HOW TO END THE AGGRESSION

Click the unsubscribe button. Every legitimate email campaign must have one. The sooner you click it, the louder your message to the hotel, tour operator or cruise line that these highpressure tactics won’t be tolerated.

Say “no” — and say why. Most travel companies will offer a “feedback” option when you opt out of an email campaign. Tell them why you’re unsubscribing, especially if the annoyance affects whether you’d do business with them again. Such messages can really affect future marketing efforts. If enough customers are turned off by the campaigns, they will stop.

Tell the feds. Complain to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if a business is emailing you without consent. Under the CANSPAM Act, you have the right to end the seemingly relentless emails. A travel company must include a clear explanation of how you can get off the list, and the FTC spells out punishments for violators. Here’s how to contact the FTC: ftccomplaintassistant.gov.