Travel and Vacation Tips Issued by the New York State Consumer Protection Board and Empire State Development's I Love NY Campaign

“New York has some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the country,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “From Niagara Falls to the North Fork of Long Island, through the Catskills and Adirondacks and Finger Lakes, there are an endless number of affordable vacation spots. I encourage New Yorkers to take a few moments to look ahead to make sure their hard-earned vacations are spent relaxing, and are not ruined by fraud or poor planning.”

“Vacationing is a time for fun, relaxation and rejuvenation, however, with our busy lifestyles many people often leave some planning and preparation for the last minute or may forget to do some important things before leaving,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “Building on Governor Paterson’s I Love NY announcement, and to further assist consumers, we have compiled useful resources to help people plan and safely enjoy their vacations. Whether people are planning weekend travel to one of New York State’s exciting vacation destinations, or an extensive trip abroad this summer, the trip will be more worry-free if people follow our suggestions.” “

A vacation in New York State can be made even more enjoyable if travelers take the time to prepare properly. Taking advantage of the tools that the State offers can surely make the difference between a good vacation and a great vacation,” stated ESD Acting Upstate Chairman Ken Schoetz. “Starting off on the I Love NY website to plan the ideal location and activities and following up on www.nysconsumer.gov for travel tips and guidelines will ensure a perfect vacation and a great time for all.”

“Consumers looking to get the best value for their vacation dollars would do well to start their planning at www.iloveny.com and confidently take advantage of deals with our tourism partners. They’ll find New York State offers exciting vacation destinations and incredible value,” said ESD Downstate President Avi Schick.

Consumers wishing to learn about New York State travel opportunities through the I Love NY program may log on to www.iloveny.com or, to view the following or additional consumer guidance, may visit the CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov.

Traveler’s Checklist - The Traveler’s Checklist contains lists of things to do before leaving home, miscellaneous suggestions for planning a get-away, important travel documents to take, health precaution tips to follow and offers consumers advice while traveling. A true checklist in format, it can be downloaded and used for each trip.

Separating Fact from Fiction – A Consumer Guide to Travel - Separating fact from fiction is even harder now, given the constant bombardment of unsolicited advertising available in print and on the Internet. Separating Fact from Fiction - - A Consumer Guide to Travel provides prospective travelers with important information to help them figure out what is true and what is untrue or a myth - - before traveling.

Avoiding Travel Scams - Ever received one of those “too good to be true offers” in the mail or via e-mail? Chances are, if they sound too good to be true, they ARE too good to be true. Consumers should refer to Avoiding Travel Scams to get a leg up on scammers by learning how to protect themselves.

The NYS CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and community development. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com.