IATA-accredited agencies have a unique code, which is the best way to verify their legitimacy. Agencies will provide their IATA code if asked. And you can verify whether they are valid through this code checking tool.

When Boston-based Vantage filed for bankruptcy last year, it owed thousands of customers a total of $108 million for cruises and other travel products they had paid for but never received. The company's former owner is facing lawsuits in New York and Pennsylvania.

Because Expedia is a travel agency, its website or app's travel search features will return you results from multiple companies. For instance, if you search for a hotel in Miami, Expedia will display options from brands like Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Hyatt, and even boutique hotels.

Vacations To Go is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vacation Publications, Inc., which publishes magazines, books and special reports for the travel and mature markets.