Action Line: Be wary of faxed vacation offers
| Saturday, Oct 15 2011 12:00 PM
Last Updated Saturday, Oct 15 2011 12:00 PM
Editor's note: Action Line is a weekly column from the Better Business Bureau answering consumers' questions and concerns about money and business issues.
Dear Action Line:
My son and daughter have decided to go skiing over the upcoming holidays so my husband and I decided we would treat ourselves to a grown-up dream vacation. We have both received faxes at our offices for fantastic cruises and we even received a postcard from a cruise agency with a local office offering us a free cruise on a top cruise ship just for attending a 90-minute travel presentation. I realize they are going to try to sell us a timeshare or something, but it seems like a reputable big-name cruise line wouldn't be involved with anything shady. Do you have any advice on what to look for so we get the best deal?
Dear Reader:
Run, don't walk, to a reputable travel agency that can help you with your complete travel needs.
Faxed offers for wonderful vacation packages, including cruises, have been around for many years. Companies purchase fax lists and send mass faxes out offering low rates, lengthy stays and luxurious resort accommodations. These companies have now expanded their approach to include email messages and mailings that seem to guarantee you the vacation of a lifetime in return for just a little bit of your time.
Some of the companies are selling timeshares while others are simply selling vacation plans. There are legitimate timeshare companies that offer incentives but, in fairness, you should attend those presentations because you truly are interested in a timeshare and not just for the free gift offered.
The problem with most faxed, emailed and postcard travel offers is that what is offered is usually not what you thought you were getting. When you call to inquire about specifics or to book a trip, the original offer is frequently no longer available "due to heavy demand." However, a different, more expensive package is available.
For example, when you read the fine print or attend the 90-minute presentation, it turns out that the high-end cruise line name that attracted you in the first place is just one of many cruise lines the company claims to do business with and is currently not available as a package option. Or, if the line is available there are severe date and location restrictions on packages.
Based on complaints to the BBB, the cabin options on cruises are windowless and small but can be upgraded at significant expense. Luxury resort hotels fall short of even the most minimal expectations.
The fine print, which all too many people fail to read or dismiss as containing nothing important, literally holds a wealth of information on the blackout dates, surcharges, destination fees and taxes that you will have to pay for your free cruise or in addition to the low-cost vacation package. In addition, airfare and ground transportation are your responsibility.
If you decide that one of these offers is the way to go, check bbb.org before even putting down a deposit. Frequently, the supposedly local company is just an agent (one of many throughout the country) of a parent company that wants to hide its "F" rating.
My advice is to talk to an established local travel agency when planning your trip. They have the knowledge and resources to customize a vacation that fits both your budget and your dreams.
-- Vickie Sanders is assistant director of business services for the Better Business Bureau serving Central California. Send your consumer concerns, questions and problems to Action Line at the Better Business Bureau, 1601 H St., Suite 101, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or vickie@bbbcencal.org.
