South America Travel

South America Travel - Abercrombie & Kent Africa & Egypt Antarctica Canal & River Cruising Europe Family Holidays North America India, Orient,    Australia & New Zealand Private Jets Small Ship Cruising South America & Galapagos Circumnavigation of South America Costa Rica, Panama & Mexico Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands Peru Chile, Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay The Royal Scotsman Train E-mail This Page Print This Page Print To PDF A&K On Site In South America Other companies often claim that the independent offices to whom they subcontract their business are “their own offices.” But only Abercrombie & Kent has its own network of local offices, staffed by full-time A&K experts, all around the globe. With five locations throughout South America, there are A&K offices working for you. Imagine the level of service that allows us to provide: A&K is always right at hand to ensure that your journey proceeds smoothly, shaped and guided by people who know and love your destination. The World’s Best Tour Directors While other companies often employ guides who are foreign to the destination you are visiting, A&K Tour Directors reside in and are passionate about the country in which they work. And they are hand-chosen for their knowledge, charm and expertise on a variety of subjects from archaeology, flora and wildlife to politics, geography and current affairs. For example, A&K’s Diana Hidalgo has been guiding visitors through her native Peru and neighboring countries for more than 25 years and brings unrivalled knowledge of Peru’s history, culture and people. By Invitation Only… Our highly experienced team offers you innovative insider’s access in the form of, for example, heralded guest speakers, specially hosted welcome dinners, and private wine and cheese tastings — events often not available to other travel companies and their guests. In Buenos Aires, for example, A&K guests travelling on our escorted programs enjoy a private behind-the-scenes visit to the luxurious 1908 opera house, Teatro Colón, where they also tour backstage and attend costume and stage design workshops not open to the general public. Private Transfers …Any Time Unlike many of its competitors, A&K provides its guests with private transfers whenever you choose to arrive or depart. This allows you the flexibility to arrive early or extend your stay beyond the dates or times of your group program. Most other tour operators offer to transfer you to and from the hotel from one specified group flight. But A&K gives you the comfort, luxury and freedom to plan your trip as you prefer. Any day, any time, day or night. In addition, in Santiago, Chile, A&K has special permission to meet you inside the Arrivals Hall, assisting you with passport, visa and other custom formalities. A More Personal Touch With an average of just 12 to 15 travellers (sometimes even less) and a maximum of 24 on our Connoisseurs Series, A&K groups are small enough to facilitate personal contact among group members, and undivided attention from your Tour Director. These smaller numbers also result in access to quaint restaurants off the beaten track, and discerning hotels that refuse large groups. While other company’s travellers are herded through the streets of Buenos Aires or the Inca relics of Cusco in groups of as many as 40, A&K guests feel as if they are travelling with a small collection of friends. Freedom To Choose Excellent meals ought to be a high point of every holiday. So it’s important to know not just how many meals are included in the cost of your program, but what kind. Must you eat from a set menu, or can you choose what you like? On many competitors’ trips, set menus are the inflexible rule. A&K offers…freedom. Sometimes we’ll take you to spectacular “white-tablecloth” restaurants, or casual waterside bistros. Sometimes you’ll set off on your own with a recommendation to a favorite tapas bar or tango club. In many locations, our popular À La Carte option allows you to dine at your hotel when, where and with whom you choose at A&K’s expense. Receive your Travel Catalogue! Download Now Receive By Mail

Austria Travel

Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery Travel Photography > Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery This Gallery Show as stream Size: XS S M Tags: austria Countries: Austria Count: 36 Photos Related Categories: landscapes vienna austria snow night buildings mountains Page 1 2 Next Northern Vienna Woods 1 Along our daily route from home to work. Date: 21 November 2005 Photographer: Hartwig Dellmour : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: snow landscape vienna_woods Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L The Prater Rollercoaster - Vienna - Austria Date: 31 October 2005 Photographer: Agnese P. : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: skylines shadows Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Vienna Shadows Date: 29 October 2005 Photographer: Agnese P. : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: skylines Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L 'Hundertwasserhaus' Date: 13 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L hofsburg Date: 13 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Karlskirche Date: 12 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L parliament Date: 10 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Salzburg city Salzburg city from the fortress Date: 24 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes buildings austria Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstatt Date: 22 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains lakes hallstatt austria Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstatt, AUSTRIA Date: 22 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains lakes Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstat Salzkammergut, Austria Date: 17 May 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L ST STEPHENS CATHEDRAL A view of the Cathedral through a narrow street in Vienna... Date: May 2005 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: churches Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Austrian Ski Resort, Obertauern Date: 20 April 2005 Photographer: Kye Brown : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains snow Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Staapark in Winter Vienna, Austria Date: 19 January 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L United Nartions, Vienna Vienna International Centre Date: 17 January 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: buildings Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Sunrise in the Austrian Alps Taken on a company ski trip in the resort of Chamonix. I love the alps! Date: 2005 Photographer: Gregory Brine : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes sunsets_and_sunrises mountains sky snow Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hiking in Leoben Date: 2005 Photographer: Adam Smith : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Evening in Spittal Parked for the night with lots of time on the hands. You need a hobby with this job. Date: 2005 Photographer: Jon Carlisle : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L austrian alps Date: July 2004 Photographer: Emma Dean : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes sky Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M salzburg dom Date: July 2004 Photographer: Emma Dean : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: churches salzburg Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M CHURCH One of the dozen of churches we saw in Vienna. Date: May 2004 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M GLORIETTE-SCHONBRUNN PALACE I called this Belvedere before, I just edited the title. This is the area called the Gloriette, opposite of Schonbrunn Palace which was supposed to be the "crowning touch" of the Palace. Date: May 2004 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Graz, Castle Tower Date: 2004 Photographer: Rich Perkins : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Salzbourg Salzbourg at night Date: 31 December 2003 Photographer: Andrea Spalla : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Graz River Theatre Date: 2003 Photographer: Rich Perkins : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Page 1 2 Next © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The

Amazon.com: 100 Best Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The Top Cruises throughout the World for All Interests and Budgets: Books: Theodore W. Scull Your Store Books See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Subjects | Bestsellers | The New York Times® Best Sellers | Magazines | Corporate Accounts | Amazon Shorts | Bargain Books | Used Books | Textbooks Search Amazon.com Books Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . or Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . More Buying Choices 21 used & new from $1.05 Have one to sell? See larger image Share your own customer images Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book. 100 Best Cruise Vacations, 2nd: The Top Cruises throughout the World for All Interests and Budgets (Paperback) by Theodore W. Scull (3 customer reviews) List Price: $19.95 Price: $19.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details Availability: This title usually ships within 4 to 6 weeks. Please note that special order titles occasionally go out of print, or publishers run out of stock. These hard-to-find titles are not discounted and are subject to an additional charge of $1.99 per book due to the extra cost of ordering them. We will notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. 21 used & new available from $1.05 Other Editions: List Price: Our Price: Other Offers: Paperback (1.00) 21 used & new from $0.47 Better Together Buy this book with The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets... byJim West today! Buy Together Today: $27.90 Customers who bought this book also bought The Unofficial Guide to Cruises by Kay Showker Berlitz 2005 Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships (Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships) by Douglas Ward The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation by Jim West Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 (Dummies Travel) by Fran Wenograd Golden Fodor's FYI: Plan and Enjoy Your Cruise, 1st Edition : Experts Share Their Secrets (Special-Interest Titles) by Fodor Explore Similar Items : in Books Editorial Reviews Book Description In this guide cruise expert Ted Scull reveals the top 100 cruises available throughout the world based on his decades of cruising, research, and writing. From the Back Cover With hundreds of cruises available worldwide, choosing just the right one for your budget and taste can be a frustrating experience. Cruise travel expert Ted Scull leads the way to the best, but not necessarily the most expensive, cruises all over the world. Clipper ships sailing the Mediterranean, riverboats plying the Yangtze, catamarans cruising to the Great Barrier Reef, mega ships traveling among the Caribbean islands - whatever on-the-water experience you are looking for, you can find it in this authoritative guide. Each cruise profile includes cruise itineraries; ship amenities, atmosphere, cabins, and activities; fare ratings and listings of what's included and what's not; port information, including what to see and do; typical passenger profiles.(7 1/2 x 9, 272 pages, color photos) See all Editorial Reviews Product Details Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: Globe Pequot; 2.00 edition (October 1, 2001) Language: English ISBN: 0762709812 Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds. ( View shipping rates and policies ) Average Customer Review: based on 3 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: Today: #693,635 in Books Yesterday: #692,950 in Books (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) Other Editions: Paperback (1.00) | All Editions Customers interested in this title may also be interested in: Sponsored Links: What is this? Cruise Vacation Specials All Cruise Lines & Destinations. Big Web Discounts - Save up to 75%! Cruises.AmericasVacationCenter.com Save up to 75% on Cruises We offer great discounts on cruise vacations , holiday cruises and more vacationstogo.com Special Vacation Package Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. www.atlantis.com Feedback Customers who viewed this book also viewed Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation 2005 (Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation) by Stern Steven B. Mediterranean By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Mediterranean Cruising, Third Edition by Anne Vipond Cruise Chooser : Buyer's Guide to Cruise Bargains, Discounts & Deals by Mary Fallon Miller Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call 2005 : From U.S. and Canadian Home Ports to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii & More (Frommer's Complete) by Matt Hannafin Frommer's European Cruises & Ports of Call (Frommer's Complete) by Fran Wenograd Golden Explore Similar Items : in Books Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful: The Cream of the Cruise Crop , December 28, 2003 Reviewer: Robert I. Hedges (Burnsville, MN USA) - See all my reviews This book is exactly what you would expect it to be given the title: a book dedicated exclusively to 100 cruises that are the best in the world in the author's opinion. I agree with him more often than not, but some of the cruises are a bit esoteric and definitely out of the mainstream (particularly the China information), which is fine as long as you understand that is what you are getting here. Many fine itineraries are reviewed here with information on passenger demographics, activities, and cost presented in fine fashion. My biggest quibbles with the book's format is the lack of maps illustrating the geography of the trip to help get a better handle on where the itineraries actually go, and the lack of an easy to use cost index, which is a factor for many of us considering the astronomical costs of many of these cruises. As always, personal taste often dictates an individual's opinion of certain cruises. For instance, I prefer Celebrity's "Horizon" over their "Zenith," (which Mr. Scull prefers) for a Bermuda cruise. This is a fine book overall, if somewhat of a 'dream book.' It is excellent for generating ideas for new destinations and ships, and fills it's niche very well. If you are looking for more comprehensive cruise information, I would recommend "Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships 2003" by Douglas Ward as probably the single best cruise reference available, as it is amazingly complete. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 19 of 21 people found the following review helpful: Well worth the price considering the cost of cruises today. , November 6, 2000 Reviewer: A. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews If you are one of the 7 million people who will take a cruise in the coming year, then Theodore W. Scull's book, "100 Best Cruise Vacations," will be a good value. There are thousands of cruises to select from with various destinations, itineraries, ship size and cost. So which ones are the best value for the money? Which cruises have the best food, personnel, programs, accommodations, design and layouts? In Scull's book, you are introduced to his selection of the world's best. From small ships plying the Amazon or Yangzee Rivers to the behemoth liners of 110,000 tons and 2,600 passengers, Scull provides a comprehensive description of the 100 best cruises by explaining the ship and the itinerary in straightforward commentary. A side bar with pertinent information breakdown accompanies each cruise description. I especially like the thorough contact information provided to get additional information for each cruise, which includes website addresses. I was disappointed that there were no maps detailing where the cruise travels geographically. Likewise, I was annoyed with the absence of any tables or lists that would break down cruises versus their cost. Thus, if you are looking for a five-day cruise for less than $1,000, you must wade through all 100 listings and their cross reference to a dollar sign icon, which designates five levels of cost ranging from $100 to $600 per day (including accommodations, per person, double occupancy, outside cabin), then guess the cruise cost. Scull, a travel writer, has given us a useful resource with which to make a better qualitative choice when deciding on a vacation cruise. Worth the small investment when considering the financial outlay that any cruise these days will be. Recommended. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 13 of 20 people found the following review helpful: Best Cruise Book , April 1, 2000 Reviewer: This is one of the best books on travel you can buy. Lots of information on "best buy" cruises. I you are planning to vaction buy this book. I saved over $300.00 on my cruise using this book. An essential for any traveler. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Auctions and zShops sellers and our other stores recommend Scull, Theodore W.: 100 Best Cruise Vacations (Scond Edition). , New, Bargain Co (Price: $10.79) Listmania! SeaLetter Recommended Cruise B... : A list by "sealetter" Cruise Chooser's Top Cruise Bo... : A list by Anne Wright Cruise Diva's Favorite Cruise ... : A list by Linda Coffman Create a Listmania! list So You'd Like to... What Celebrities, Fairies, Feng Shui & a Dog Have in Common : A guide by J. H. 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Vacation Packages Lead Generation

Fraudulent Travel Clubs and Vacation Packages Schemes,Scams, Frauds. www.crimes-of-persuasion.com Site Directory Fraudulent / Deceptive Vacation Packages Lead Generation Be aware that when you place your business card or name into a drawing for afree vacation, you may be added to a telemarketing call list. Telemarketers knowthat wishful thinkers are susceptible to their offers. Also know that yourpersonal information, should you enter it, may be collected by unscrupulousoperators via the Internet when you are visiting bogus travel-related sitesseeking unbelievable deals on trips or airfare. Fly By Night Operations You get a notice that you have won a super travel bargain. All you have to dois make a deposit with your credit card and select your preferred travel dates.The trouble is you may never actually get your "bargain" trip because the travelproves to be a complete fabrication, your reservations may not be confirmed orbecause you must comply with so many hard-to-meet, hidden or expensive"conditions." Fraudulenttelemarketers purporting to be travel agencies can offer substantial travelpackages at comparatively low cost because they know they will never have tocome good on their promises. The use of travel as a commodity makes thelong-distance nature of the transaction plausible but also makes getting arefund next to impossible. Additional Costs and Upgrades Several companies overstate the amenities included, hide extra charges in"all-inclusive" packages, or charge you for products andservices you never received. Free vacations often become assertively pitched"discount" packages, where you have to pay an excessively high pricefor some uncovered part - like hotel or airfare, or inflated charges for a"required" second person. So, your airfare may be free, but your anticipated $50hotel room costs you $350. Perhaps a "handling fee" or"membership fee", anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars, isrequired as well. Some telemarketers say you've won or been specially selected for atrip then "bait andswitch" you into spending additional money for "upgraded" hotelor other accommodations. You get a free or low-cost trip, but the room iscramped and grimy, the food terrible or nonexistent. The promoter then magicallyfinds an upgrade at an outrageous price. In addition, many offers require you to pay upgrade costs to receive theactual destinations, cruises, or dates you were promised. Some may require youto pay more for port charges, hotel taxes, or service fees but not bill yourcard until after you return. They promise you a bargain-priced vacation. However, when you add up all thefees and extras, you wind up paying more for the "bargain" than for aconventional travel package. The total cost may run two to three times more thanwhat you'd expect to pay, or what you were led to believe. They mayalso fail to inform you of their "no refund" policy ormisrepresent it over the phone. Timeshare Sales Trap You take the bait and fly to Florida. When you try to pick up the vouchers for the rest of your trip, you find yourself trapped at a lengthy spiel on timeshares. You may also find out once you reach the final destination you are required to once again spend part of your vacation trapped listening to a lengthy and high pressure sales pitch for timeshare accommodations during your "vacation." For more info on TimeshareSales Presentations Charter Flights Every year at spring break many students, who signed up and paid forvacation packages, are disappointed when no plane is available for the returnflight. When they examine the conditions of their contracts, theyfind, in small print, a clause that says the travel agency had the right topostpone the departure flight by as many as three days without any advance notice. These students are left stranded in airports far from home, with no provisionsfor food or overnight lodging, just so the travel agency can save money,flying fewer of them during the off-peak days, once the break is over. A lot of college students use use charters for spring break but these flights are notcovered by the same laws as commercial airlines (usually charters can becanceled for any reason by the operator up until 10 days before the trip).Charter flights can also raise prices before the trip as well but you can cancelif they increase the package price by more than 10%. Cruise Line Cancellations Some travelers reserve a specific cruising date, sometimes a full year oryear and a half in advance. Then, shortly before the cruise, they are told thatthat particular cruise has been rescheduled. They are told that they can go onanother one, on certain dates, which may not fit their work schedule. Mostcontracts say that a cruise line can cancel at any time, for basically anyreason. Boat Ride to Hell Telemarketers can initiate contact with you in several ways: they may send direct mail to you stating you will receive a "fantasycruise holiday" vacation including a "luxury" cruise, then directyou to call an 800 number; and they also send unsolicited faxes to your business notifying "allstaff" that the "wholesale travel department" has only a fewBahamas cruise packages remaining at a special corporate rate and that youshould call immediately if you are interested in purchasing one; they send electronic certificates to your e-mail address congratulating youon "winning" a fabulous vacation for a very attractive price. Some sayyou have been "specially selected" (only people with e-mail qualify) for this opportunity. As mentioned, leads are also gathered at local fairs and trade shows by "leadgenerators." Booths are decorated with banners or signs inviting people to"register" for a vacation. You register thinking you areentering a draw to win a vacation. Regardless of the method of contact, you are led to believe you are part of aselect group of people specially chosen to receive this vacation package. Once they have you on the line, they describe an exciting vacation in Floridaand a "luxury cruise" to the Bahamas. They state that the vacation isworth a significant amount, sometimes as much as $2,500, but that you will pay amuch smaller amount to receive it, typically $398, $498, or $598. They urge you to immediately "secure" or "register" the vacation witha major credit card. They also say that the payment covers the cost of youraccommodations in both Florida and the Bahamas, as well as the Bahamas"cruise." They inform you that you must purchase the vacation immediately. If yourequest time to think over the offer, or receive it in writing, they respondwith canned rebuttals such as "this is a limited promotion based onavailability" or , "each confirmation number can only be activatedonce, so you cannot call back and reactivate your number" or "by thetime you receive something in the mail, the limited number of vacations will begone." In fact, there is no limit to the number of such vacations for sale. So you give your credit card number to the convincing operator. Once that is obtained, they say you will be switched over to a"supervisor." In actuality, the call is transferred to the"verification" department at their headquarters, where a third personcomes on to the line to confirm details of the sale. Unlike the sales portion of the call, the "verification" is taperecorded. During the verification, they ask for your credit card number again,quickly review the details of the vacation package and, in some but not allinstances, tell you for the first time that you will have to pay additionalcharges for "port service reservation processing fees" and that thevacation package is "non-refundable." These disclosures occur onlyafter you have provided a credit card number which will be charged within minutes ofyour hanging up. In the travel certificate industry, the amount you are initially chargedduring the sales call is known as the "front end" fee. This is because you donot receive a vacation for the money initially charged to your credit card, nordoes that front end fee pay for your vacation. In fact, most, if not all of the front end fee pays the ownersand their telemarketers for their sales efforts. For your initial $398, $498, or$598, you receive nothing more than a packagecontaining a short video, some advertisements and a "reservation requestvoucher" for the Bahamas cruise and the Florida vacation. When you receivethe vacation package you discover that you will have to pay more to take thevacation you thought you had already paid for. You find youhave actually just paid for the "option" to purchase a vacation andalso realize that you did not wina thing. Therequired additional payment, or the "back end" fee, is at least $198 to $316. They state that theback end fee is for "port reservation processing fees." Infact, the back end fee pays for most, if not all, of your"cruise" to the Bahamas and your vacation accommodations. Should you call and attempt to cancel your vacation it is flatly stated thatthey have a "no refund" policy and that you cannot cancel your initialpurchase. If you read the fine print on the back of the reservation vouchersthat are included in their vacation packages, you will discover that theyactually do have a return policy within a specified number of days, depending on thestate in which you live. If you return the vacation package, even following the instructions on the backof the reservation voucher, you inevitably receive your package back, oftenseveral times, until you either give up or call a law enforcement agency, theBetter Business Bureau, your credit card company or a private attorney. People who seek third party assistance generally receive a refund. Those whodo not are generally stuck paying for themisrepresented vacation package. Should you be one of those relatively few people who decide to pay the extra"back end" fee to take the vacation you will find that thevacation is not the "fantasy cruise holiday" you were promised but afive to six hour ferry ride to the Bahamas and back. The cruise shipyou're booked on may look more like a tug boat. The hotel accommodations theyprovideare shabby, and if you wish tostay at the better-known hotels and resorts referred to in the solicitations andbrochures, you must pay yet more undisclosed "upgrade" fees; otherwiseyou must endure the substandard accommodations provided. Never Never Land You receive in the mail an "Executory Writ of Authorization" whichcertifies that you will receive a "World-class Florida / Caribbean VacationPackage . . . including all accommodations and two Round-trip Airfares!" The certificate also states, "This special package is sponsored by, anddesigned to promote, select hotels, resorts and airlines." The certificate displays hotel logos including those of the "BestWestern British Colonial Beach Resort" and the "Nassau Marriott."To receive your vacation package, you must call right away. When you call their 800 number you reach a telemarketer who reiterates thatyou will receive a "promotionally discounted vacation package." Theysay they can offer such a "fabulous vacation" atan extremely discounted rate because they purchase large volumes of rooms fromthe specified hotels which, in turn, are promoting tourism in Florida and the Bahamas. They say you are guaranteed to stay at the British Colonial Beach Resort inNassau, Bahamas and that the vacation package is valid for 18 months, but thatyour reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance of the requestedtravel date. They indicate that they are a full-service travel agency and thatthey are the ones to call to book your reservation dates. This special limited time offer will cost you only $495 which you must payimmediately with your credit card. Through the use of stall tactics and blackoutdates they either manage to have the offer lapse or they have disappearedcompletely by the time you decide to book. Lifestyles of the Poor and Unfortunate Several states are suing National Travel Services Inc. and Ramada PlazaResorts, both of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., their owners, and Robin Leach, whopitched their vacation offer. The suit alleges that the companies used Leach's "celebrityendorsement" to convince consumers they had won, or were entitled to, aluxury Florida vacation and cruise to the Bahamas. After paying you'd receive a video hosted by Leach in which herepeatedly described the vacation as "world class" and "anexperience you'll never forget." You'd also receive travel certificates featuring Leach's picture and the message: Robin Leach says, "Pack Your Bags!" As a condition of the trip, thecertificates failed to disclose that you were required to attend lengthytimeshare presentations lasting up to five hours and pay sizable expenses and"port fees" to the promoters. You would eventually find out that you had wononly a chance to pay as much as $1,000 for a seven-day Florida vacation insubstandard accommodations and a bonus Bahamas' cruise which was actually aone-day ferry ride and a game of "Las Vegas style" bingo. There was nothing free or fabulous aboutthese dream travel packages. This was a trip to nowhere that you'll try toforget, but can't. Canadians continue to receive "special deal" offers for a $1600voucher towards an all-inclusive, first-class Caribbean holiday from RamadaPlaza Resorts (rprvacations.com) despite over 665 registered complaints at PhoneBustersregarding their practice of immediately charging $2500 to callers' credit cardsafter asking for a down-payment. Insisting that the packages arenon-refundable, company reps feel that because written scripts are used there isno possibility of abuse or misunderstanding. Some tips: Buy vacation travel from a business you know . Deal with members of a professional association and realize that few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies prices. Verify arrangements before you pay . Get the details of your vacation in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies. Don't accept vague terms such as "major hotels" or "luxury cruise ships." Call to verify your reservations. Look up numbers rather than using those provided. The entire operation may just be a front using mail drops and call forwarding services, all leading back to the same operation. Learn the vocabulary . "You have been specially selected to receive our SPECTACULAR LUXURY DREAM VACATION offer" doesn't mean you'll get a free vacation. It means you'll be "offered an opportunity" to pay for a trip that may fit your idea of luxury or not. "Subject to availability" means you may not be able to get the accommodations you want when you want them. "Blackout periods" are blocks of dates, usually around holidays or peak season, when no discount travel is available. Don't send money by messenger or overnight mail. Some scam artists may ask you to send them a check or money order immediately. Others may offer to send a messenger to pick up your payment. If you pay with cash or a check, rather than a credit card, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges. Subject: RPR Vacations Date: 26 Aug 2001 Help! We think we have fallen victim to this scam. Our trip isn't scheduled 'til the end of Oct. this year, but the more we see& hear the more disappointed we are becoming. First it's approx. $700.00 for the first person, then it's $700.00 for thecompanion - if you don't want a sub-compact car or an inside cabin on whatsounds like the 'hell cruise' it's another $269...... Do you know of a way to get out without substantial penalty? Are thereany class action suits pending? Thanks for your great web site - wish wewould have looked at it sooner. Dayna Kaplan Reply: Suggested search at the FTC site and the search box atpage bottom for up to date info on suits. Big Ships Stop Slowly I happen to have been foolish enough to be taken in by Ramada Plaza Resortsand was given their website while on the phone with the telemarketer, though Idid not access the site until after I had hung up. I had to use a search engine to find their site and, lo and behold, there wasyour warning in big bold letters. I immediately called my credit cardcompany and they advised me to call the RPR ORGANIZATION and cancel, which Idid. They told me they would honor my request, but yesterday, three weeks afterthe cancellation, I received the video package in the mail and my credit cardcompany still shows there has been no refund. What do I do now? Shirl Teaney 11/30/01 I don't presently have the time to ascertain how this spammed offer operates. CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected as a finalist in the NVP Travel Giveaway! Prizes areaccommodations for two for two nights at any one of the following locations: -- Ft. Lauderdale orDaytona, FL -- Williamsburg, VA -- Orlando, FL -- Las Vegas, NV -- Bahamas -- Branson, MO All you have to do is complete the finalists' registration form - be sureto include your Confirmation Number: G-862622 . As an added bonus, the first 500 finalists to register will receive a free entryin one of our bonus drawings for $1,000.00 Cash or Plane Tickets for 4Adults to any Continental U.S. Destination ! Why wait? You could be on your way! CLICK HERE (www.ca1.waredet.net.co.fr|https.travel.bzah.com) to "Travel Today"! Lisa Davidson National Vacation Promotions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your screen namewas entered in our giveaway. If you do not wish to participate in future promotions, please click here. (www.ca1.waredet.net.co.fr|https.travel.bzah.com/remove.htm) We have a company that has just come to Dallas named GreatEscapes TravelClub based out of Lakeland Florida. It is almost exactly as you describe in yoursection titled "Clubbed on the Head." I too was taken in by whatoriginally was to be a 90 minute presentation that became a 3 hour sales pitch.I was promised the Guaranteed Lowest price on travel and 5 percent back in"travelbucks" to use towards other vacations. I asked the salesmanwhat types of travel and he said"everything". Reading the contract at home I find that the "travelbucks'could only be used for certain items and the fineprint suggested that they had totally misrepresented themselves. I stopped payment on mycheck the next day then faxed and sent them a certified letter demanding theyreturn it to me and to cancel my contract as I have not received any goodsor services from them. I have not heard from them yet nor have they cashed mycheck. My attorney says the contract I signed did not conform to State ofTexas law in regards to certain items be written in bold or underlined print andsays he hopes "GreatESCAPES" attempts to sue. Have you heard anythingabout this company? Bart Terrell 01/25/01 We Sell Dreams, Not Nightmares Les, I have been selling timeshare vacation packages for about three years andalthough I enjoyed yoursite, I was upset with the bad wrap you gave the vacation package business. It's extremely upsetting how a couple rotten apples can ruin the entirebarrel. I'msure there are a lot of fraudulent telemarketing companies who misrepresent thepackages and terms & conditions of the vacation, but I am proud to say that Ihave one of the cleanest and most respectful telemarketing companies in Tampa. (no name given ) You must understand that a lot of these discounted packages are impressively gooddeals made possible by the fulfillment and timeshareindustry. These vacations may not value at "$2,500", but for a personto put a similar package together themselves would cost a good $1000, whereas acustomer of mine can purchase it for $398. Although there is some truth to your article on fraudulent vacation packages,understand that there are many reputable companies who have been providing theirclients with awesome vacation packages and that there are many positive experiencesfrom people who have taken them. Bottom line: The world evolves around business. This is a businessbased on selling people something that will make them feelbetter about themselves. Selling a dream. What better dream than a"fabulous vacation". Jason Martinez 01/11/02 Hi Jason, While I value your opinion and even admit that many people actually sign up forvacation values knowing they must sit through a timeshare presentation, fewactually are prepared for the high pressure inherent in the industry.Timeshares, while predominantly legitimate, are by their nature a poorinvestment in the majority of cases. The scams I try to focus on are the ones where the value of an offer are grosslyexaggerated and misrepresented in order to deceive. Few people seem to arrive atthese offers aware of their future dissatisfaction. I am glad you work within the boundaries of goodwill, make people aware of theirobligations, and do not have add-on charges which negate any value of advertisedpromises. My research is taken from numerous cases of infractions which have seta track-able and unstopping trend. Les They All Sound Good I was looking for information on your great website to see if Ramada PlazaResort Vacations was a scam. I gave them $349USD on Dec 21/01 byVisa which works out to approximately $600.00 Canadian. I had given theirpackage and video to my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary and promised totake our three sons along. Now I still need to send them $1550USD tofulfill the cost, but after reading your info, I just want to see what Ican do to get my money back. I have to admit that I must be quite gullible. I fell for a scam last yearcalled, Skybiz. I paid $100.00 US to get a website instructional programthat was totally useless. I joined on the advice of a friend and with thepromise of making money. Right now I am also trying to get back some money from a company called,Underdoz.com (and underdogz) They offered cheap airline tickets yet I never receivedanything after six months for my $148CDN and I just found out that theyclosed on December 31, 2001. Pamela Funk 01/24/02 Note: the site was active when I visited 01/25/02 Call Center Job Jitters Last month I lost my call center job after I discovered their dishonestmethods. When I started the job I was told that I was to sell a vacation package topeople who called in about winning a $1002 credit voucher on a vacation packagewhich supposedly normally retails for $1400. Basically, the people calling would then be told they could get a packagecontaining seven vacations, one major and six mini vacations, for only $398.00for two people. When I saw this great deal I wanted to get one myself, but because I knewsomeone who was fooled with the Ramada resort travel package, one of myco-workers and I decided to look for them on the Better Business Bureau websitefirst. Oddly, there was no report available despite their claiming to be amember. Two days later I asked to see details of the package I was selling but theyrefused my request, stating that they only had one copy and wouldn't want tolose it. The next day, after nagging my supervisor, he finally agreed tolet me go through the package but then only showed me a bunch of pictures. Though unable to prove fraud, I suspect the worst. Now, after being fired for being too inquisitive, I really feel bad aboutlosing a job but I want to make people understand that, at least where I wasworking, a lot of the staff were unaware that it was actually a scam that theywere selling. Leon 03/29/02 03/00 - In an FTC settlement, Frederick F. Zeigler III, Robert E. Kane , Commonwealth Marketing Group, Inc . and Great Escape Vacations &Tours, Inc .; will be required to pay $145,000 in consumer redress,$18,500 in receiver's fees and expenses, will be enjoined from any futureviolations and post performance bonds of up to $150,000 before either sellingtravel-related services or conducting telemarketing activities. Through the use of direct mail vacation "certificates" and outboundtelemarketing calls to people who, believing they were entering a drawing for afree vacation, had previously submitted "registration forms" handedout at events such as county fairs, they represented thatconsumers had won a "fantasy cruise holiday" to Florida and theBahamas, when, in fact, they had won nothing. They actually had to pay a "promotional fee" of $598 per couple,and up to $300 or more in additional charges when they were ready to travel. Inaddition, the vacation packages received did not provide the "luxury"accommodations promised unless consumers paid yet more money in"upgrade" fees. Upon calling the consumers, CMG's telemarketer described an exciting vacationto Florida and "luxury cruise" to the Bahamas, concluding the pitch byoffering the complete package for a small "promotional fee" of$598. Consumers were instructed to secure their vacation using a major credit card.Only after consumers gave their credit card numbers were they told that thepackage was nonrefundable and that in some, but not all, cases they would haveto pay additional fees - often mischaracterized as "port fees" - whenmaking their reservations. When consumers received their packages, according to the Commission'scomplaint, they found that they had to pay more money for a vacation theybelieved was already paid for in full, and that they had, in fact, won nothingat all. Many consumers were told their purchase was nonrefundable. In fact, while CMGdid have a written return policy for the vacation packages, the companyallegedly did not honor it, and consumers who returned their packages often hadthem mailed back several times. Severing Ties With Tijuana On scams like the Mexican Vacation Club , or others where the consumer uses a credit cardfor time payments, I often tell consumers to destroy their cards, report their cards stolen, etc. Do anything you need to in order to close thataccount. I sometimes tell them to not accept the card company's offer of a replacement card, just to put more distance between you and the scammer. Reporting the card lost or stolen may be dishonest, but in this case, turnaround is fair play. Be sure to make good on your other debts or stop using the card for 10 days before you do this. I have never had a consumer report back to me that the business is actually legitimate and that it ispursuing the "debt." You may get a dunning letter from a"letter service" collection agency (as opposed to a real collection agency). The MexicanVacation Club contracts usually list jurisdiction in Mexico City, and I've never seen them file a suit there against a U.S. or Canadian consumer. Consumer Attorney in Seattle. 04/02 Have you heard of Dreamquest Communications which says you tour Ramada Plazafor an hour and get to stay at a Ramada in Orlando for 3 nights for$228.00? They offer some free Disney tickets but they want a bank checkpayment right away. Anon 05/06/02 04/02 - Vermont's Attorney General filed a consumer fraudlawsuit against Cape Canaveral, Florida based Cape Canaveral Tour &Travel , Inc. and two of its employees, Lory Walker and Michael Dwyer. According to the complaint, Cape Canaveral contacted Vermontconsumers by telephone to sell them seven-night vacation packages to the Bahamasand/or Florida, typically consisting of hotel accommodations, a rental car andtravel on a cruise ship that, not including air fare, cost $1,155 and involved atime-share tour. The complaint alleges that they violated Vermonts ConsumerFraud Act by: through their agents, soliciting consumers to fill out entry forms at fairs on the pretext that this would entitle the consumer to participate in a giveaway or drawing, whereas in fact the purpose of the entry forms was to generate "leads" for Cape Canaveral. failing to disclose, at fairs, that a purchase was required. misrepresenting the companys vacation package offer as a special offer and highly discounted, when in fact the offer was ongoing and was figured from hotel "rack rates" that consumers could easily obtain at a discount from a local travel agent. failing to disclose that consumers had to take a time-share tour in order to take advantage of the vacation package offer. failing to afford Vermont consumers their right to cancel the telephonic purchase of a vacation package within three days. A court order requiring the defendants to comply with Vermontlaw, refunds for Vermont consumers, civil penalties of up to $10,000 perviolation, and other legal relief is being sought. Diamond Holidays Travel called me to let me know I won acruise including 4 nights and 3 days in the Bahamas with hotel, but I have tosend them a check for $77.00 for me and the second person plus port charges of$99.00 a person. I have four days to call them back. Is this ascam? Thanks, Agnes 06/20/02 One spammer offering vacations in both English and Spanishformats and which are accompanied by timeshare presentations is Valued Guest atwww.valuedresorts.net See also: TimeShareBeat's VacationClub Scams . Have you ever heard of Sundance Vacations out of Pa?. Theirdeal started at $10,000 for 20 vacations which included excess inventory andother enticements but I kept saying no. Final deal, $5000, unlimited vacations, excess inventoryplus. Seemed too good to be true. Walked out. Hope I receivethe free weekend which was the come-on. Owlgolf 07/31/02 Live Wire Shorted Out 10/24/02 Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan filed suit against Live WireSystems , 2425 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, and JamesP. Davis with violating the Automatic Telephone Dialers Act, UniformDeceptive Trade Practices Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive BusinessPractices Act. The defendants are charged with placing more than 10,000 autodialer marketingcalls since at least July 2002 to individuals and businesses across Illinoisusing prerecorded messages that invited consumers to purchase low-cost Disneyvacation packages. To confirm their invitations, consumers were instructed to call a toll-freenumber that provided the details and conditions of the trips. The lawsuit alleges that they misrepresented the nature of the offer byfailing to disclose that consumers are required to tour timeshare resorts aspart of the package and that Walt Disney Company is not a sponsor of the tripand has not approved use of their name. In the suit, Ryan is seeking a permanent injunction, restitution toconsumers, costs, a civil penalty of $50,000 and an additional penalty of$50,000 for each act committed with intent to defraud. www.crimes-of-persuasion.com Crimes of Persuasion2000 LegalDisclaimer Web www.crimes-of-persuasion.com Using Paypal First Name Last Name [ Home ] [ Up ] [ RPR Vacations ] [ Tempus Resorts ]

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