Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Travel Online

Do:

·      Contact a professional travel agent before making a travel purchase. Experienced travel professionals can help you avoid potential hassles and costly mistakes.

·      Use a reputable company. Check www.ASTAnet.com or ask if your ASTA travel agency has a Web site. Many traditional travel agencies have Web sites where you can do research and purchase travel.

·      Use the Internet to research your destination. Most sports teams, theaters, arenas and other tourist attractions have informative sites. Also check newspaper sites for such local details as movie schedules, restaurant reviews, religious services and more.

·      Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company before you buy.

·      Look for signs that sensitive information, such as travel itineraries and credit-card numbers, is encrypted. Two signs that a site is secure are a closed padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser and a URL that begins with “https.”

·      Find out about the site’s policy on cancellations and changes. 

Don’t:

·      Book online unless you’ve done your homework and know what questions to ask and where to ask them.

·      The Internet can respond only to the questions you ask.  If you don’t know what to ask, you won’t get the answers you need to make an informed decision.

·      Beware of misleading promotions. Too-good-to-be-true deals often come with the condition that you buy additional airfare or accommodations.  If you are eligible for deals—for example, as a senior or AAA member—be sure the site handles such special discounts.

·      Book with an online agency unless you know its location and contact information.

·      Book direct with a travel supplier without really understanding all your choices and options.

_ Picture ID

_ Personal Medication

_ Money (traveler checks, ATM

   card, credit cards)

_ Toothbrush & Toothpaste

_ Emergency First Aid Kit

_ Hairbrush/comb

_ Deodorant

_ Air/Train/Ship Tickets and other

   travel documents

_ House Keys

_ Underwear

_ Change of Clothes

_ Cell phone or long distance phone

   card

_ Reading material or music

_ Your ASTA travel agent’s phone

   number

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH KIDS

Thinking of taking the family on a vacation? A little planning can help keep the kids occupied and safe,

and keep you sane on your family trip. Take a moment to read our list to help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Remember to choose a location that is kid-friendly.  Look for a resort with lots of activities, a kid’s program and kid’s menu. Our vacation experts can recommend the best destination,

cruise or resort for your family.

2. Consider an all-inclusive resort, a cruise or a condominium to control extra expenses.

3. When staying in a hotel, request

“connecting” rather than “adjoining”

rooms. Adjoining rooms are side by

side, but may not have a door that

connects the rooms to each other.

4. Allow extra travel time.

5. When traveling by car or on a long flight, be sure to bring your child’s favorite toy or book and a snack. Pack a “goodie bag” with a new book or

small toys to distract a cranky child on a long flight.

6. Include older children in the decision-making process.

7. When flying, book direct flights to avoid the hassle of a lay-over.

8. Give children a brief description of where they are going and what to expect so they will feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.

9. Allow “down-time” for everyone during your trip.

10. Try to maintain the child’s sleep cycle. Don’t plan activities too early or too late if your child doesn’t usually keep that schedule at home.

11. Pack a one-day supply of clothing and necessities in a carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.  Your agent can provide a checklist.

12. Keep the phone number of your travel agent handy just in case an unexpected situation arises.