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2.3

My husband & I joined the TravelSmart VIP thinking we would be able to travel more now & when we retired.

Due to several unforseen circumstances we were not able to use the memberships for a few years. When I started investigating vacations, I was continually coming across the same thing.

More money, the costs are as follows:

-Yearly maintenance Fee approx.

$299

-RCI yearly fee of $59-89 depending on the level of membership wanted.

- Yearly fee to OwnersLink, we missed a couple years and to get caught up the cost is over $1000.

-To use RCI, there a transfer fee approx. $250

- To actually book a vacation there are daily fees almost $200/day, adds up to approx.

$2000 depending on the resort.

With all of the above costs I would be better using booking.com, the original travel site I used to originally book the vacation. The Original cost was $250/day.

Unfortunately everytime I call or send an email, no one can help and pretty much tell me there is nothing they can do.

Reason of review: Return, Exchange or Cancellation Policy.

Monetary Loss: $9000.

Preferred solution: Full refund.

Travelsmart Vip Club Cons: Cost to join is expense.

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TravelSmartVIP

Good Morning Mrs. H, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us once again.

We would like to take a moment to address certain points within your review. We have been more than willing to assist you in clearing up your doubts as to how the membership benefits work since you brought your concerns to our attention on social media however we only received your details today by email so please rest assured that our team will gladly reach out to you directly in order to address your concerns. The additional fees for memberships to the extended travel network such as RCI and Owners Link are entirely optional. We're sorry to hear you were not able to use them during the period in which they are complimentary for our members.

As per our previous discussion, the member preferential rate varies greatly depending on the resort, room category and travel dates chosen. As demonstrated in the example you provided to us, your membership rate was over $400usd lower than the public rate found online.

We are confident that once our team have cleared up your doubts regarding your membership plan you will be extremely happy with the benefits you have available to you. Should there be anything further that we can assist you with please do not hesitate to let us know.

Aaralyn Vro
reply icon Replying to comment of TravelSmartVIP

So, a discount of $400, is worth a $9000 membership fee? So we will have to take about 22 vacations to recoup the $9000 we initially paid. Some how that doesn't ease my frustration.

Aaralyn Vro
reply icon Replying to comment of TravelSmartVIP

Just in case you haven't figured it out, that didn't help and "Should there be anything further that we can assist you with please do not hesitate to let us know." You have my email address with account # that has all my information. At this point a refund would resolve the issue because I felt we were tricked.

Or if we have points why am I getting additional charges? Isn't that a part of being part of THE club???

If I book from a different sight and there is a small difference isn't that a wake up call? I am certain I am not the only person that feels ripped off.

Guest

I don't think one should ever rely on a 3rd party service for things which one could do him/herself more efficiently, cheaper, or just plain better than these folks who have a vested interest in your activities ( kickbacks, gratuities, etc. ) .

Aaralyn Vro
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1709827

I agree 100%, but I though it was a vacation club that would save a great deal of money much like a a timeshare.

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