The National Tour Association of the U.S. urges travelers to use this list when making travel plans:

• Verify that the tour company or travel agency is a member of a professional association such as Costa Rican Institute of Tourism, American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Nation Tour Association or the United States Tour Operators Association.

• Don’t be taken in by an attractive Web site especially in Costa Rica since there is little regulation and ANYONE no matter their experience and credentials can put up a site. An eye-catching Web site does not ensure the reliability or integrity of the company.

• Carefully read the company’s cancellation and refund policies.

• Use a credit card to purchase tickets whenever possible, and if cash must be used, always get a receipt — that way you have a paper trail. Beware of companies sending a courier for a check, requesting direct bank deposits or a certified check. Prior to payment, you should ask for all the details on any trip in writing and review them carefully.

• Ask the company for client references.

• Avoid high-pressure sales with a limited time to evaluate the offer.

• Request specific hotel and airline names, addresses and phone numbers. Insist on a local phone number if given an 800 number — this will establish that the tour company or travel agency has a central office from which it operates.