Your Travel

Scammers often target vacationers with faxes, emails or phone calls offering an incredible price for what sounds like a dream vacation. Or they offer a "free" vacation if you join a travel club or attend a promotional seminar for their timeshare. As with all offers that sound too good to be true, it's important to read the fine print. In many cases, travelers arrive at their destination to discover the accommodations aren't quite what they were promised. Vacation-goers may also be hit with hidden fees or extra charges like bed fees, meal fees, or even fees for sheets and towels.

Offers that seem too good to be true almost always are. Instead of being pressured by sales representatives or promised deals and discounts, it is better for you to initiate the transaction. Do careful research. Many online travel sites offer ways to compare prices and travel options. You can also work with a local, trusted travel agent.

Read the fine print

Before purchasing a vacation package, study the agreement carefully. Make sure you clearly understand all charges and fees. Also, be sure to check refund policies on airfare and hotel rooms, in case you have to cancel.

You should also consider using a credit card to pay for the purchase. In many cases, credit card companies offer fraud protections and you maintain the ability to dispute any charges you did not agree to. Many credit card companies also include travel and rental car insurance in your credit card agreement. Check with your credit card company to see if these options are currently available to you.

Timeshares offer vacationers the opportunity to use a vacation property for a limited amount of time each year. While these may sound like great deals, our office often hears complaints from consumers who have been hit by hidden charges in their timeshare agreements.

Be thorough in your research prior to purchasing a timeshare so you understand the true cost of ownership. In addition to the purchase price, timeshare owners are usually required to pay annual maintenance fees, which can go up each year. Improvements to the timeshare property can also result in additional costs.

If you decide to sell your timeshare, the company may charge you recurring listing fees.

Sadly, burglaries are common while folks are on vacation. Thankfully, there are some simple steps to make sure your home is safe while you and your family are on that hard-earned vacation.

Be cautious of whom you tell about your vacation. It's okay to let a trusted neighbor know when and where you are going but be careful telling others. One innocent comment or post on a social networking site could lead to problems. Don't risk it. Many folks hire "house sitters" these days. This is a great way to make sure your house continues to look lived-in while you're gone.

Invest in some quality light timers. Hook a timer up to lights, televisions and radios. This will mask the fact that there isn't anyone home. Adjust the timers' settings to your normal routine. Be sure to ask someone to water your plants and keep the yard mowed. Remember: you want your home to look as if you are still there.

Make sure everything is locked and secure before heading out on your excursion. If you do not have dead bolt locks, have them installed by a professional. Make sure your home security system is working properly. Double check sheds, windows, garage doors, basement windows and any places a thief may target to break into your home.

Have the post office hold your mail while you are away. Or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers. A few newspapers lying in your driveway may be an invitation to steal. If someone is collecting them for you, ask them to hold them in their house until you return instead of piling the papers on the front porch.

Keep valuables such as jewelry and important documents in a safe deposit box. Consider using a video camera or your smart phone to keep a video diary of all of your belongings. Keep a record of serial numbers for electronics and other valuables; this may prove useful in getting your belongings back if something were to happen to them.

Turn the ringer to the phone off while you're away and don't refer to your trip in your outgoing message. If you can check your messages remotely, learn how to use this feature. You may also be able to forward your phone to your cell phone.

Call your home security company and let them know you will be away. Confirm that they have your cell phone number. This way the company will know where you are and how to reach you if something does occur. In some areas, you can even notify local law enforcement so they can keep an extra eye on your home.

You work hard all year and deserve a good vacation with your family. Don't let your vacation be cut short with a tragedy or burglary. With these tips you can relax on your vacation with the peace of mind that your home and belongings are safe. Have a good trip!