BBB's 7 Travel Tips Can Help You Plan A Worry-Free Vacation

For many people, vacations offer a much-needed break from the routine of work, school or other occupations. But travel can be stressful if your baggage gets lost or travel vendors don't live up to their promises.

Planning ahead and checking vendors out before you leave home can reduce the chances of mishaps that could spoil your time away from home.

The BBB is a great source for information on business practices of millions of firms, including hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, restaurants and more. While we don't review the quality of rooms, the scenery or the food, we do provide information on how companies treat customers and how they respond to complaints.

In a recent release, we outlined seven steps to consider when making travel plans:

Vacation travel can provide a much-needed break from the everyday grind, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises travelers to plan ahead and check out websites and other travel resources to avoid disappointment.

“Major travel sites can be a great way to find transportation, lodging and other resources for your vacation,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB president and CEO. “In many cases, travel sites can save you time and money when you’re traveling to an unfamiliar destination.

“Many sites require that you pay in advance for the best deals, with limited opportunity for cancellation, rescheduling or refunds,” Corey said. “Make sure you understand the terms of any deal before you hand over a check or your credit card number.”

BBB Business Reviews are available for many travel providers and websites. The
reviews list the number and nature of complaints from consumers for millions of
companies, from car rental agencies to airlines to hotels, motels and restaurants. They also show how the company responded to the complaints. Find reviews at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.

Travel websites should explain policies on cancellations and refunds. Some require a minimum amount of notice for a cancellation, and some pro-rate refunds based on the length of time left before the reservation date. Most sites ask users to indicate that they have read and understood the policies. Be sure that you look at the policies carefully before you check “agree” and make your reservation.

If you’re traveling by air, be aware of policies on baggage and seating. Many airlines charge for bags that can’t be stowed in overhead bins or under seats. Some charge a premium for an aisle or window seat or for seating in an emergency exit row. Other potential charges include meals, movies or wireless Internet access.

Make sure you carry confirmation numbers for your reservations and contact information for the travel site, hotel or transportation companies you are using. You may need the confirmation number when you check in or if you need to change your plans.

More BBB tips for safe, worry-free travel include:

1. Plan ahead. Many vacation destinations book up quickly, and the cost of reservations may go up the longer you wait to make reservations.
2. Understand providers' policies. Travel websites and individual providers like hotels, transportation companies or tours may have differing policies for refunds or cancellations. Some may cancel your reservation if you arrive too late or fail to confirm your reservation.
3. Check out providers before you book your travel. BBB Business Reviews can give you information on companies’ complaint records, their time in business and how they respond to consumer complaints. Friends or other review sites may provide you with feedback from other travelers on things like the quality of rooms or food. Beware of too many positive reviews; the provider may select only the best comments for its own site.
4. Consider paying by credit card. Many credit card companies
   provide protection on items charged to the card, or they allow you to contest a charge if the provider fails to deliver promised services. 
5. Verify providers. When booking lodging through a third-party site, check with the hotel directly to make sure it exists and that the travel site is authorized to book with them. Ask them to verify that the confirmation number you got from the travel site is valid. This precaution is especially important when booking through ads on classified sites or unfamiliar
   websites.
6. Review statements. Make sure the amounts charged to your credit card jive with the amounts shown on the travel site or your confirmation pages. In some cases, there may be legitimate charges such as taxes or booking fees, but they should be disclosed before your credit card is charged.
7. Consider travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide protection in the event of an accident, an illness, lost luggage, or a canceled or interrupted trip, among other things. However, in many cases, the limits on the insurance may not compensate you for the full amount of your loss, and there could be delays. Some credit cards may include insurance on purchases made with the card.

For more information on travel or other consumer tips, visit www.bbb.org or call 314-645-3300.

The BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution service, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.