Packages and group trips offer rewards and risks

In recent years, there's been a stunning and exciting proliferation of opportunities for packaged trips and organized tours. A steady cascade of brochures for new destinations, tour themes and travel companies crosses my desk every day (many of which we now pass on to the travel section at Carnegie Library's Downtown branch).

While the variations are endless, these trips fall into two basic categories: inclusive packages and group tours. Here's how to select the option that's right for you and get the most for your money.

Offered by airlines, railroads, bus companies and independent tour operators, inclusive packages combine basic transportation to a destination with accommodations at selected hotels. Many also include other elements, such as rental cars, meal vouchers and tickets for ski lifts, but the essential point is that travelers are generally left to find their own way around.

Depending on the time of year, inclusive trip packages offer savings of 5 to 20 percent over similar itineraries planned and booked independently. (Several airlines are offering spectacular savings on inclusive trip packages to Europe taken between now and the end of March.) Inclusive packages can be a good way to get a reasonable air fare at the last minute or find a hotel room in a crowded city.

Similar savings also often apply to multi-destination and escorted group tours. These trips appeal to travelers who prefer the comfort of having a tour leader, the convenience of not having to worry about travel arrangements and the companionship offered by a group experience.

Although the number of participants in a group can vary from 10 to several busloads, everyone usually stays in the same hotel, eats in the same restaurants, keeps to the same schedule and sees the same sights. Group trips run the gamut from whirlwind bus tours through Europe to bicycle expeditions and scuba-diving adventures.

When considering an inclusive package or a group trip, wise travelers make it a point to know what they're buying and from whom. With so many new (and sometimes shady) tour operators, that caution is crucial. The majority of consumer complaints fielded by the American Society of Travel Agents concerns package tours.

Evaluate any inclusive package or group trip according to these criteria:

First, carefully read the brochure. Does the trip's price include air fare, meals, transfers, accommodations and sightseeing? Compare prices between several companies. If one charges $1,000 for a trip and another charges $500, find out what the differences are and which offers the most for your money. If you're traveling alone, is there a single supplement? Most trip prices are based on double occupancy and charge extra for single travelers.

What airlines are used? Will you be traveling on a scheduled carrier or a charter? Demand specifics about the hotels, and remember that foreign hotel ratings don't always reflect American standards. For example, "economy class" here may mean you'll have a private bathroom, but not necessarily overseas. A "deluxe" hotel in one country can differ dramatically in size, style and level of luxury from a similarly rated hotel in another country. If you can't get specific answers to your questions, be wary.

If considering a group tour, ask about the itinerary. What's the pace of the trip? Does it cover too much ground in too short a time? Will there be too much walking for your comfort? Not enough sightseeing?

How big is the group likely to be? Would you prefer a smaller, more personalized and probably more expensive tour, or a larger group that lets you to share the trip with a variety of people?

Be sure to read the "conditions" page in the back of any brochure carefully. It explains the tour operator's rights and yours, along with important service or schedule substitutions, baggage allowances and damage policy, cancellation and penalty policies, and a lot more. Take particular note of the "responsibility" clause, which describes the legal rights of the operator, suppliers of tour components and travelers.

Being a wise consumer doesn't stop once you make your decision. When on the trip, make sure you're getting what you think you bought. If not, find out why and ask what will be done, either to correct the situation or compensate you. Both legally and practically, your best option is to work out the matter on the spot. Otherwise, document your experience; take notes and pictures. Once home, write a strong letter to the tour operator and send a copy to your travel agent. But be reasonable. No tour operator will give a full refund simply because one hotel or excursion didn't measure up to your standards.