WARWICK, R.I., Feb. 29, 2013 The Consumer Action Handbook is one of the most popular publications offered by the federal government. Insuremytrip is proud to announce it was the only travel insurance site featured in the 2013 Consumer Action Handbook and referred to as a ‘helpful website’ for consumers. In addition, the guide suggests that travelers look into travel insurance for added protection and references Insuremytrip as a website that offers pricing and policy information on plans from different companies and describes the different policies available. (see pg. 49, 34)
There’s a downloadable PDF copy of the handbook at bit.ly/cah-2013; or, order a free print copy at bit.ly/cah-printcopy.
Here are additional travel tips provided by USA.gov:
Whether reserving a hotel room, buying plane tickets or making other travel arrangements, these tips will help you get a deal that delivers what you’ve been promised.
- Plan as far ahead as you can. Special deals on hotel rooms and airline seats often sell out very quickly.
- Be flexible in your travel plans. Hotels usually offer better rates on days when they expect fewer guests. Once you get a fare quote from an airline, ask if you could save money by leaving a day earlier or later, by taking a different flight on the same day, or using a different airport. Changing planes during your trip is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop flight.
- Check out the seller. Ask tour operators and travel agents whether they belong to a professional association, then check to see if they are members in good standing. Contact your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to find their complaint history.
- Comparison shop. Determine the complete cost of the trip in dollars, including all service charges, taxes, processing fees, etc.
- Beware of unusually cheap prices and freebies. It could be a scam and you could end up paying more than the cost of a regular package tour.
- Make sure you understand the terms of the deal.. If you’re told that you’ve won a free vacation, ask if you have to buy something else in order to get it. If the destination is a beach resort, ask the seller how far the hotel is from the beach. Then ask the hotel.
- Ask about cancellation policies. You may want to look into trip insurance for added protection. InsureMyTrip.com offers pricing and policy information on plans from different companies and describes the different forms of policies available.
- Insist on written confirmations. Ask for written proof of reservations and dates.
- Pay by credit card. It’s not unusual to make a deposit or even pay in full for travel services before the trip. A credit card gives you the right to dispute charges for services that were misrepresented or never delivered. If a travel agent or service provider tells you that you can’t leave for at least two months, be very cautious-the deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days and most scam artists know this.
In some states, travel sellers have to be registered and insured. Advance payments for travel must be placed in an escrow account until the services are provided. Prizes or “free” gifts may also be regulated. Contact your state or local consumer protection agency to find out about your rights and how to file complaints. The American Society of Travel Agents will also help resolve disputes with member agents.
About InsureMyTrip:
InsureMyTrip is the leading online travel insurance comparison site featuring top products from the most trusted providers in the industry. A trusted resource that serves millions of customers worldwide, our licensed insurance agents help travelers find the right insurance plan. InsureMyTrip provides the travel insurance industry’s largest customer ratings and reviews forum and a unique customer advocacy program that provides one-on-one assistance to travelers before, during, and after their trip. Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a division of IMT Services, LLC and headquartered in Warwick, R.I., with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon. For more information visit www.InsureMyTrip.com.
SOURCE InsureMyTrip
