Vacations To Go review: scam? 56

Hi Peter,

My husband and I booked a trip to DR via vacationstogo.com and we got a really good deal from them with no problems whatsoever. The rep was actually really nice, he kept emailing me different quotes, etc. I recommend them. Good luck on your trip.

Carmen S.

Peter,

Be careful this website pays people (probably "Carmen S") to spam good things about them. For the most part these are all lies. This IS a scam company. Do not give them a dime unless you never want to see it again.

I have booked with the company before, and never had a problem. My advice, if you are weary about a company check the BBB site, as they are affiliated with them. Hope this information helps.

I have booked with this company, had great service and enjoyed 2 cruises at excellent prices. My husband and I have booked another cruise with them for next year.

Since so many have been nice enough to share thier thoughts, I will do the same. I have still never been on a vacation or honeymoon with my wife of 16 years and two kids, but I am again trying to do so. The two names that I came across while doing my research were Vacations to Go and Castaways vacation (which also had a name like Sunquest I think it was). The suggestion about the BBB was smart, so I did so... VTG received a A out of a best possible A+. Castaways vacation a D. IF the name is sunquest, I would avoid them. Neither was a BBB accredited business, but there was a goodly bit of info for each. Hope that helps others.

Cheers

This is a great company. It's a personalized travel service and I've taken several trips with them and I am taking another one purchased from them this year. Unlike other online travel sites, you work with a real live travel agent who makes sure everything is in place for your trip. I have trusted them and they have never let me down.

At first VTG was great, now we have issues, BIG ISSUES.

We had a group of 10 use Vacations To Go for a trip to Costa Rica. Everything was fine till I found the same resort at half the price on their own site. Our agent worked diligently to cancel, rebook and credit everyone. We would have to pay a $100 cancel fee but that was ok to save more than $900 per couple!

That has been 8 weeks and none of us have our credit. We have now paid double the original price of the trip.

NOT happy, Not happy at all.

I have booked 3 cruises through "vacationstogo" with absolutely no problems, but be aware- They are a cruise wholesaler, and not a hand-holding mom and pop travel agency. Know what you are buying, do your research, and you will get a good deal. Most of the complaints about them are based on the salespeople not knowing/caring/informing, etc. Again, this is a wholesale house, they deal in volume mostly through the internet booking people all around the world on cruises. The salespeople depend on large volume, since they only get a small commission on each sale. If you do your due diligence, you will get a very good price.

I can recommend them. My wife and I have used them for 6 different cruise packages. We have never had the first problem. The agent, emails use with occasional good packages, and sometimes we have had a bottle of wine waiting for us in our room. If you get a good agent/salesperson, you will have an enjoyable trip, and that same person will keep in touch with you. We have had the same one for several years now.

ya i am looking for some different cruise packages.i saw few but my wife reject all.so i am looking for some romantic cruise packages because my wife is to romantic.
http://www.remarkablevacations.net

I booked 2 different cruises with VTG for a total of 11 people earlier this year and had no problems at all, we sailed from USA to Italy and then again from Italy around the Med, all arrangements were fine, our sales person was excellent both on the net and on several occassions that I had to call her on the phone and coped with our initial change of plans, types of cabin etc. with great patience. I had tried to book locally through an agent and it was going to cost us nearly twice as much. We intend booking with them again next year.

...Tony C

I have booked a number of cruises thru vacationstogo, and have had no problems, always been very helpfull.The only thing is now, if you are not a U.S. citizen or resident, they can't take your booking on most of the most popular lines.Check on the Aussie flag where the currenceys are, and it will explain which lines are still available.VERY disappointing.

Have booked a number of cruises thru vacations, and have had no problems, very helpfull.The only complication now is if you are not a U.S. citizen or resident you can not book on the most popular lines.Check on the main page where the Aussie flag is near the currencys.VERY disapointing.

Anything good written is A SCAM! the BBB is a SCAM! it was on 60 minutes and they both are scams... I was a call center rep and vacations to go is nothing better than anything else to go. Your better off with fast food.
TRY Celebrity Cruises, more expensive, top of the line and worth every hard earned penny.

I have never used Vacation-To-Go so these comments are not aimed at them, but think about this. Several years ago I was researching after-market warranties. I looked up reviews for a company that peaked my interest. Some of the comments were very positive and a few were negative. Needless to say the company is a nightmare in my opinion. It then occurred to me that it is human nature that people go to these types and consumer complaint forums for one of two reasons; 1. To make complaints or 2. Research complaints. People that have good experience normally go directly to the company or respond if a survey is sent to them. The bottom line, if you see a lot of positive comments you may want to consider thinking twice about your choice.

Folks with good comments hardly come here Why? it's a complaint forum. I would like to say a few words for Vacations to Go. All good good. We have used them for 6 consecutive cruises, and not one complaint. They performed 100% for the good. We NEVER failed having a bottle of good wine in our room upon arrival. Some people can never be satisfied no matter how good your are or what you ro for them.

Agree with UncleBob. Few folks with good experiences look for complaint sites. Have used VTG and was completely satisfied with the booking and follow up service for our Southern Caribbean cruise. Also provided airfare price comparisons from Canada so we had more info for booking our flights. Would not hesitate to use them again although we do tend to deal directly with the crusie line these days. Recieve their weekly email for cheap cruises and find it is helpful in future bookings.

We have been using VTG for many years. They have ALWAYS performed perfectly! Be it known that most of the major cruise lines are extremely dependent on agencies like VTG to fill up these huge ships. VTG is the biggest agency that they depend on. If you heve had a problem, it is most likely you weren't diligent in knowing the details of your trip. I will say that nobody is perfect, and the agents at VTG are no exception. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Incidently, their prices are about the same no matter who you book with! VTG always throws in a little something extra. Just ask. Thanks VTG! seasonedcruzr

We have just booked our 7th cruise with VTG. They are more than helpful each time. This time, I will be required, due to health reasons to take a electric scooter on this trip. They took care of everything including getting my scooter taken care of en route and return on the airplane, and they set me up for the scooter to be handled on the ship. How could I ask for more. Some people are feeding bad information about VTG. You couldn't ask anymore from a travel company. The small fly by night, hole in the wall agencies are the one's you have to be careful of, NOT VTG.

I have used VTG on two separate Transatlantic crossings, and cannot give them enough praise. The price we paid for each cruise was unbelieveable, the service and help we recieved from VTG salespeople was second to none. There are no words in the English dictionary to praise this company high enough. I would, and indeed have, recommend them in a heartbeat.

We have used Vacations To Go four time now for some of our trips. We have had NO problem with the company or any of their staff, and are now booking a Alaska cruse through VTG. Again, no problems. I am quick to complain about bad travel companies and I know that people seldom write good thing about any company in a form of this type. Again no problem. No, I am NOT with VTG, nor do I know anything them, other then booking with them. Thanks

Every time I try to bring up VTG on my computer, the screen locks and I cannot navigate through their site. I have no problem with any other travel site. Anyone else have the same problem?
If so, how did you solve it? VTG says it's my computer, but like I said, no problem with any other site. Help.
bbcruiser

People go to complaint forums to complain or to research a company. My husband was concerned because he found a complaint forum about VTG but can't view it at work. We've traveled a lot--I've organized student travel for years through a student travel company. There are ALWAYS glitches--some minor, some major. When we want to travel on our own and have someone take care of us, I go to VTG. Once the reservation is made with the cruise line, it's them, not VTG that you have to deal with. Never had a problem at all.

VTG is a classy company. We had a cruise booked, arrangements with airlines and Holland American for provisions to take a small 3 wheel electric scooter due to a back disablement. The back could not wait, so we had to cancel all arraignments. It went very smoothly, VTG took care of everything in a timely manner (1 day). Thank God for travel insurance. We was reimbursed for everything. Travel insurance
is a must. You never know what will happen, especially when you never expect it.
We are still going to take that cruise as soon as I'm healed, which will be next cruise season. It with out a doubt be with VTG. We have never had a glitch. If there was one VTG handled it with the cruise line. We didn't have too.

I see someone has commented that only those people who wish to make a complaint or are suspicious in some way would visit a complaint site. Not So! I googled vacations to go as I wanted to plan my next trip and saw one of the options was "Vacations to Go - A Scam?" As an always happy customer I was intrigued to see what was being said. On balance the majority view matches mine. They are a very good company who give good value. I've been with them three times and now looking for a fourth. As a retired senior policeman from the UK I think I know a scam when I see or experience it. Vacations to Go is not such an enterprise - nor am I in their employment.

We have booked multiple cruises with VTG and have beeen very satisfied.
Some years ago, I booked with an on-line only agency, cruise got canceled due to ship problem,
they never told me. I found out by accident, and fixed it myself. they are now out of business.
With VTG, I had one issue with a on board credit not showing up but one quick phone call got the problem resolved in an hour. This a top notch organization. Always perform as promised.

Vacations to Go has customer service that won't admit mistakes. So those here who have said that the folks who complain here haven't tried to solve problems with the Houston HQ are dead wrong. VTG attitude is if we didn't provide you with what we promised, or if our staff was rude, tough luck. I suppose they assume no one will bear the cost of a lawsuit? eric the red

I am about to book my third cruise with Vacations to Go. They have gotten us good deals, given us great advice and have made us feel like important customers whenever we have used them. I am not affiliated with the company and have not been solicited to make this comment. I am just a regular old repeat customer and I recommend them if you want to get a fair deal on a cruise. Nancy in RSF CA

Just recently booked Transatlantic Queen Mary with Tal at VTG. He was pleasant, informative, AND IN TEXAS!. I had seen what looked like a great price, $800, a 'flash' promoti0n, so I booked it. A couple of days later (or was it next day, can't remember) I checked their 'deals' and saw that the price had been reduced by a further $100. I didn't expect much, but, phoned Tal and asked him what possibility of getting my booking changed to reflect the lower deal. He called Cunard and Whizzo! they rebooked us and our cost was reduced by $200 (for 2). Guess what? I'll be going back to Vacations to Go. NO SCAM!

That's the way to go. Congratulations!

That's the way to go. Congratulations! !

This is a legitimate company, but do your homework...you are still paying a middle man they arent giving you a better deal than you would get directly...i almost booked with them once and then decided to check the cost directly and glad i did, it was cheaper. The give you a discounted version of a discount already being offered by the original company.

Come on people, we all know there a legitimate company. They give the best prices possible and still remain in business. It cost money in overhead to operate. Sure there making money, but that's business. In my opinion they provide an excellent service at a fair and reasonable price. No one gives any thing away.

Love Booking Cruises thru VacationstoGo with Lex Harryson! Everytime I go on a cruise, I make sure to request him! His service is Top-Notch & he goes over & beyond to make sure you have a great time when you have a special event going on! Whenever I have a question or concern, he is available to answer my question. I haven't met a more efficient agent. He is the only one that I will work with! Last year during my Birthday, I booked a Princess Cruise & Lex made it very memorable for my guests & me! He upgraded my room & we had two connecting cabins...LOVED IT! Can't wait to book my Anniversary Cruise with you Lex & VTG!

Vacations To Go is a legitimate business which I have used several times, and because I have had only good experiences, I hate to think others would feel the company might not be legit. It is an online travel (cruise and resort vacation) agency, with whom you as the the customer deal exclusively via email or phone, so there is no face-to-face contact. Thus, using VTG may seem a little impersonal to those who are not used to doing business online; those people should probably consider using a brick and mortar travel agent in their hometown, where they can discuss their plans in person. (We have done that, too, but it was not easier for us nor more more beneficial in any way to using Vacations to Go.) Using VTG, an online agency, is exactly the same as if you contacted the cruise line itself to book your cruise, except in our experience (we have booked both ways), the cruise line will not assign you a specific "travel agent" to handle your reservations and booking -- whoever is available when you call the cruise line will handle your needs. (This policy may vary with cruise lines, though.) However, if you contact VTG, you will be assigned a single travel agent who will deal with your needs through booking, confirmation, cabin assignment, etc., right up until you board the ship. (Others at the office can also help you if your particular agent is, say, out of the office when you call and you need immediate assistance.) One thing it is important to know is, no travel agency, including Vacations to Go, will offer you a lower price for a cruise than the cruise line itself will (ultimately) offer. (The price of each cruise will vary as time passes, and as the ship fills up.) They are not allowed to (except perhaps in cases of chartered cruise/group travel), and if you were to have bought a cruise passage for some ridiculously low price (lower than that offered by the cruise line for the same accommodations), you would definitely have been scammed and the cruise line would not let you board! What VTG offers is a great website where you can get LOTS and LOTS of useful information about practically every cruise line, ship, and voyage, and they also offer (in certain cases) extra perks like Priority boarding passes, free champagne in the cabin, onboard credits, etc. (which also may be offered by the cruise lines -- you must check.) I will say that I have never had a problem with any cruise I have booked, so I have never had to test the problem resolution policies or practices of Vacations To Go. (Nor have I had to test any any cruise line in this regard, but I have read online that many are extremely bad in their problem resolution.) Neither have I used VTG for booking a resort vacation.

I have been travelling with Vacations To Go.com for just a bit longer than eight years. Not only have I found the prices fantastic, but the service, the opportunities, and the commitment of the staff to be beyond my expectations. Whilst I can understand some people may be sceptical, such as the offensive comment by 'Josh09261984, ' I can attest to the integrity of the business I have dealt with. I've bought transatlantic sailings on the QM2, a positioning sailing with a Royal Caribbean ship, and numerous Holland America sailings and cruises - all providing me with combinations of multiple upgrades and substantial discounts. If you're a novice to sailing or cruises, please ask someone, such as the staff at VTC to explain the difference between options, guaranteed grades vs booking specific cabins.

VTC also recently assisted me in securing a necessary type of cabin for someone suffering from advanced MS. No one else would have gone to such trouble!

If anyone has a specific doubt, I don't mind sharing my experience and I give you my word I'm not someone who has been provided an incentive to make these comments.

I wish you peace in all your journeys. Father Bill Haymaker+ www.ProjectNewLife.org

I, too, have used VTG before and had excellent customer service and no problems with accomadations etc. This time we had a different agent, mentioning no names, and he was a lot less helpful and a bit snotty I thought. I finished my unhappy call with him, turned around and called back for a manager, Savannah, she was so helpful and polite and addressed the issues that I had very satisfactorly and promptly. I will give VTG another chance later next year, but with a new agent, referred to me.

take it for what its worth. i havent dealth with this agency at all. But, with all of the good reviews that this particular inquiry has brought up would still make me wonder.
for this in particular, just about all of the ones that have given good replies about them, have 1 post. and that one post is within this thread. that is enough to make me wonder if they werent just created accounts to post good stuff to help in a possible scam.
i could be wrong, but unless you hear it from someone that seems to have been around these boards longer, from word of mouth, etc. i would still beware to an extent. i dont know their reputation. so, you may still want to be careful

I have noticed that there are two companies with similar names:
vacationstogo.com and VacationsToGo.com I have booked several cruises with the first one, none with the second one. I have always been satisfied.
The second one often shows up on computer request for the first, so use care.
I find that insurance is often less costly when booking directly with the cruise line and cost is most always the same for the base price of the cruise.

I have always had a great experience with VTG. I have a great contact there and she is VERY accommodating. She has always followed through with an after the cruise survey to see if anything can be improved. She also sends us a bon voyage e mail. She has done 4 cruises for us and I DEFINATELY would recommend her and her company. The prices she gets us beats every other agency I have dealt with. I had one problem but it was solved when I booked my next cruise and the price error for the stateroom credit was corrected plus some extras thrown in for my trouble.It all depends on the agent . Mine is great and an asset to her company.