TOUR TACTICS
By Baie Netzer

(MONEY Magazine) – After Iraq invaded Kuwait last August, my September tour in nearby Turkey looked like a total loss -- $2,100. The Turkish tour operator claimed it was safe to travel. I wasn't so sure. Yet I managed to salvage $1,500. Here's how: -- Mobilize right away. The Turkish tour company would cancel and refund only if war was declared. When I phoned the U.S. State Department's travel advisory service (202-647-5225), there was no warning about Turkey in the Persian Gulf announcement. Why? ''So far it's all contained,'' said Nyda Novodvorsky, a public information officer at State. As soon as you're concerned, negotiate with the tour company about destinations and dollars. -- Reroute your air ticket. Rather than lose $900 in air fare, I rerouted my ticket from Istanbul to Madrid. Airlines won't necessarily mention rerouting unless you ask.