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Child-harassment rises

 
Published Oct. 23, 1994|Updated Oct. 8, 2005

With disturbing frequency, reports are being made about children being harassed or molested while traveling, says social psychologist J.L. Simmons, co-author of 76 Ways to Protect Your Child from Crime (Henry Holt, $9.95). Prepare your child, Simmons says, because an unprepared child, or even an adult, is likely to freeze in this kind of a situation. Role-play what is and is not appropriate behavior for an adult sitting next to your child, how to get the attention of another passenger or flight attendant and what to say. For example, say to another passenger: "This man is not my father and he's bothering me. Please, make him stop." Another tip: Ask that your child be given an aisle seat instead of the window, to cut access to other adults.

Know about Nicaragua

Nicaragua's tourism ministry has set up a toll-free information line for obtaining brochures and handling questions about the country. The line is part of the country's effort to encourage tourism. The number: (800) 660-7253.

Some vacation spoilers

A survey for Marriott resorts lists car trouble as the No. 1 vacation spoiler _ 22 percent of those surveyed put it at the top of their list. Tied for second on the list are unpleasant weather and dirty or unappealing destinations, both chosen by 17 percent of respondents. Perhaps surprisingly, money is not an issue with most _ only 30 percent say they have a vacation budget.

While 70 percent of those responding favor tropical/beach locales, men and women differ on what to do once they reach their vacation paradise. Consider:

Twice as many men (45 percent) as women (16 percent) want to join in sports activities.

More men (53 percent) favor beach activities than women (45 percent).

More women (42 percent) want to shop than men (33 percent).

Nature appeals to more women (30 percent) than men (18 percent).

Scam may net a trip to jail

In a travel scam that allegedly stung 2,000 people nationwide, a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., has indicted two brothers on dozens of counts of fraud. The indictment charges that the pair used newspaper ads and telemarketing to sell bogus Caribbean and Mexican vacation packages. The indictment said people responding to the ads between August 1990 and March 1992 were required to pay in full, but for their money they received only "third-party promotional vouchers," with restrictions that made them nearly impossible to use. Such vouchers usually have time and place conditions. The average loss was $400, with total losses amounting to $800,000, the indictment said. Named in the indictment were Michael Barson, 36, of Reston, Va., who faces 55 counts of fraud, and Christopher Barson, 30, of Bethesda, Md., who faces 24 counts. Among the company names used by the brothers were Great American Travel Club, Bonus Vacations, Fun Club, Incentive Travel Services, Seabreeze Travel Promotions and Fantasy Vacations.

_ Compiled from staff, wire reports