Going on a long trip?

Before you decide on a holiday destination, be it domestic or abroad, it is important to make a wise decision of your holiday package provider. Here’s what you should ask your holiday package provider. You can start like this:

How long has the company (you are choosing to purchase your package) from been in business?
Check recommendations, if you can.
Ask about the accommodations that will be allotted?
Will you be booked on a major airline?
What exactly will you get for your money’s worth. Is the package worth it? Do ask for comments from travelers who have booked from this provider earlier.

Don’t just look at that colorful brochure and ‘general information’ insert. Ask for the exact contract you will be signing and scour the details. Look for hidden costs like late processing fees and hotel security deposits. There could be some!

Ask if the provider will be able to help if there is lost baggage insurance provided by the vendor? Are there ‘travel delay’ reimbursements? Emergency medical coverage?

Here’s a great tip: Try to place all travel transactions on a credit card. If there are disputes, a credit card company will go after the vendor for the recovery of fees you have paid. If you don’t have a credit card available, think twice. It is far better to have family or friends book the trip for you.