**************** TRIPFINDER USER'S GUIDE ****************** TRIPFINDER MAKES SHOPPING FOR A VACATION ALMOST AS FUN AS THE VACATION ITSELF!!! The TripFinder system provides the leisure travel consumer with a quick and inexpensive means of accessing a wide array of imaginative, high value vacation travel possibilities. You are only a few key strokes from a gold mine of unique, hard to find or "off the beaten path" type of travel products. TripFinder can immediately retrieve travel possibilities based on very general, nonspecific inquiries by the user. With many trips you have the option of booking direct with your local travel agency. Through use of TripFinder you may bring to the attention of your agent possibilities of which they were not aware. TripFinder Computer Bulletin Board Service supports TripFinder Software by making update files available 24 hours a day. USING TRIPFINDER INSTALLING AND RUNNING TRIPFINDER What you need: 1. An IBM PC or compatible with a hard drive. 2. A minimum of 640k RAM and DOS 3.0 or above. 3. 4 to 6 megabytes free on the hard drive. 4. A Hayes compatible modem (optional but highly recommended for updating data files). 5. Printer (optional but recommended). Steps to loading TripFinder on your hard drive: 1. Insert the installation disk into the floppy drive (or disk #1 if there are more than one). 2. At the floppy drive prompt type: INSTALL 3. The installation program will then request the names of the drives which you are installing from and to (defaults are A: and C:). The installation process creates a directory with the name TFCV. Once all disks are installed and the files are copied to the hard drive they will decompress and you will be returned to the C:\TFCV prompt. Simply type in TFC to execute the program. USING THE MAIN MENU CHOICES #1 "Find A Trip Now!" The first box to the left of the screen on the "Find A Trip Now!" menu contains eight "types" of travel product. Selection of the type of travel is made by pressing the first letter of the corresponding type desired. That selection will begin flashing. The cursor will automatically move to the "Destination Area" box. NOTE: For clarification we have defined "types" as follows: T- Tour -Land vacations that include two or more stops. C- Cruise -Vacations on a ship, yacht, sailing vessel, river boat or canal barge. R- Resort -One stop resort vacations such as Club Med, Jack Tar Village, resort hotel vacation packages, etc. F- Flight Only -Special offerings on airfare utilizing alternative methods of securing discounts. A- Adventure & -Unusual, unique vacations such as white water rafting, hot Sports air ballooning, mountain climbing, bicycle touring, safaris, scuba diving, snow skiing, golf, tennis, hiking, etc. S- Spcl Events -Travel packages to special events such as the Super Bowl, the Olympics, Wimbledon, World's Fair, Kentucky Derby, etc. H- Health Spa -Health, fitness, beauty spas and other resorts promoting self improvement. E- Ecological -Tours, cruises and travel suppliers supporting and promoting ecological themes. Destination Area selections are chosen in the same manner as the previous box, by pressing the corresponding letter of the destination area desired. One exception: since is used for Mexico, must be pressed for Mediterranean/Middle East. The area chosen will begin flashing and the cursor will automatically move to the "Price and Date Range" field. The "Price And Date" box allows the user the option of narrowing the parameters even further by entering a price range (price per person) and a departure date range. These entry fields are optional. Pressing with no date or price entry defaults to "OPEN" (all) dates and prices. The price fields will accept only numbers, no commas or text of any kind. The date fields only accept the mm/dd/yy date format and will warn of any incorrectly formatted entry. Press to move to the next field after entering a date or price. Pressing after the last date field brings up a reminder to check entries before proceeding. Press to re-enter search parameters or press again to begin the trip search. NOTE: In reference to the third box (Price & Date) on the "Find A Trip Now!" menu, WE RECOMMEND THAT IN MOST CASES PRICE AND DATE FIELDS BE LEFT OPEN!! You may move quickly through these fields by pressing four times (the default value is "OPEN"). The Table View will allow for quick scanning of large numbers of trips, comparing by date, price, theme, activity and supplier. There is no limit to the number of trips that may be retrieved at one time; however, retrieving a large number of trips (100 or more) will lengthen the search time. In such cases it is recommended that the search parameters be narrowed by filling in specific date and/or price retrieval ranges. The user may find this desirable with certain Type and Destination combinations, such as Cruises to the Caribbean. This particular combination will generally contain the largest number of trip records. The date and price ranges should be left open when accessing more unique categories, such as Adventure trips to Africa or Health Spas in Europe. This will allow access to the maximum number of trip possibilities for these more unique categories. NOTE: There will not always be trip records in all possible combinations of trip Type and trip Destination categories. The "Trip Statistics" screen will appear next with the word "SEARCHING" flashing at the bottom of the screen during the few seconds needed to complete trip retrieval. When complete, the counter will show how many trips have been found and the "SEARCHING" notice will change to "Press Any Key to Continue". The search process may be interrupted by pressing any key. The next screen to appear will be the Table View of all or the first 16 trips that fit the retrieval parameters. The trips are sorted by current price, from highest to lowest. Reading the column headings of the Table View, from left to right, trips are quickly distinguished and comparable by: Trip Code -Each individual trip record will have a Trip Code in the up- per left corner to facilitate reference and booking requests. Departure Date -The word "MULTIPLE" will appear in this field if the same basic package is offered on multiple departure dates. Number of Days -The duration of the trip in days. If "0" appears in this field the number of days duration is "open". Current Price -The current selling price of the trip. Original Price -The original selling price if the current price reflects a discount. "& UP" in this field indicates that the current price quoted is the starting point of a range. Specific Destination -A more detailed description of the trip destination than the general area listed in the upper right corner of the Table View screen. This field will frequently contain the name of the ship, the theme of the cruise, or the specific activity (especially in the "Adventure and Sports" category). Supplier -The name of the company or wholesaler that supplies the trip. As a reminder, the "Type of Trip" and "Destination Area" chosen are displayed in the upper left corner and upper right corner of the Table View screen, respectively. A Trip Counter is located in the top center of the Table View screen displaying the sequential list number of the trip appearing in the display position (with the flashing trip code in the blue highlight bar). Commands and functions available from the Table View screen: Up & Down Arrow Keys -Moves individual trip records vertically in and out of the display position (the highlight bar with flashing trip code). & -Moves trip records vertically in groups of 16. & -Moves to the first or last trip record listed, respectively. Pressing the <1> Key -DISPLAYS A DETAILED FULL SCREEN RECORD OF THE TRIP IN THE TOP DISPLAY POSITION. Press any key to return to the Table View. * Pressing -Prints out a hard copy of the Table View * A hardcopy of the full screen trip record may be printed out by pressing when the screen is in view. This printout will be similar to the familiar keyboard command, but more readable since graphics and on screen commands are not printed. If a printer is not connected and in the "on" position, pressing will halt the running of the application and return the user to the TripFinder DOS directory prompt. Many times, the price in the CURRENT PRICE column represents the starting point or low end price of that particular travel suppliers product line ("& UP" will appear in the ORIGINAL PRICE column). Deals that we feel are a particularly good value may be ascertained at a glance from the Table View. These trips are apparent when a lower amount is listed in the CURRENT PRICE column and a higher amount in the ORIGINAL PRICE column (usually the brochure price). A full screen of details on the trip appearing at the top (display position) of the Table View is available by pressing <1>. Commands and functions available at the full screen Trip Record: -Prints out a hard copy of the Trip Record. This hard copy may be faxed or mailed to TripFinder Reservations Center, or taken to your local travel agent (see the "How to Book" field of the trip record). -Saves pertinent trip data, specifically Trip Code Number, Trip Type, Trip Destination Area, Departure Date (unless "open") and Supplier Name to the Reservation Request Form, choice <4> on the Main Menu. Subsequent commands will over-write previous data in these fields; however, data in all other fields of the Reservation Request Form will be unaffected. Any Key -Any keyboard command, other than the above two, will return the Table View. The "Depart From" field indicates the point of origin for the trip in question. Common airline three letter city codes are used in the "Itinerary" field; i.e., MIA for Miami. Less familiar cities or ports will be spelled out. The "Includes" field contains comments and abbreviations: Rt Air -roundtrip airfare is included in the price. Cruise Only -indicates airfare to and from the port of departure for a cruise is not included. Land Only -indicates airfare to and from the resort, or point of departure for a tour, is not included. All Cruise Amenities -indicates that accommodations, meals and entertainment are included, as with most cruises. The two date fields indicate when the trip record was first created and the last date on which that record was updated. #2 "Newsletter and Highlights" This selection will access a newsletter text file that may be printed out in hardcopy form by pressing at any newsletter screen. The contents of the newsletter will be updated weekly and will contain special features such as the "Top Ten Travel Deals" of the week. Tips and suggestions on how to best utilize TripFinder's database will also be found here. Also look here for special travel coupon offers. The newsletter may be updated by logging on to the TripFinder BBS, accessing the files section and downloading the file named NEWSLET.TXT. The most expedient way to access the TripFinder BBS is to choose Main Menu #6 to access "TRIP/LYNC", TripFinder's built in communications program. Using the internal communications package eliminates the need of having to transfer files from one directory to another. #3 "User's Guide/Terms and Definitions" For convenience, the basic user's manual, "on screen" edition. #4 "Reservation Request Form" This accesses an "on screen" reservation request form that may be utilized in several ways. Press after reading the on screen instructions that appear first. The form may be used to request a reservation, to order brochures, or to request a call back from an agent regarding certain specific information. All forms received, whether by upload to the BBS, by FAX, or by mail will be confirmed by voice phone within 48 hours of receipt. The only exception is requests for brochures; these requests will be processed immediately without voice confirmation. A $3.00 charge is applied to the credit card indicated in the form, and forwarded by regular mail. Please note that brochures are available ONLY where so indicated in the trip record. A blank form may be printed out using the command. This form may then be filled in by hand or by typewriter. A completed version of the form may be printed out that INCLUDES all of the pertinent information entered by the user by pressing . Pop up windows provide guidance in filling in many of the form fields. The form is navigated using the , , , , , and keys. Information entered in the form is NOT saved until is pressed at last field on screen four. TIP: When browsing trip offerings in the "Find A Trip Now!" mode, print out copies of the trip records that are of greatest interest, using the command; or write down the trip code number, type, destination area and supplier, or use the command to auto- matically save this information to the Reservation Request Form. This will eliminate having to return to the "Find A Trip Now!" section again to retrieve this information. Pressing while the cursor is in the last field of the Reservation Request Form saves the form as a file named RESREQ.TXT. Uploading this file to the TripFinder BBS is the shortest route to a prompt response from TripFinder Reservations Center. Preference is given to all requests communicated in this manner. Please refer to the Bulletin Board Access section for details on uploading files. #5 "How to Update Trip Data Files" The most expedient and cost effective method of updating TripFinder data files (and Newsletter) is to utilize the TripFinder Computer Bulletin Board Service. Your host computer must be equipped with a Hayes compatible modem. NOTE: TripFinder is shipped with "Trip/Lync", its own built in communications software. The communications software may be accessed directly from the Main Menu (choice number 6). The first time BBS access is chosen, the configuration menu appears, requiring verification of configuration parameters such as which COM port is being used, the baud rate of the modem, etc. This information is automatically saved to a file and all subsequent choices of number <6> on the Main Menu directly accesses the dialing directory with no intervening screens.* Trip/Lync is a full featured communications module that may be customized by the user and is suitable for all data communications needs and not limited just to TripFinder BBS access. For details see Part II of the printed User's Manual, "Using Trip/Lync". When accessing the BBS for the first time, the user is required to enter a minimum of personal data and to then create a unique personal password. This password will be required to logon to the BBS in all subsequent attempts and should be kept private. Once logged on to the BBS, simple menus and easy to follow instructions are provided for downloading update files, requesting trip reservations and other communications functions. On the BBS, user's will find that the trip data files are distinguished by type. The user may choose to download one, all, or any combination of the listed files: 1. NEWSLET.TXT -ASCII text file of the latest Newsletter. 2. TOUR.EXE -compressed, self extracting Tour data file. 3. CRUISE.EXE -compressed, self extracting Cruise data file. 4. RESORT.EXE -compressed, self extracting Resort data file. 5. FLIGHT.EXE -compressed, self extracting Flight Only data file. 6. ADVENT.EXE -compressed, self extracting Adventure & Sports data file. 7. SPCLEVNT.EXE -compressed, self extracting Special Event data file. 8. HEALTH.EXE -compressed, self extracting Health Spa data file. 9. ECOLOGY.EXE -compressed, self extracting Ecological Trips data file. If your host computer is not equipped with a modem, update files may be ordered by regular mail or by Federal Express. A fee is charged for this method of updating; however, the full amount of the fee may be applied to the purchase price of travel products if purchased through TripFinder's affiliated agency. To Order: TripFinder, Inc. 16910 Dallas Parkway, Suite 118 Dallas, TX 75248 Telephone: 214-713-9121 Fax: 214-713-9124 #6 "Bulletin Board Access" Choice #6 on the Main Menu calls up Trip/Lync, TripFinder's built in com- munication package. Trip/Lync is a full featured application with key- board commands that are very similar to those of Procomm. The first time Trip/Lync is accessed after installation, the configuration screen appears. Once the configuration parameters are confirmed, that is the last time that screen will appear without press- ing .* Trip/Lync is small enough to exist side by side with TripFinder in the same directory. This eliminates the need for moving update files between directories. *IMPORTANT: Take care not to set the configuration parameter to look for a COM port that does not exist. This may cause your computer to lock up (no response to keyboard input). Should this happen there are two ways to correct the problem: 1. Re-boot your computer, then at the DOS prompt for the TFCV directory, type "LYNC /NI" and press . This will allow you to access the Trip/Lync configuration file directly without the automatic issuance of a modem initialization command. Once the Trip/Lync configuration file is accessed, enter the correct COM port number. Press to save the new settings then ape back to the DOS prompt, then TFC to return to TripFinder. 2. Re-boot your computer, then at the DOS prompt for the TFCV directory, type "ERASE LYNC.CFG" and press . This will erase the configuration file altogether. Access TripFinder by typing TFC and pressing at the TFCV directory prompt. Choose number <6> Bulletin Board Access from the Main Menu. Trip/Lync will automatically create a new configuration file with the default parameter of COM 1. This screen will appear first for you to confirm and/or correct the settings, then save by pressing , then ape to access the dialing directory. For details on configuring, using, customizing, and total capabilities of Trip/Lync; see Part II of the TripFinder user's manual, "Using Trip/Lync". For an even more detailed documentation of Trip/Lync, print out the TRIPLYNC.DOC file in the TFCV directory. NOTE: Trip/Lync is exited with the command. After pausing to check for new update files, you are returned to the Main Menu. If new update files are detected, they are automatically extracted and installed, then you are returned to the Main Menu. An on screen help menu is available in the Trip/Lync application by pressing . DIALING NOTE: Trip/Lync is shipped with the TripFinder BBS telephone numbers already entered in the dialing directory. The entry includes the area code. For users within the 214 area code, it will necessary to delete the area code. This is done with the dit command, fol- lowed by ave. TROUBLE SHOOTING Warning Message -"File not found" Possible Solution -A file does not exist, has been corrupted, or accident- ally erased. Reload file(s) from TripFinder BBS or from floppy disk. Warning Message -"Error 67" Possible Solution -This problem is caused by too few buffers and/or file handles available to DOS. Check the computer's CONFIG.SYS file. Edit the file to read: Files=100 Buffers=40 Note: Changes to the CONFIG.SYS file do not take effect until the computer is rebooted. END END