Castaways Vacations and Global Escapes Face Government Actions
Austin TX BBB completed an investigation on over 300 travel companies operating in Central Coastal and Southwest Texas. One type of travel company garnering complaints locally and nationwide is travel clubs which require consumers pay up-front fees for access to discounted travel packages.
Common concerns involving travel clubs include advertising free gifts that were not free offering vacation packages that were non-existent and misrepresenting the services provided. BBB has received several complaints from consumers regarding the following F-rated companies:
Castaways Vacations: On March 17 2010 the Texas Attorney General filed a Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction against Castaways Vacations President Adrian Miller. The suit alleges company representatives sold travel club memberships by misleading consumers about discounts on travel and misrepresenting free gifts that were not free.
According to Castaways Vacations they fulfill the travel end of vacation packages purchased by consumers from other travel clubs. As such the BBB Reliability Report™ for Castaways Vacations reflects these other businesses.
Global Escapes: Consumers tell BBB they were contacted by telemarketers representing the company despite being on the Do-Not-Call list. During the call consumers say they were enticed to attend a sales presentation in exchange for a free trip but that it came with hidden charges and deposits. Other consumers who bought into the Global Escapes travel club complain the presentation misled both the quantity and quality of vacations available to them.
Despite action taken by the Texas Attorney General on April 6 2009 BBB continues to receive complaints from consumers referencing agreements they had with Global Escapes prior to the government action. The matter is currently pending. Click here to view the companys current BBB Reliability Report.
BBB advises taking the following steps when considering a travel company:
Check with BBB First. Visit bbb.org to check the BBB Reliability Report™ of any company. BBB Reliability Reports are available free of charge and will tell you how the company responds to any consumer complaints received by BBB and the companys overall letter-grade rating with BBB.
Gather Information. Dont be fooled by professional Web sites or e-mail invitations. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value that substantially undercut their competitors prices.
Request Everything in Writing. Get the names of airlines hotels car rental companies and other recreation services associated with the travel package and contact them individually to verify reservations. Ask for a copy of the travel companys cancellation and refund policy and do not sign the final contract without reading over it carefully.
Pay with a Credit Card. It is possible to dispute a charge on a credit card within 60 days of a purchase. Take advantage of this protection and be wary of any travel company that requires booking of a vacation package 60 days or more in advance.
To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses visit BBB.
* Austin and San Antonio consumers available for interviews
