HI! I've been familiar with IDTS for several years now and have monitored their web site at times for "good" deals, BUT I have never booked with them. . . . However, I do know that in ALL my nonrev bookings that I have ever made (usually for cruises) I had to pay for it when I booked it. Since it amounted to a few thousand dollars I know what you mean when you say you don't feel totally comfortable. But since nonrevs usually book so close to the time of departure, it's not unusual to have to pay up front. Remember to always put it on a credit card--that way you can always dispute it with the cc company if there is a problem. Have a great trip--Jean H--flyinlow