Travel Agent Disclaimer

Question: Can a travel agent ask me to waive his responsibility if a tour I want to book doesn’t take off or the tour operator won’t return my deposit?

Answer: Agents can do this if they’re not familiar with the company whose tour you request, and because courts have held them liable for selling a product they have not checked thoroughly.

Q: I’m interested in touring China by train. Where do I get information and make reservations?

A: Rail tickets must be bought in China. Contact your travel agent or the China National Tourist Office, 333 W. Broadway, Suite 201, Glendale 91204, (818) 545-7505, for tours that include train travel.

Q: Does England still provide free medical care and hospitalization to foreign tourists needing emergency treatment?

A: No. Britain’s national health system doesn’t offer free treatment to foreign visitors. Although the government offers some basic coverage for visitors (available at British post offices for a small fee), it’s best to have your own health insurance policies while traveling abroad.

Q: What is the new tourist attraction in London depicting the history of England?

A: Royal Britain, at the Barbican Centre theater complex in downtown London, portrays the reigns of England’s 51 kings using audio-visuals and other technical devices. There is a nominal admission charge for the one-hour tour.

Q: Does the Detroit-area automobile industry still offer tours of automotive plants and the homes of its pioneers?

A: Assembly-line tours are offered by Buick Motor Division Tours, 902 E. Hamilton Ave., Flint, Mich. 48550, and starting this fall at General Motors Willow Run, 2625 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti, Mich. 48198. In addition to the Ford Museum in Dearborn, house tours include the mansions of Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, Matilda Dodge Wilson and Lawrence Fisher. Contact Historic Homes of the Auto Barons, 243 Piper, Detroit, Mich. 48215.

Q: Do cruise lines offer facilities for the handicapped who use wheelchairs?

A: Most ships have public areas and cabins accessible to the wheelchair traveler, but it varies widely and some lines can’t assure such services on tenders. Before booking, have your agent provide complete information on what services the vessel offers to handicapped passengers.

Q: We’ve heard about polar bear-watching tours in Canada. Where and when are they operated?

A: Churchill, in Manitoba, is the principal site for seeing migrating polar bears. They are usually visible until November. For tour information, contact Travel Manitoba at toll-free (800) 665-0040.