Student foresight prevents Spring Break travel scams

By Nicole Arias
Staff Writer

Don't be a victim. Before finalizing any Spring Break travel plans, students need to know how to avoid Spring Break travel scams.

"Sometimes searching for the best deal can land students far from paradise and cost them more than they bargained for," said Jack Mannix, Certified Travel Counselor and president of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. "That's why it's so important they proceed with caution as an educated consumer."

According to the Institute of Certified Travel Agents, an international, non-profit organization that educates and certifies travel industry professionals, there are some tips to avoid problems.

First, students should be aware of the business' credentials. Find out if the company or travel agent being dealt with is professionally certified. Travel agents are certified if they are a Certified Travel Counselor or a Certified Travel Associate. In addition, students should request information about the business and the names of satisfied customers.

Second, students should look into buying a package, an all-inclusive vacation. It includes transportation, meals, lodging and various activities. Although the prices of packages seem expensive, sometimes they are the best deal available to students.

Third, students should know the terms of the contract and airline with which they sign. A vacation contract outlines in what circumstance operators can change flight schedules, hotel accommodations and the rules and penalties for cancellation. A way to ensure that cancelled tickets are refunded is to buy travel insurance. Before purchasing a ticket on a charter flight, planners should understand that airlines can cancel flights up to 10 days before departure and can change schedules at any time. Furthermore, they can delay flights for up to 48 hours without compensation or alternative transportation.

Finally, students need to know their rights. Buyers can cancel a charter flight without penalty if they are unhappy with a flight or hotel change or if the change increases the prices.

For more information, visit www.icta.com.

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