Jim WinsettQ: I’m doing some last minute spring break travel arrangements. Does the BBB have any tips I should consider before finalizing my plans?
A: Whether you’re jetting to Costa Rica, headed on a cruise, hitting the ski slopes, or driving to the beaches of Miami, Florida, don’t just book a trip because it looks like a good deal. And although it’s a break from school, you still need to do your homework when planning your vacation.
March and April are spring break months for most college students. If you haven’t already made your spring break vacation plans, the Better Business Bureau warns you to be cautious. Each year, hundreds of college students get ripped-off by fraudulent spring break offers that promise – but fail to deliver – that much needed “fun in the sun.” Travel fraud is a growing problem and college students seem to be attractive targets for dishonest travel operators.
Not all fraudulent offers involve losing money; some are simply misleading. The accommodations may not be what you expected, or what you thought you paid for. Promoters may sell packages that do not include confirmed hotel space or flights. And, even if accommodations and flights are confirmed, the actual cost of the package is sometimes misrepresented when companies fail to inform customers about additional fees.
The Better Business Bureau urges college students to take special precautions when booking spring break trips. Here are a few suggestions: