BBB Releases Travel Recommendations for the Holiday Season

The winter holidays are a busy time for shopping, getting together with friends and family and, of course, traveling. Given the increase number of people traveling on the roads and in the air, the BBB offers the following tips:
Remember not to take any wrapped or sealed packages; they may be chosen for inspection.

• Try to mail packages ahead of time and shop online or through catalogs to have items sent directly to the recipient. Several companies, including Federal Express, UPS, and major bus lines, offer luggage-forwarding services.
• Plan your travel schedule carefully to avoid the heaviest days. Not only are roads and airports packed with holiday travelers, but adverse weather conditions can also hinder your trip.
• Consider leaving a day earlier or later to avoid peak travel days such as the Friday before Christmas (Dec. 20), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), and New Year's Eve. Traveling on the holidays themselves (Dec. 25 or Jan. 1) is also a good way to avoid traffic.
• Consider buying travel insurance. This can protect against trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical expenses, baggage loss and baggage delay.
• If using a travel agency or bureau, request all details of the trip in writing, including total cost, restrictions where applicable, cancellation penalties, and exact names of the airlines and hotels included in the packet, before you pay.
• Check expiration dates and added fees on coupons or accommodation packages. Contact the actual airline, hotel, or other accommodation provider to ask questions.
• Be cautious of high-pressure sales. Any reputable travel agency or tour operator will not take your money without giving you the details of your vacation, tailoring it to your needs and requests.
• Always request a reliability report from your Better Business Bureau.

For more information about holiday travel or travel agencies, contact your Better Business Bureau online .

Brenda Smith
Better Business Bureau
PR/Communications Manager