In order to get the best deal and ensure an enjoyable tour, do your homework ahead of time.

Before buying any tour, answer these questions and follow these suggestions:

• What is the cost of the tour as compared with buying the services separately? Be sure to find out exactly what is included in the cost -- for example, some tours include breakfast, lunch and some dinners, but for many evening meals you are on your own. Some buses or side trips may be extra. Also, ask if tips are included.
  

• If you are traveling alone, you will probably be assigned a roommate unless you pay extra for a "single supplement." How much is the supplement? If you decide to share a room, find out what, if anything, you can do if you're assigned a roommate with whom you don't get along.
  

• Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the suppliers -- such as the airline, ship operator, hotel or bus operator. Once you have this information, check out the reputation of the providers. If you can't get their names from the tour operator, be wary of buying the tour.
  

• Get a copy of the contract with the tour operator before you buy. Read it and understand all its terms -- especially the tour operator's liability, the cancellation policy, changes in price and what items are excluded.
  

• What is the reputation of the tour operator? How long has it been in business, and are there any complaints on file with the local Better Business Bureau or Tourist Commission?
  

• Does the tour operator put your deposit and other payments into an escrow account until after the tour is completed? If not, why not? If so, how can you make your payment directly into the escrow account rather than to the tour operator?
  

• Does the tour operator participate in a consumer protection program that will compensate you if the tour is canceled or the tour operator goes out of business? If so, what are the limitations of the program, and how much compensation can you expect to receive if the tour operator has problems?
  

• What is the tour operator's legal relationship to the other suppliers? Are they subsidiaries (owned by the supplier) or independent subcontractors (in business for themselves)? The difference may determine who is liable to you if you have a problem.
  

• Does the tour operator disclaim any responsibility for the negligence of the suppliers, such as hotels and travel guides? If so, how will you be compensated for any loss or damage you suffer on a tour?
  

• If you are traveling to an area for the first time, ask about the hotel's location (How far to the beach? To the bus? To the train station? To downtown?) and safety concerns (Is your wallet likely to be stolen? Can you walk around alone at night?) as well as its general attributes such as size, age, traffic noise and garage. The more information you have, the better decision you can make. Travel guides often give good information on hotel rooms, while travel brochures are often misleading.