Travel Scams FAQ

Questions:

• Are there any general rules to follow to avoid being the victim of a travel scam?
• Are tour companies that cater to students reliable?
• I received a vacation certificate in the mail. How can I figure out if it's legitimate?
• How can I find out if a cheap airfare offered by a charter airline is legitimate?
• How can I tell whether a deeply discounted airfare is legitimate?

Answer:

Are tour companies that cater to students reliable?

Many fly-by-night travel operations pitch specifically to students through telemarketing and other hard-sell tactics, hoping to take advantage of inexperienced travelers on a tight budget who are looking to save money.

Students should find out whether the tour company meets the standards set by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). To qualify, tour operators must submit a review signed by an independent certified public accountant as well as extensive documentation concerning government regulations for student exchanges, promotions and student insurance. The Advisory List of International Educational Travel and Exchange Programs, an annually updated booklet listing companies that meet the standards, is available from CSIET. Contact CSIET by calling 703-739-9050, emailing mailbox@csiet.org, or visiting its website at www.csiet.org.