour price, cautions Robert E. Whitley, president of USTOA. "Sometimes the tour that seems to be a bargain might not actually be cheaper in the long run," he explains. Items to check for include:

• quality and location of accommodations;
• number of meals included in the price;
• amount of sightseeing;
• whether the entire trip is accompanied by a tour escort;
• if transfers between airports and hotels are inclusive;
• whether the price includes airfare and transportation between destinations.

What is the tour company's policy on reservations, deposits and cancellations?

Since each company has its own terms and conditions, it is important to read the tour operator's brochure and understand the following policies in advance:

• the due date for your initial reservations deposit and interim and final payments;
• when cancellation fees are incurred (when you cancel, a tour operator has already incurred expenses for advance reservations and arrangements, and may be liable for paying hotel and other services contracted on your behalf. The cancellation penalty covers those costs);
• whether the tour operator can cancel a departure for lack of bookings (in such cases the tour operator will usually offer other departures or destination alternatives).

What is your responsibility and that of the tour company?

Your responsibility and that of the tour operator is spelled out in the "Terms and Conditions" section of the company's brochure. Items to look for are:

• whether you will be responsible for additional payments in the event of currency fluctuations. Some tour companies offer guaranteed rates, meaning that the rate you pay when you reserve your tour or package will protect you against future currency fluctuations;
• which expenditures you are responsible for while on tour. These might be meals and special excursions that are not part of the tour itinerary, as well as personal expenses;
• supplemental fees for special services such as single rooms or upgraded accommodations.

How do you know whether a tour company is reliable?

Your travel agent is usually a good source for checking out a tour company's reliability. He or she follows the travel industry, and can base his or her recommendation on the experience of other clients.

If in doubt, ask how long the tour company has been in business, and whether they are a member of USTOA. USTOA's stringent qualifications for membership assure travelers that a member company meets a number of high standards. The tour operator must:

• adhere to USTOA's strict code of ethics;
• be in business at least three years under the same management;
• furnish 18 industry references;
• carry a minimum of $1 million liability insurance;
• provide $1 million in the form of either a bond or letter of credit as part of USTOA's Travelers Assistance Program, which continues to require each Active Corporate USTOA member to post a $1 million bond to help protect consumer. The $1 million is held by USTOA for use solely in reimbursing consumers in the case of bankruptcy or default.

How to select a tour or vacation package

USTOA has produced a brochure, "How to Select a Tour or Vacation Package," which provides helpful advice on what to look for and how to understand travel terminology. The pamphlet, along with a list of USTOA Active Member companies, is available free of charge by calling (212) 599-6599 or 1-800-GO-USTOA (1-800-468-7862); by e-mail: information@ustoa.com; or visit USTOA at www.ustoa.com.