Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Once you make a decision, pay by credit card. While trip insurance is the
only way to fully protect yourself from unforeseeable events, a credit card
purchase will give you some measure of protection and a means of protest-
ing the charge if an airline, hotel, or travel agency goes out of business.
Never pay an agency for travel arrangements with cash or a check, unless
you have proof that your money is going directly into a trust account that
cannot be used for operating expenses.
Check Those Credentials
The Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA; www.icta.com) is
an organization that accredits travel-agent schools in the US and
issues credentials to qualified graduates. ICTA awards Certified
Travel Agent (CTA) status to professionals who have worked in
the industry for at least 1½ years. The Certified Travel Counselor
(CTC) status is granted to those with at least five years of experi-
ence in the industry. Cruise Lines International Association
(CLIA; www.cruising.org) is a worldwide association for certified
agents who specialize in cruises.
In addition to verifying certification, ask if your potential travel
agent is a member of any professional associations. Two of the
best-known in the US are the American Society of Travel Agents
(ASTA; www.astanet.com) and the Association of Retail Travel
Agents (ARTA; www.artaonline.com). Members of the Caribbean
Travel Organization (CTO) have a particular interest in the re-
gion, and those who have completed a destination-specialist
course will have considerable knowledge of island history, cul-
ture, main tourist attractions, lodging, restaurants, and activi-
ties.
Celebrations & Events
No matter when you travel, your trip may coincide with a
local celebration. Pick up copies of free publications in the
tourist areas and hotels on each island to find out what's
scheduled while you're there.
Summer is packed with celebrations and events. Aruba hosts
a culinary exhibition, a music festival, and an international golf tourna-
ment. Curaçao has salsa, jazz, and classical music festivals, and Bonaire
hosts a couple of bike races, an art exhibition, and an international sailing
regatta that includes windsurfing competitions and fishing tournaments.
Since the ABCs are well out of the hurricane belt, late summer and early
fall are an ideal time to visit.
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