Be AnInformed Traveler (NAPSA)—Experts say proper planning is one of the most important steps a traveler can take towards having a great trip. Many experienced travelers recommend using trusted area resources to get the local lowdown on destinations before hitting the road. Finding out aboutactivities in an area before you go is a smart way to plan a fun vacation. Services such as convention and visitors bureaus (CVB), for example, can provide out-oftowners with general information about local attractions, accommodations, restaurants and events to help visitors make the most of their vacations. The bureaus are staffed with professionals who havea detailed knowledgeof their local areas and makeit their business to answer virtually any question a traveler mayask. Travelers can use CVBs to: Request travel brochures * Get a hotel or restaurant recommendation Plan a family vacation Plan a work-related meeting Extend a business trip into a vacation * Organize a family reunion * Find a specific area vendor Find community activities for children Explore a local cultural and artistic scene View a year-round calendar of events CVBs can be found throughout the world and can easily be contacted by calling information in a specific area or visiting the Web site, www.officialtravelinfo.com. Note to Editors: Although this article is good for anytime, National Tourism Week is May 7-11, 2001.
