THAT?S A FACT: Before you travel, check the Net to read up on the places you?ll visit.

GET CLUED IN: Under- stand the deal thoroughly. See if there are any hidden costs.

GROUND RULE: Get details of the ground agent of the country. If possible, get in touch with the agent and ask if everything has been finalised.

COPY CAT: Keep a xerox copy of your passport; travel documents, etc. with your friends and relatives.

MAKE CONTACT: The moment you arrive, get in touch with the ground operator. Even if there is a person to pick you up and drop you to your hotel, call up the ground agent. Insist on a card or a tag that enables guides to identify their clients.

cost effective: Find out about transport costs of the place you?ll visit. And also keep some emergency numbers handy (police, hospitals, etc.)

call again: Remember to give a feedback to your local tour operator.