While getting a refund is at times possible, it's ideal to abstain from paying anything in any case. While there is the remote risk that you may miss a legitimate deal, chances are you will save yourself time and cash in the long run. To avoid from being a victim of a travel scam, ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) gives the following recommendations when considering travel offers.

  • Hold a healthy dose of wariness. Be suspicious about spontaneous email, postcard and telephone solicitations saying you've been chosen to get a spectacular get-away or anything free. Be particularly careful about firms obliging you to hold up no less than 60 days to take your travel.
  • Get your work done. Several offers may sound incredible at first glance; however make certain to read the fine-print. Certain offers impose such a variety of prerequisites and limitations, for example, black -out dates and companion charges, that you will either never have the opportunity to take the trip or you will end up paying more than had you made the arrangements all alone.
  • Conduct a background check. You should assess the companies from which you get travel services. You can perform this by checking to see if they are members of ASTA or by investigating for the company on their websites.
  • Keep private data private. Never give out your credit card number and your card security number unless you start the transaction and you are sure about the company with which you are doing business.
  • Follow up. When you have the complete information of your trip, contact the hotel and transportation companies all alone to make sure that the reservations have been made.
  • Know where you stand.  If you demand answering to an email or calling a 900-number in light of a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the dangers.