Travel tips to soothe spring fever

I’m getting spring fever. Big time. Colleagues are taking their families to theme parks on both coasts. Friends are posting photos or checking in at beach-side venues. And there’s all those ads from any number of online travel sites eager to help me plan a get-away.

The Internet and assorted travel apps have made vacation planning a breeze — a couple of clicks and you’re on your way to Belize. But it’s also provided a venue for fraudsters to tease us with gentle ocean breezes while tricking us out of our carefully saved vacation funds.

And consumers are complaining. Better Business Bureau reports that the travel sector was the 15th most-complained about business in 2015 with 157,000 complaints nationally.

The Federal Trade Commission acknowledged unethical third party brokers deceive consumers by illegally using photos and logos of well-known hotels and resorts. The FTC says, “Just because a website looks like the official site of your favorite hotel chain doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Before you reserve a room make sure you know who is at the other end of that ‘BOOK NOW’ button.”

Consumers also complain about some travel brokers who do not disclose hidden fees that raise the cost of a package beyond the posted price.

If, like me you’re ready to get away, keep the following in mind:

» Book your travel package with a reputable travel agent or business that you check out first atbbb.org — not via some ad that pops up while your searching for island get-aways. BBB Business Reviews provide information about the company, contact information and even customer reviews from actual customers.

» If you’re booking the trip yourself online, take time to check out the website or vacation rental property to verify that it’s the real deal. Fraudsters are adept at creating professional-looking websites and postings that rival the best and capable of outsmarting the most savvy of consumers.

» Use a credit card to pay for your vacation (and while you’re on vacation) just in case you need to dispute charges or have other problems. Keep copies of all related paperwork, including reservations and receipts.

» Take time to read the fine print. Can you cancel the booking? Is there a penalty for doing so? Are there other fees or surcharges? Some hotels and resorts include daily parking and resort fees that include services like fitness or Internet access whether you use them or not. Private vacation rental properties almost always include security deposits and cleaning fees.

Call the hotel or resort directly to ensure the website properly booked your accommodations, especially if you have special needs or specific requests.

If you fall victim to a travel fraud, call your credit card company and contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. If you have a dispute with a travel professional, file a complaint at bbb.org.

Start With Trust. For more consumer tips and information, go to bbb.org.

By Luanne Kadlub, the Tribune, March 5, 2016