Vacation Choices

Update, lately people have been getting similar offers with a US Airlines Logo (tip, US Airlines doesn’t exist) and they have been identified as belonging to «Global Vacation Network» This time the number was 866−480−7559, signed by Jacklyn Paul. Same scam, different name.

I had went to one of their presentations on the weekend and I should of looked at the trusted Unilocal reviews before I even called their 1 – 800 number. This company (Vacation Choices) is a total SCAM. You are promised free gifts if you attend one of their meetings, but once the presentation is over they make-​up all sorts of lies in offering them to you.
They try to sell you a cheaper vacation alternative in bookings than your usual travel sites, but when I tried to call their offices I was never able to talk to anyone of receiving the free gifts.
I was offered Mariners tickets and $ 100 worth of restaurant certificate on the postcard but I didn’t get anything when I left. I should have demanded something before I left, but trusted that I would receive it through the mail or email as they «said.»
Next time I won’t hesitate in throwing away those junk mail and wasting 1.5 hours listening to some lame ass presentation. Stay Away.

As junk mail as it seemed, we received a postcard for two free RT tickets 3 days, 2 night stays in the mail. I was going to toss the thing out because lord only knows that nothing is free or without strings attached etc…
BUT curiosity took over and we wanted to see what their spiel was so we called the 800 number on the card. Both of the agents were nice and gave out the information to obtain these «free tickets». So we thought we would see what the heck it was about. Heck if not something to do. They explained that we would have to attend a seminar and listen to a presentation on vacations. Ok, whatever… why not? So we reserved a spot and they even called to confirm the day before.
We checked in where the presentation was being held. The gal checking us in was quite outgoing and abundantly chipper. We got a little clip board with a questionaire about recent travels, a tent card for our names and waited for the presentation to start. I must say most of the representatives working for the company were very nice and helpful especially the gentleman shooting the breeze with us about SE Asia. He was quite informative.
The presentation itself was alright. It was given by a woman who was reaching at getting the audience to interact and participate. We were one of the younger couples there. The rest all looked about retiree age 70’s plus (bless their hearts) which is what the demographic seemed to be. Reminded us of the cruise we just got off. She was a pretty good speaker however a bit presumptuous. She was talking about Hawaii and asked the group whether anyone knew what the state fish of Hawaii was. She refers to me and in her mind presumes that I’m from one of the islands and that I should know. Really? She actually said that I looked polynesian (which I do) and asked me whether I knew or not. Talk about putting me on the spot. Now I’m not one of those easily offended people or one who accuses people of being racist for making the slightest innocent remark, but I sure the hell am no marine biologist. I thought it was funny. I was more suprised that she thought I would know. I’ll have to brush up on my spear fishing skills.
At one point when the powerpoint was going on; I felt at any minute I would hear «if you call now, we’ll lower the price and you get not 1, but 2»…
I have to admit, we did learn some interesting facts about the travel industry and what products are out there, what the mark ups are etc and what their product is all about which can be found on line or at one of the seminars in case you get a post card in the mail.
When it came time for the sell, our informative guy came back and seemed visibly annoyed after awhile that we didn’t want to sign up for it. He was casual about it, got up and said someone else would be over in a few. Sure enough, another representative came over with the pitch. We both listened and gave our opinions and after a little while the hard sell seemed to kick in which I don’t care for. They were both doing their jobs as sales people and I’m sure their product is great, cost effective etc. It just wasn’t for us. They were both nice enough, and both did their best to convince us, but like I said, it just wasn’t for us. They weren’t rude or dismissive, but when it seems like its turning into a challenge its best for both parties to back off which is what we did.
Like I already knew from attending similiar presentations. there are ALWAYS strings. Make sure to read the fine print. Whether we send away for our two «free tickets» remains to be seen. In fact they want you to forget about it which is probably what we will do. Who knows.
J and I like experiencing what people are selling.
Who knows this may be for you… or it may not.