Deposits: Don’t Be Taken for a Ride

Question: My travel agent demanded a deposit for a motor-coach tour. Is my money protected if the trip is canceled or the company goes bust?

Answer: Your agent can tell you which operators have tour protection plans to safeguard travelers against such contingencies. Coach companies of the National Tour Assn. have at least $100,000 protection against bankruptcies.

Q: We’re planning to do some shopping in New York, but have been warned about shady practices of certain art and antique galleries, discount houses and some Fifth Avenue bargain shops. What precautions do you advise?

A: An up-to-date booklet, “Tips for Visiting and Shopping in New York City,” is available for $1 from the Better Business Bureau, 257 Park Ave. S., New York 10010 (the guide is free to BBB members). It covers which type of retailers are licensed, refund rules, bait-and-switch tactics, gray markets, going-out-of-business sales, etc.

Q: We’d like to travel by rail through Mexico. What’s the present condition of Mexico’s train and passenger services?

A: A modernization program is under way, resulting in more than 100 first-class cars with air conditioning, heating, carpeting and reclining seats, and 140 modern coaches to be added this year.

Q: Are there adequate disease-free blood supplies abroad if a tourist needs an emergency transfusion?

A: The U.S. Public Health Service says that in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan and Western Europe the risk of AIDS and other infections is greatly reduced through mandatory testing of all donated blood. In less-developed countries, blood should be tested by trained laboratory technicians. People requiring routine or frequent injections should carry enough needles or syringes for the entire trip.

Q: When is the annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival scheduled this year?

A: The vintage festival, oldest wine festival in California, will be Sept. 23-25 in Sonoma. In addition to wine tasting there are parades, a re-enactment of the Bear Flag revolt and a grape-stomping contest. Contact the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, 453 1st St. E., Sonoma, Calif. 95476; (707) 996-1090.