Educating travel consumers is an important part of our work at USTOA. Here are answers to common questions about tour operators, travel advisors, vacation packages, and resolving travel complaints.
What is a tour?
A tour is a group travel experience that follows a pre-planned itinerary. Most tours include lodging, some meals, sightseeing, and land and/or other transportation, plus the services of a professional tour manager or escort who accompanies the group.
What is a vacation package?
A vacation package bundles several trip components into one all-inclusive price. Typically, this price is more affordable than purchasing the included elements separately. Volume purchasing makes this possible. A single- or multi-destination package might include any of the following: flights, airport transfers, lodgings, meals, motorcoach transportation, rail tickets, private vehicle service, car rental, sightseeing, entertainment. Purchasers can often choose from a menu of optional add-ons.
What does a tour operator do?
Tour operators design and build vacation packages to maximize travelers' enjoyment of one or more destinations. Using their expertise and industry connections, they create itineraries that are interesting and unique and negotiate pricing for airfare, ground transportation, hotel stays, dining, local guide service, and other travel experiences. The tours they offer are sold to the public, usually through travel advisors.
What are the benefits of a tour or vacation package?
In addition to cost savings, consumers enjoy convenience and peace of mind when they leave travel planning to the experts. Those who embark on group tours have the built-in camaraderie and companionship of other travelers: a perk solo travelers particularly appreciate. Because all major expenses are included in the prepaid tour fee, there are also fewer hassles and concerns about budgeting and paying for travel. Tour operator representatives vet destinations in advance of tours, checking hotel and restaurant quality and passing along up-to-date information to travel advisors so they can keep their clients well informed.
Is it advisable to book through a travel advisor?
In a word… yes. Travel advisors are savvy professionals who have the latest information, first-hand knowledge, and experience in all aspects of travel. They know the top tour operators and can be especially helpful in arranging all-inclusive tours. Travel advisors get to know their clients' preferences and can match travelers with packages that suit their lifestyle, budget, and interests.
Find a USTOA Certified Travel Advisor
What if a problem occurs during my vacation?
Travel hiccups happen, although booking with a reputable tour operator minimizes the chance that something could go wrong. Should a legitimate complaint arise during your trip, such as a service not provided or severe disappointment in quality or performance, the matter can usually be resolved with the assistance of your travel advisor and/or tour operator. It is in their best interest to resolve all legitimate complaints as quickly and fairly as possible because a satisfied customer is a valuable source of repeat business and referrals.
What does the USTOA symbol in a travel brochure or advertisement mean to me?
To qualify as a USTOA Active Member and proudly display our logo, a tour operator must have 18 industry references and a track record of at least three years in business. Additionally, the company must participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program by posting a $1 million security to be used solely for reimbursing consumers in the case of bankruptcy or insolvency. The symbol also represents commitment to truth, accuracy, and clarity in advertising. In a nutshell, it means a company deserves your confidence.
