Here are some resources for general travel information and researching travel providers:
State Department advisories: 202-647-5225, or at travel.state.gov/index.html.
International health info: Centers for Disease Control, 888-232-3299 (material is faxed to you), or at www.cdc.gov.
Passports: in Chicago, 312-341-6020, or at travel.state.gov.
Cruises: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 212-921-0066; or at www.cruising.org.
Bonded tour operators: U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), 212-599-6599; or at www.ustoa.com.
Student tour operators: Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA), 248-814-7982; or at www.syta.com.
WHERE TO COMPLAIN
And here are some places to air differences with travel-service providers:
Airline complaints: Transportation Department, 202-366-2220, or at www.dot.gov.
Travel complaints: American Society of Travel Agents, 703-739-8739; or at www.astanet.com.
Suspect business practices: Better Business Bureau, 312-832-0500; Illinois Consumer Protection Office, 312-814-3000; Cook County State’s Attorney, 312-603-8600; Illinois Attorney General, 312-814-3580.
