Farm Community Reminded To Exercise Caution When Planning a Vacation

With kids out of school for the summer, many across the Inland Northwest are thinking about where to spend their summer vacation.  The ag community is not those people.  While many growers and producers will take very few days off over the next several months, the Better Business Bureau said now is the time to plan for late fall or winter get-a-ways.  Kirstin Davis with the local BBB told the Washington Ag Network to always do you homework before signing up for a hotel, travel package or any sort of vacation.  If you don’t, that family vacation you planned may not be available when you arrive at your destination.

“You know, I think half of the excitement of  a vacation is the anticipation of what’s going to happen.  So, to have that followed up with such disappointment is really a difficult situation.”

Davis adds paying for cash or check can leave you with little options if you try to fight any scamers.

“Anytime that you are working, putting down deposits or down payments, things like that use a credit card.  Because that is the only way you’re going to be able to recoup some of those losses if things don’t go right.”

Davis said the best rule of thumb when planning a vacation: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Additional recommendations from the BBB:

• Research the owner of any vacation rental by searching for their name or address online, especially if you can find online reviews or evidence of complaints.
• Ask for a copy of the rental contract and read it before you pay a deposit. Be aware of cancellation and refund policies. Are there security deposits or cleaning fees?
• Some hotels and resorts charge extra fees for services like fitness centers or Internet access. Ask whether these are included in the rental rate or if they will be added when you check out.
• Check that the property address really exists. If the rental is in a resort, call the office and confirm the location of the property and other details.
• If you receive information about a “free” vacation or trip, be skeptical. In some cases, vendors charge fees that will cost more than the trip would cost otherwise. In other cases, you may have to sit through a high-pressure sales presentation for a time share, travel club or other promotion.
• Use a credit card to pay for a deposit or reservation in case you need to challenge the charge later. Ask whether you will be charged for the entire amount up front or for the first night only.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com