
          ****************  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 <M> is used for Mexico, <N> 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 <ENTER> 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 <ENTER> to move to the next field after entering a date
 or price. Pressing <ENTER> after the last date field brings up a reminder to
 check entries before proceeding.  Press <ESC> to re-enter search parameters or
 press <ENTER> 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 <ENTER> 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).

 <Page Up> & <Page Down>   -Moves trip records vertically in groups of 16.

 <Home> & <End>            -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 <Alt-P>          -Prints out a hard copy of the Table View

 * A hardcopy of the full screen trip record may be printed out by pressing
 <Alt-P> when the screen is in view.  This printout will be similar to the
 familiar keyboard <PRINT SCREEN> 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 <Alt-P> 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:

 <Alt-P> -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).

 <Alt-S> -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 <Alt-S> 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 <ALT-P> 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 <PAGE-DOWN> 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 <ALT-B> 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 <ALT-P>.

     Pop up windows provide guidance in filling in many of the form fields.
     The form is navigated using the <ENTER>, <UP ARROW>, <DOWN ARROW>, <PAGE
     UP>, <PAGE DOWN>, <HOME> and <END> keys.  Information entered in the form
     is NOT saved until <ALT-S> 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 <ALT-P> command; or write down the trip code number, type, 
          destination area and supplier, or use the <Alt-S> 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 <ALT-S> 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 <ALT-O>.*  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 <ENTER>.  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 <S> to save the new settings then 
             <ESC>ape back to the DOS prompt, then TFC <ENTER> to return to 
             TripFinder.

         2.  Re-boot your computer, then at the DOS prompt for the TFCV 
             directory, type "ERASE LYNC.CFG" and press <ENTER>.  This will
             erase the configuration file altogether.  Access TripFinder by
             typing TFC and pressing <ENTER> 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 <S>, then <ESC>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 <ALT-X> 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 <ALT-Z>.
     
     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 <E>dit command, fol-
     lowed by <S>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.





                                     
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