ComplaintsforVacation Inspirations

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In September of 2023 my wife and I sat through a presentation for saving money on vacations. At the end we had questions and one of them was that we were only interested on saving money on flights and car rental bc we have a vacation home. We were told that “yes” would could book flights through them and save money. So, now we are trying to book flights and there isn’t a single Penny discounted and we are now being told that there isn’t any savings on booking flights. I spoke with 2 people one of them being Jess and I stated that the only reason we signed up and paid $2,000 was because we were told we would save money on booking flights. I am upset with the dishonesty of the company. I feel that was lied to just to sign up and pay $2,000.

  Business response

  02/27/2024

  The Membership Agreement specifically and expressly provides at number 7 of the Membership Acknowledgment ....."that there are no discounts and/or rewards on individual flights."
  

  Member signed that specific page on July 30, 2023. 

  The Member is simply mistaken.   Vacation Inspirations will continue to work on Members' behalf and to honor its obligations under the Membership Agreement.

  Thank you

  Business response

  02/29/2024

  The allegations are denied. The Company adopts and incorporates its previous response to the Complaint. 

   

• Initial Complaint

  01/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid a $5,000 membership fee to Vacation Inspirations in October 2022 to join this vacation club. The services/pricing provided by Vacation Inspirations do not live up to the expectations set by the marketing team during the presentation. The presentation promised deep discounts on Viking Cruises; discounted rates at quality hotels; and deeply discounted quality condo "hot deals". I found none of these promises to be true. I received better pricing directly from Viking Cruises and found better hotel pricing online. The hotel partner was finally replaced by Vacation Inspirations due to poor hotel selection/pricing, however, in my recent request for hotel quotes for Amsterdam hotel availability in April 2024 the hotel choices presented were poor hotel choices. The first choice was located at the airport; the second was located miles from the city center, and the third was a mediocre hotel at standard pricing available online. Condo rental pricing seemed reasonable but the condo rentals of interest were poor-quality, run-down properties that I did not book due to the poor condition of the properties. Deals on cruises, hotels, and condo rentals were the purpose of joining Vacation Inspirations. The reality of the services/pricing is other than as described in the marketing presentation. Since I've made no bookings through Vacation Inspirations for the reasons stated above, the membership fee I paid provided no value to me, is not a fair exchange, and the marketing presentation was an exaggerated, misleading, inaccurate, misrepresentation. On December 14, 2023 I received an email renewal notice from Vacation Inspirations for 2024 annual dues. I responded to Jeff P****** and Andrew Williams that same day that I would not renew my membership for the reasons state above. I requested a discussion of a refund of my membership fee but received no response. I request a refund of my membership fee of $5,000 based upon untruthful and misleading advertisement.

  Business response

  01/09/2024

  Over the past year numerous quotes for various travel have been provided to Member.  No issue was presented by Member until she was contacted about paying annual dues. On or about December 14, 2023, Mr. P****** communicated with Member via email and responded to her concerns. Mr. P****** further offered to discuss theater with the Member. Member has not communicated back to Mr. P****** and instead, filed the within complaint. 

  The allegations are denied. 

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  02/06/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  Company has my contact information and may contact me to discuss this matter at ************ or email at **********@hotmail.com.  I am happy to work toward a settlement and propose a refund of $3,800 of my $5,000 membership fee.  I am willing to forego $1,200 of that membership fee to account for the time spend by reservation agents to address my requests.  I think $3,800 is a fair and equitableamount. 

  Regarding my request for Amsterdam information, I will provide the documentation requested by Company but am unsure how to attach the emails received from Company representatives to this BBB response so please instruct me so I can do so.  I am fully cooperating and hope to quickly to settle this matter.  Thank you.

  Sincerely,
  

  
  ***** *****

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  The Company is unwilling to continue to go back and forth with Ms. ***** unless she provides the quotes she claims from other sources. It appears clear that Ms, ***** is only willing to repeat that same allegations but refuses to provide documentation that would permit a fair review.

  Thank you

  Customer response

  02/24/2024

  
  Complaint: ********

   

  PLEASE NOTE MY FILES ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY THIS SITE SO ANOTHER METHOD TO ADD DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED.
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I do not believe Company is making a good faith attempt to settle this matter.  The email attachment provided by Company cannot be attached as the files are too large and therefore rejected by this site so please advise how to upload the 3 options for the Amsterdam hotel quotes provided by Company.  Option #1 was the Hyatt Place Airport which was unacceptable due to location; option #2 was the Hampton Inn which was unacceptable due to similar pricing offered online and an out of the way location; and Option #3 which was unacceptable due to location being very far from Amsterdam city center.  
  
  Also tried to attach the quote provided by Company for a Viking Rhine River cruise and the better pricing provided directly by Viking Cruise Lines.  Neither file accepted by this site although both are jpg files.
  
  Quotes were provided by Company for a trip to France but instead my trip was to the Northumbria region of England, and Edinburgh Scotland.  Although Company provided an agenda and partial quotes for some hotels in the Northumbria region (I tried to attach but reached the limit of attachments), Company indicated it had no hotels in some of the towns I was to visit and had not yet provided pricing for a hotel in Durham.  Therefore, I booked all my own hotels for England.  For Edinburgh, I had been there previously and was aware of the location of the hotel provided by Company which was a too busy/touristy area for me, so I opted for a quieter location at a very nice Renaissance Inn for a very reasonable price.  Perhaps I should have asked for other options.
  
  I appreciate all of information provided by Janae and Amber but as I've stated before, the expectations set during the presentation did not live up to my experiences with Company provided quotes.  Additionally, I've offered to speak with Company per their request and offered to correspond via email as well but have yet to hear from Company.  Therefore, it seems Company's request to discuss this matter was insincere.  Further, it seems that Company is trying to signal I am unwilling to cooperate which is inaccurate.  Additionally, Company has stated in an earlier correspondence in this BBB Complaint site that they have reviewed the quotes provided to me so it is unclear why I need to jump through hoops to provide copies of the quotes.  However, the copies of those accepted by this site are now provided.  
  
  If Company is truly interested in settling this matter, then I suggest Company provide a counterproposal to my proposed settlement refund of $3,800.00 or call me to discuss.  I, too, am not interested in this never ending back and forth with no results.  
  
  Sincerely,
  ***** *****
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

  Business response

  02/29/2024

  It appears that the three quotes sent by Ms. ***** were provided to her by Vacation Inspirations.  The Company stands by those quotes when given.

   

  Vacation Inspirations incorporates and adopts its previous responses to the Complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2019 we paid this business $6,000 to act as a travel agent to assist with booking vacations, in return for a refund of up to 20% of the cost of the travel. We have booked 3 or 4 vacations with them since then. The contract states that the refund can be taken either as credit towards a future vacation or as a check written directly to the member for the amount of the refund within 120 days after the travel is concluded. In the past, we have received the refund late, but after communicating with them and requesting that the money be sent. In 2022 we had them book an Alaskan Cruise for a sailing in May of 2023. The cruise ended on May 28, 2023, and the request for the refund was filed with the business promptly after our return. I received a confirmation email from them stating that the the check would be sent no later than October 27, 2023. Another email followed stating the check would be sent no later than November 6, 2023. In mid November, I followed up with them inquiring about the status of the payment. They responded saying they were very busy, but the check would be sent by the end of November. At the end of November, I received another email stating the check would be mailed no later than December 4. At this time, they are not answering any of my phone calls nor responding to any email communication. The amount that they owe me is $1418.70 for this vacation.

  Business response

  12/20/2023

  We apologize for any inconvenience. The matter has now been resolved. 

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a wholesale vacation discount plan for $7000 while on vacation. During the information session it was guaranteed that vacations would be set up by a travel agent and would beat any prices posted on other vacation searches. I have had the membership for just over a year and have not been able to use any of the services despite multiple attempts. Vacation packages have been found on expedia/travelocity for less money and booked independently without the help of this membership. I am told that there is no refund possible although I have never been able to use their services. There have been multiple excuses regarding various reasons that I am not able to use their services for a discount. There has been no attempt by the company to help rectify this issue and they tell me that they don't know why I am unable to use their services. The information presented at the informational meeting does not meet any of the "promised" benefits or perks of buying this membership. As part of the membership, I am able to add additional members to use the benefits and I have not added anyone to my account due to the fact that they do not hold up any of the benefits that they presented at the time of purchase.

  Business response

  10/04/2023

  Mr. P****** spoke with Ms. ****** on September 28th.  An accommodation was reached and further conversation between Ms. ****** and travel representatives was encouraged.

  Thank you.

   

  Customer response

  10/10/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 20668301, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  We are currently working on a new travel plan. I will allow another attempt at planning a vacation for me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******

• Initial Complaint

  05/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April 22,2023 We attended a presentation for Vacation Inspirations on 4/22/2023 and in the presentation we were told that Vacation Inspirations could save us money on Cruise, Airline, condos, hotels, etc. They stated that they would save a MINIMUM of 20% off normal costs and up to or above 50%. We stated that we had several cruises already booked and whether they could save of on airline costs to those destinations. We were told yes. Bottom line, when we got back to Tucson, we tried to book airline service to one of the nearest cruise starting points. We were told that NO, WE HAVE TO BOOK THE ENTIRE PACKAGE, NOT JUST THE AIR TRAVEL. NOT ONLY IS THIS CONTRARY TO WHAT WE WERE LEAD TO BELIEVE, IT WAS THE ENTIRE REASON FOR THE PURCHASE OF VACATION INSPIRATIONS. THEY COULD AND WOULD BOOK THE TRAVEL, HOWEVER, IT WAS AT ZERO SAVINGS FROM WHAT WE COULD BOOK DIRECTLY FROM THE AIRLINE OR PICK THE SOURCE, (INTERNET ETC.) HENCE, THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS NULL AND VOID. WE CLEARLY MADE THIS KNOWN PRIOR TO PURCHASE. I WANT A FULL REFUND. I HAVE GOTTEN AT LEAST 2 PHONE CALLS FROM THE JEFF PUMILIA TOTRY TO CONVINCE ME I NEVER HEARD THIS IN THE PRESENTATION. HE WAS NOT THERE AND DOES NOT KNOW! I TOLD HIM I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.

  Business response

  05/17/2023

  Unfortunately, the Member misunderstood or ignored what he specifically agreed to in the Membership Agreement. The document specifically notes in No. 7 as follows: "Do you understand that all bookings made by Vacation Inspirations are booked at the lowest available rate and there are no discounts and/or rewards on individual airfare?"  The Member responded "Yes" to the specific question and in fact the Members signed the page where No. 7 is clearly set out.

  Member was never told anything to the contrary, In conversations with Mr. Pumilia, the Member insisted that he was right and was not willing to be reasonable. Member has filed a dispute with the applicable credit card company, and in fact filed the dispute during the period the Company was trying to resolve the matter with him.

  Thank you.

   

• Initial Complaint

  04/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My wife and I were spending several days in Charlston wish to see the city and visit historic sites. On main street we came accross an open front information center with brocheres. We were wishing to book the historic bus tour. The person told us that if we were to attend a 45 minute presentation "sponsered by local bussiness" that we would both get a free tour plus a dining voucher. It was clearly implied that this was provided by local bussiness to promote tourism. Next morning we attened what we thought was to be a presentaion of local bussiness. This turned out to be a High pressure, high energy, powerpoint presentation by what were told was a travel club "vacation inspirations" turned out it was" Destination Travel LLC" The presentation centered around getting good deals on travel and what attracted us was a promise of 24/7 professional travel agent conceiger service. We were told at our "beck & call" Since we are now retired and hoping to do some travel including a trip to Italy to visit our son who is on deployment there, and since we are not experienced international travelers. This "beck & call 24/7 conceirge service" we found attractive. We were promised to that our membership would pay for itself in just this one trip. We were pleased to understand that we would have someone to call 24/7 if we were stranded at an airport or similar. At this time we were pleased with our purchase until later on our trip we tried to use the 24/7 service. They had booked us 2 nites at our next stop Savannah Ga. Due to rain we decided that we did not wish to spend both nites and wished to cancel the 2nd nite. We called Member Liason which turned out to be a very rude individual who worked from his home who informed me that this was booked thru ******* and could not be canceled and that I would need to speak with travel service. Called travel service and got a recording that they would get back within 24 hrs or the next business day. NOT WHAT WE BOUGHT

  Business response

  04/26/2023

  The Membership was purchased on April 12, 2023. In accordance with Member's request, hotel reservations were made for two nights in Savannah, Georgia. Member wanted to cancel the second night's reservation because it was raining. Member was directed to Member Services.

  Member filed a chargeback dispute with their credit card company disputing the charge for their Membership. The Company responded to the dispute.

  Mr. P****** is anything but rude and in no event would he be rude to a Member.

  The allegations are denied.  The Company is fully prepared to honor its obligations to the Members.

   

   

   

   

  Customer response

  05/12/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  The sales presenter clearly stated that what he had to offer was clearly better than other discount travel companys.   "like *******"   we had in the past used ******* and had a less than good experiece and had vowed not ever to use ******* again.  Had we been told the truth that this company was simply a call service that used ******* or other similar vendors we would not have signed up we were also told by the presenter that we were to receive a contract in the mail soon.   It is yet to be received.  So really we have no idea what it is that we are to expect from this company.   We do not want any travel vouchers as in the future we will not be using their services.   We would like a return of our funds.  To date Vacation inspirations has done nothing for us nor will they in the future. Except waste our time.   
  Sincerely,
  
  **** **********

  Business response

  05/15/2023

  The Company has denied the allegations. The Company has fully responded to the matter. The Company offered a solution which the Member rejected.  The Company has responded in good faith to the complaint. The Company is fully prepared to honor its obligations under the Membership agreement. The Company will work diligently to satisfy the Member's travel requests.

• Initial Complaint

  03/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We listened to a presentation by Nick H******* of Vacation Inspirations. During the slick, high pressure and persuasive presentation Nick H******* stated that Vacation Inspirations is a travel wholesaler, and they purchase ALL travel at the best price possible in the industry which is even lower than consolidators and other “levels” and that they pass ALL the savings on to the member. Nick mentioned many times that the absolute minimum discount we would receive is 20% with the maximum discount from retail (online pricing) being 50% depending on the type of travel. During the presentation we were required to turn off our cell phones and told not to use them. Nick H******* stated that the first couple to agree to purchase a travel membership will receive a $1,000 discount and that the membership rate and benefits being offered was only valid for that day…..A high pressure sales tactic! We realized after we left the presentation and signed all the paperwork and paid in full the real reason that they wanted us to turn off our cell phones. It is because they don’t want you to see the 90 complaints (now 91) at the SC Dep't of Consumer Affairs and the multitude of complaints at the BBB & other websites. From what we can determine from having read online reviews Vacation Inspirations either provides the same cost as can be found online (the retail cost) or a higher cost which certainly are not wholesale rates and therefore the “membership” and the $ paid for the membership, annual dues and documentation “doc” fee are worthless. The specific amounts were $2,995 membership fee, $199 annual dues, and $399 doc fee for a total of $3,593 As part of the paperwork, they ask you to agree to many items one of which states: Was your decision to make this purchase based on any type of high-pressure sales tactics? As part of the pressure put on us to make the sale, Lisa H******* said they require that we answer NO to this question. That of course, in and of itself, is high pressure!

  Business response

  03/16/2023

  The Membership was purchased on March 7, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. On that same day and Welcome Email was sent to Members. On March 8, 2023, a Welcome Call was placed to Members and a voicemail message was left for Members.

  On March 9, 2023, Members sent in a travel request through the Company's online portal. They request asked for a response from Lucinda asap. Due to scheduling, Lucinda was unable to respond until March 14th, at which time she called Members and left a voicemail message. 

  The complaint was filed on March 13, 2023.

  The Company has an A+ rating and is accredited by BBB.  The allegations are denied.

  Vacation Inspirations remains fully prepared to honor its obligations to Members under the Membership Agreement. The Company is prepared to offer a travel credit to Members as a show of good faith.

  Thank you,.

  Customer response

  03/23/2023

  During the presentation at the Vacation Inspirations Meeting Street location in Charleston the Vacation Inspirations representative Nick H******* and his wife Lisa H******* both stated that the minimum discount we would receive as a paid member on any and all bookings was 20% and the maximum discount was 50% and would vary between 20% to 50% based on the trip type, hotel, location, car rental company etc. etc. They specifically stated that Vacation Inspirations purchases travel at the deepest discount (lowest price), wholesale which is even better pricing than a consolidator purchases travel and that Vacation Inspirations passes all the savings on to the member. In order to determine the honesty of Vacation Inspirations we have requested via Lucinda M*******, an employee of Vacation Inspirations, quotes for three trips. The first trip is to Hawaii, the second trip is to South Africa (an all inclusive tour) and the third a Royal Caribbean cruise. Below is the timeline to date:

  
  

  March 19, 2023 - Communicated with Lucinda M******* and requested quotes for both trips above

  March 20, 2023 - Linda M******* wrote back stating she would obtain quotes for both trips above

  March 21, 2023 - A quote was received for the Hawaii trip but not for the South Africa all inclusive trip which apparently has to be quoted by the tour company. On April 21, 2023 in an email Lucinda M******* stated we would have the quote the same day or possibly today March 22, 2023. It is now 10:45pm EST on March 22, 2023 and we have yet to receive the South Africa all inclusive trip quote.

  
  

  Prior to March 19, 2023 Lucinda also provided a quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise and after obtaining our own quotes for the exact same cruise the percentage discount is only 8% lower than what we obtained directly from the cruise line, a far cry from the 20% minimum promised. Our written quote from the cruise line is available for Vacation Inspirations to see upon request.

  
  

  Regarding the initial response from Vacation Inspirations we did not agree either in writing or verbally to contact a Mr. Pumila if we had any issues. This is definitely a mistatement of fact!

  
  

  Please update the complaint with the above. As soon as we receive the South Africa quote, we will analyze both the Hawaii and South Africa trips in detail and compare them to quotes we will receive for the exact same items - an apples to apples comparison - to determine if either or both quotes are a minimum of 20% below the quotes we received on our own (market value quotes). I will then update the complaint at that time.

  
  

  Thank you

  
  

  **** ** ****

  Business response

  03/29/2023

  The South Africa quote was sent to Member on March 23, 2023 at 11:27 AM.  There has been no further communication from Member.

  The Company will respond to any additional information provided by Member.

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  01/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In April 2022 my husband and I purchased a membership with Vacation Inspirations after listening to them present, in a very charming and convincing way, information about all of the many, many benefits and savings we would experience as members. What they did not tell us is that it is extremely difficult to book anything or to receive anywhere near the savings that would justify our expenditure of $5000 for a membership. That we believed them is on us, but the dishonesty of this company is extremely disheartening. It was a married couple who gave the presentation and the woman told us that the way they goodbye is on the memberships of so many people (fools) like us who pay money, and, though they never use the benefits (because it’s nearly impossible to book anything with them that reflects the savings they promise) they continue to pay the annual fee nonetheless. Hope for the service you paid for is relentless. It’s hard to admit to ourselves that we were so easily fooled by them. It is no wonder to me that they based themselves in a state where there is no recourse for consumers. Buyer beware!

  Business response

  01/19/2023

  Vacation Inspirations has attempted to resolve the issues with the Member. Jeff P. has spoken with Member on several occasions regarding the complaint. Member was seeking to reserve a condominium at Cape May and was insisting on a rental price that simply was way below available pricing.  At this point, the Member is not returning calls. Mr. P. had the condo department provide a quote for her (excellent pricing), she texted him noting that she made other plans (staying at a campground). Member has declined to book any of the quoted condominiums.

  Vacation Inspirations would like to resolve the issues; but the Member has declined to participate in conversations which would hopefully would lead to a resolution.

  Vacation Inspirations is fully prepared to honor its obligations under the Membership and will work diligently to provide top notch service to the Member.

  Thank you.

   

• Initial Complaint

  10/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased Vacation Inspirations Membership on March 11, 2022. $1,995.00 (Chelsee and Rob) did our paperwork. We SPECIFICALLY asked about obtaining condos for Destin, FL...we are not world travelers and probably would not go abroad ...but DESTIN, FL is where we vacation every year. We were told no problem..plenty of condos available....NOT SO! After several failed attempts to get a condo to Destin...we tried to book a room in New Orleans, for December...no success...also tried California for our son (he is on the document to receive 1 trip a year)..once again no success.. Have found that this travel company does not meet our needs as we SPECIFIED TO THEM before we purchased this agreement! We feel as we were just lied to and used....we had no problem purchasing the agreement for our intended use. However, the product they are selling....IS NOT meeting what we were told we could obtain. Destin, FL vacation was our point ...... our ONLY focal point. We will never use this membership...since we have tried and this company has failed to provide. We contacted them, spoke directly to the President/owner of the company on the phone after we emailed him and expressed oure concern and asked for a refund. He offered no recourse. We only wanted our summer trips.....to Destin, FL ...did not expect anything else.

  Business response

  10/19/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/10/12) */ The Membership was purchased on March 11, 2022. The Company has attempted to work with Member; however, there seems to be confusion as to how the Membership works. Member did not participate in the tutorial which would have answered all questions. In May 2022, Mr. P****** spoke with Member and explained the matter. Member did not agree. That was the last communication from or with the Member. Vacation Inspirations will continue to work to honor its obligations under the Membership agreement. As a good will gesture, Company offers a $100 travel certificate. Thank you. Consumer Response /* (3000, 10, 2022/10/12) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) So if we had viewed the tutorial....we could have eliminated all these problems? Please list dates when company supposedly tried to work with us...after we called and called and tried to get a simple vacation in Destin? The solution to the problem was not going to be found in the tutorial.....and verbal affirmation I realize, which we were given at the onset of the purchase agreement, obviously is not binding. But A good will gesture on our part...I believe is that the company now has our $1,999.00 so...thanks for the $100..but no thanks! There was no miscommunication on our part as the information was explained on that date...in their office...where we were assured we would have no problems getting a condo...in Destin. So perhaps they should review their notes...mine specify something totally different ....that I have written down. The presentation we were given was not what we received so we do not trust going through this company...why would we????? Business Response /* (4000, 12, 2022/10/14) */ Vacation Inspirations reiterates its previous response. In addition, there was conversation with Member. On April 4th Member requested a quote on hotel in New Orleans and on April 6th a quote was sent to Member. On May 11th, Mr. P****** spoke with Member following a communication with a travel professional. There was additional communication on May 12th. ' Thank you.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩