by Matt Bruns

It’s prime vacation time, and while most people looking for a relaxing, fun getaway certainly find it, there are always those unlucky few who never get to enjoy their vacation because of a scam or an unethical travel agent. Since most travel requires payment prior to departure, travel scams are an easy target for unscrupulous individuals looking to make a quick dollar off unsuspecting would be travelers. There are, however, some easy and proactive precautions you can take before you pack up your bathing suit and sunglasses, and each one will drastically increase your odds of that stress free vacation you’ve been hoping for.

First, and perhaps most critical, only work with a bonded travel agent to book your vacation. Travel agents in nearly every country are required to hold a surety bond or a license for their agency in order to protect the consumers with whom they do business. In the US, the travel agency bond protects customers in cases of agent misconduct or fraud and carrying a bond means that your travel agent has agreed to work within the boundaries of state and federal law concerning the travel business. For example, a travel agency surety bond for Michigan covers a travel agent in Detroit but not Los Angeles. Moreover, if you do find that your agent hasn’t acted legally or ethically, you can contact the government for assistance and, possibly, reimbursement or damages. Making sure that your agent is bonded is the most important thing that you can do in the course of your vacation planning and just following this one step will save you from the vast majority of scams.

After ensuring that your agent is bonded, work closely with him or her to book your trip. You should ask questions at every step of the process and get all the facts concerning your reservation far in advance of actually leaving for your vacation. Make sure that you know what your itinerary will be, when cancellation fees could apply and how much they might be, and the exact dollar amount for each portion of your trip.

Additionally, while many travelers aren’t sure that travel insurance is absolutely necessary, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of this issue very carefully while you’re going over your costs. Travel insurance can, at first glance, seem expensive, but depending on your destination, the length of your trip, and the type of vacation you’re hoping to have, it can actually be great peace of mind. Typically, the coverage protects you against theft, damages, or cancellations and can make what might otherwise be a financial nightmare merely a fun story to tell the grandchildren in a few years.

Before you leave for your trip, call the airline for each flight you have booked and confirm the flight number, departure time, and your reservation. Then, call each hotel and do the same thing. Most last minute travel mistakes can be avoided by this simple step, and you’ll have the confidence of knowing that your reservations are made. What’s more, you’ll be able to focus less on the day to day logistics of your trip and more on sightseeing, relaxing, and enjoying yourself which, after all, is what vacation is really about.

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