• Get the facts. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. The

• Check the tickets. Make sure when booking hotels near atlanta airport a sports package that the arrangements include tickets to the desired sporting event. The U.S. government's 'Truth in Ticketing' rules, require that a tour operator advertising a Super Bowl travel package that includes a flight and game tickets must have the game tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before they can even advertise.
• Do your homework. Book tour packages through a travel agent or tour operator affiliated with a professional organization, such as ASTA. For example, ASTA notes it is the only travel trade association with a Consumer Affairs function that can mediate some disputes for consumers and ASTA member travel agents. Check to see if the company is an ASTA member at ASTA.org. Also, check to see if there are any complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org .
• Protect yourself. Make sure the tour operator hotels near atlanta airport participates in a consumer protection plan. ASTA's Tour Operator Program (TOP) helps travel agents and consumers identify ASTA tour operators that meet certain standards, the Society says. The criteria require that the tour operator be in the business of operating tours for the past three years; have a $1 million Errors Omissions (E O) policy naming travel agents as additional insured; and adhere to the ASTA and TOP code of ethics.
• Retain a healthy dose of skepticism. Be extremely skeptical about unsolicited e-mail, postcard and phone solicitations saying you ve been selected to receive a fabulous vacation or anything free. Be especially wary of firms requiring you to wait at least 60 days to take your trip.
• Do your homework. Some offers might sound great on the surface, but be sure to read the fine-print. Certain offers impose so many requirements and restrictions, such as black-out dates and companion fees, that you will either never have the chance to take the trip or you will end up paying more than had you made the arrangements on your own or used an ASTA travel agent.
• Run a background check. You should hotels near atlanta airport vet the companies from which you purchase travel services. You can do this by checking to see if they are members of ASTA or by searching for the company on the Better Business Bureau s Web site. Other sites to check are www.complaintsboard.com and www.ripoffreport.com .
• Get the facts. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components hotels near atlanta airport of the package.
• Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away. High-pressure sales presentations that don t allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income are red flags to be heeded.
• Protect hotels near atlanta airport yourself. Always pay with a credit card if possible. Even legitimate companies can go out of business. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services hotels near atlanta airport not rendered. Details of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be found at the Federal Trade Commission s Web site.
If you think you ve been scammed, contact your local Better Business Bureau, your local or state Consumer Affairs Office, hotels near atlanta airport state attorney general s office, or e-mail ASTA s Consumer Affairs department at consumeraffairs@asta.org for information and assistance. For more travel tips, visit ASTA's consumer Web site, www.TravelSense.org .