The sun may not be the only thing that burns students traveling south this year.

Students looking for a cheap, “all-inclusive” spring break package should be aware of the potential risks, many travel experts say.

Horror stories of travel companies promising clients the best spring break of their lives, then going out of business before that promise is fulfilled, may be uncommon. But there are considerations students should keep in mind.

Planning a trip through a travel agency is better than using a Web site, because you’re dealing with people – rather than a computer – said Kelly White, a travel consultant for Royal Travel and Tours Inc.

“A travel agent will work with you to ensure your trip is hassle-free,” White said.

A Web site will just give you rates and information without revealing hidden taxes, and they may charge your credit card without permission, White said.

Donald Henderson, director of Students’ Legal Assistance, said the last time he remembered dealing with a student who had problems with a travel company over a spring break trip was about 10 years ago. He said students complained that their plane or bus was a day late, that their luggage got lost or that their hotel accommodations were not as promised.

“Where is the line between inefficiency and fraud?” Henderson posed.

Some companies will not book a hotel reservation in advance because they wait for a last-minute discount, Henderson said, which explains why a location might be different than what was promised.

The problem with filing a consumer-fraud lawsuit is that many travel companies operate out of state. A plaintiff can sue wherever the transaction took place or wherever the company is located.

In a situation where a plaintiff attempts to sue an agency within their home state and the agency is based in another state, the court cannot enforce its decision.

In this case, the plaintiff could only damage the company’s reputation, Henderson said.

If the plaintiff wanted a chance for a more beneficial win, they would have to sue in the company’s home state, which would put the burden of traveling and overnight accommodations on the plaintiff. This scenario is unlikely in a smaller claims issue, Henderson said.

“In the cases we were involved with, we were able to help students through contact with the company out of court,” Henderson said.

To avoid the pitfall of unreliable travel companies, students can take precaution. According to the American Society of Travel Agents Web site, students should make sure their travel agent is credible, ask for every detail in writing, confirm the final costs and understand the restrictions and cancellation penalties.

Students should also find out the exact name of the hotels and airlines and confirm their legitimacy.

Additionally, students should always be wary of giving credit card information over the phone.