Spring Breakers: Beware of scams

College students often will purchase an "all-inclusive" package through a Spring Break travel company and not read the fine print of their contract. Then, when students arrive at their destination, they often have to pay extra money for party packages and meal plans.

The average difference in list price and actual price of a spring break is a 39.7 percent increase, and on average there are four hidden fees that a student must pay for, according to Michael Leone in "Spring Broke? How to Avoid Spring Break Ripoff," released by Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group.

Senior Melissa Peters said last year upon arriving at her Spring break destination, she had to "pay to upgrade her party package" that she believed included cover charges.

Sophomore Melissa Evans, who is going on a Spring Break trip this year, already has encountered these charges. "My company already charged each person in my group an extra fuel charge for the planes," Evans said. Other hidden charges include international departure fees, peak-week add-on fees, credit card fees and cancellation insurance.

The majority of students have already signed their contracts for Spring Break, but should be aware of their rights.

According to Damita Chambers in "Spring Break Trips Scam Students, Steal Money," in the March 2001 issue of the Daily Free Press, students should first make sure to read the contract before leaving on the trip to make sure there will not be any surprise extra fees.

Students should purchase a travel insurance package so that if something should happen on the part of either party involved, the money spent will be returned. Some Spring Break travel agencies typically use charter flights, which can be delayed up to 48 hours without alternative transportation or hotel accommodations. However, charter flights can be cancelled if there are itinerary changes at the last minute, or if they cost additional money.