Complain about a product or service

Special-T Travel

5050 S HWY 17-92, Casselberry, FL

Marty of Uniontown OH (06/14/08)
Purchased discounted vacation package over the phone for 110.00. This was for lodgingin Orlando, Daytona, Cruise, and bonus locations, including choice of rental or theme park tickets. Was told that I was not obligated to attend a condo tour, but would be offered some type of upgrade if I did. I booked a trip to Orlanda ( 3 nights ) and Dayton ( 2 nights ). Upon doing so I was notified that there was an added fee of $35.00 per night for additional peak season rates. I discussed with cust serv and we agreed to take the condo tours and waive the additional rate increase.

I received a package of information in the mail, but never received an itinerary. After our stimulus check arrived, I called Special T Travel back to cancel the tours and pay the increased rate and get out of the condo tours, as well as cancel our car rental in swap for theme park tickets. I did this approximately 6 days prior to our travel date. I also mentioned I had not received an itinerary. They insisted they e-mailed it to me, but whatever. In the process, they stated that there would be a $50 fee for cancelling the car rental ( somewhere it is supposedly written that any fees are imposed for cancellations within 10 days of travel ).

All in all, I was smacked 270.00 for the peak season and car rental cancel fees. Total invested to date: 380.00. I could not make the trip due to starting a new job, so my spouse and oldest daughter went instead. Upon arrival to their welcome center, my wife was given the voucher for the hotel, but there were no theme park tickets for her. She was told to come back the next day.

The hotel (Ramada) was simply a mess. Filthy with no amenities with the exception of TV in the room. A credit card is needed for coffee in the lobby, as well as a guest computer by the minute. The beds were broken, the beds were stained (yuck!), and the floors were dirty. She requested an upgrade to another room with a fridge ( 20.00 more per night ) and was accomodated, just to find the same filthy, broken conditions. I am surprised the toilet didn't have a CC machine on it!

Upon arrival back to the Orlando welcome center for the tickets, my wife was told we were not on the list to get these. This is when she called me at work to tell me her stories. I then called customer service and spoke with Victoria. She was mean and very insensitive, with no cares about the conditions of the room or the quality of the hotel. We argued a bit, but the conversation went nowhere. I was placed into her supervisors voice mail, but a return callwas never received.

My wife was given 140.00 in cash in lieu of the tickets. The hotel, however, is what Special T Travel described as their standard room for those who do not attend the condo tours. The ones that do get a nicer hotel. My wife is still down there and moving onto part 2 of the trip in Daytona. Can't wait to hear about this one ...

1. Extra fees imposed that are not defined in advance of booking any trips. 2. Fees are imposed that are not defined in writing in any of the agreements I have. 3. Although the statement is made that an upgrade is available in return for condo tours, it is not mentioned that the hotels are flea bags with stained bedding. 4. Customer service folks are rude and argumentative causing unnecessary blood pressure increases. The right thing to do was to take note that the the hotel is sub-standard and find us a nicer place, not tell us we are out of luck.

Susanna of St Helens OTHER (03/23/08)
I bought 3 holiday packages from Special T travel in 2003. When I tried to book, there were ALWAYS additional costs added, which I initially paid. Eventually I confronted Denise and asked for a refund, she plainly threatened me that if I don't pay it, she will just cancel my packages, which appears to be the case. I cannot retrieve any information or evidence of payments on my account. I feel robbed and unfairly treated by the way Denise spoke to me. Please help me to retrieve at least some of the money I paid.

The amount comes to about $3000.00. I cannot speak to them again, because of getting bullied and abused.

Jenn of Kingston OTHER (02/15/08)
I never actually did business with this company, but they have gotten my information from the company from Florida that I did business with. I realized that after I gave her my credit card number what a bad move that was. It took me three months of calling and emailing, and actually crying on the phone to these so-called nice people and they don't care. If you complain about how many people cancel their vacations with you, do you not think that they may be a reason why?

I made sure I wrote back in writing (keeping a copy for myself, good idea to use a tracking number at the post office too, to know that they received it!) Then I wrote into the better business bureau of Florida, because Florida has unfortunately had such bad luck with these people they are very diligent in checking out these companies. These are legal companies, but they are still scams! Hidden costs, seminars you have to attend - get out now! I continue, to this night, to have these people call my house at least 5 times a week. They ask me, oh you didn't go on your vacation? Yeah and I think I turned you in to the BBB, then they hang up . ALWAYS ask a company their address, phone#, etc. If the operator is anxious to tell, you there is a reason why and if it sounds to good to be true ..IT IS!

Dayna of Los Angeles CA (11/09/07)
I am not a victim of this company as I am a cynic. However, a friend of mine was succumbed into spending ~$500+ for supposedly winning a package trip to Florida and other promising areas in the Carribean. Even after informing him that it may be a scam and he should research it thoroughly, he ignored this precaution. He went ahead and paid Special T Travel, making it look like money grew on trees. Fortunately, he has a secure job that he can afford to squander cash, even though it's senseless.

Now, the same agency contacted him again because he never claimed his travel within a year. A man named Tom G (probably a made up name) told him to redeem it, and for only $118 all that will be renewed plus more benefits! My friend was about to give Tom his credit card number had I not given him the death stare. I then spoke to the agent on the phone; he told me the same bs.

He was so bloody adamant at having me register and go on the trip with my friend, which made me even more skeptical. I was trying to get the agent to call me back, but he was so hesitant that he was willing to lower the price for $69! Wow, right then I was sure it was a SCAM.

Nicole of Saskatoon Canada (05/29/07)
The Speacial T travel called me and told me i won some trip like everyone else, trip to flordia and the 4 day cruise. I didn't buy it at frist but i listened and they could tell i wasn't the exceited. The the manager came on the phone and told me i was the first person in Saskatchewan to win this trip. He also told me the was a multi card holder, however that was untrue,

I didn't say anything. I ask him to hold, and he was like, yeah i haven't had a break all day then he tried to get me to tell him the number of my card (that i don't have) i refused and started making up a number, and told him it was an HBC card. then he hung up on me. Joke's on him!

Jasmin of Geelong, Australia (05/04/07)
They rang and explained that we had been chossen to recive 80% off the package price that we had 6 days here and 4 days on a cruise etc but what they didnt tell us is that you need to pay 199pp extra for the cruise that we suposedly got in the package, also there is no airfare and they also didn't incluide the on-land meals? What a shame I have been ringing them for 2 days and i get put on hold for an hour and then they hang up on me.

K of Dryton Canada (04/09/07)
Since receiving there o so great sales pitch on the phone my wife and i have decided to cancell there trip. And now we are slowly getting the run around.

We sent back all there brochures and travel i tinarary and well to cancel we needed to send in wrighting the we did not want there trip well they tell us that they did not get the whriten cancelation well when we sent back all there stuff in was put right inside there brochure.

Harold of Orlando FL (04/06/07)
This is a response of the TRUTH and not what those that do not want to accept responsibility for their actions..say. The truth is that a phone call was made stating you won a 'cruise' if you made a purchase today...on this call. Why else would anyone give the credit card info if they didn't think they were making a purhase? I know where Special T is located, I know the building. It has been there for years. It is obvious that satisfied customers are NOT going to write anything - only the unhappy ones. Look at the complaints against Wal Mart...Disney.....Delta Airlines.......there is always someone complaining. That is what makes the world go around.

Steve of Oxford, Canada (03/29/07)
I was randomly called and told I was getting 80% off a trip which started out at a value of $698. The caller was extremely pushy and tried to glorify the trip details, giving almost no detail or outline about the company. When I refused and explained I do not do any online transactions through credit card she passed me to a supervisor. This was a male who put on more pressure and still focused details on glorifying the trip experience. I told the guy I take my vacations on my own sail boat and I am not interested. So then he puts me on the line to a supposed higher up manager who applied even more pressure and offered me the whole deal for $398. I continued to explain that I am not giving out card numbers over the phone. They also tried to push that it was safer than ever to make phone/online transactions. I continued to refuse until the girl on the other line finaly said Great! and then hung up on me.

Francis of Saskatoon Canada (03/27/07)
I had this friendly call just now saying I had won this incredible travel package. As he was telling me the details, I Googled the company and found this site. Of course, I immediately told him to put me on the do not call list (he actually ARGUED with me at this point) and I hung up. Thanks for the advice, everyone.

Pauline of Melocheville Canada (03/08/07)

They phone me to tell me I had won, but I listened to JE, a television information on fraud, and they tell people they've won something weekly; on the internet or by fraud and they ask for money be sure its a fraud.

John of Elkton MD (03/08/07)
Purchased vacation package for just south on $500. Have not been able to reach them since purchase.

Brian of Saint Catharines Canada (03/04/07)
They said I won a trip to Orlando,Daytona, Bahamas, and a cruise to and from Bahamas. www.specialttravel.com confirmation# RN02230714

150 dollars taken from credit card

Jennifer of St. John's, Canada (02/20/07)
I filled out a form from Special T TRAVEL to try and win a trip to Florida and they called me letting me know that I had won, after giving them my credit card number I had decided to look them up on the internet. I had found a few sites saying that many more people had recieved the same free trip package as I had but no one has recieved anything for their trip and cannot get in contact with them, So I imediately called my visa card company and cancelled my card, So that I wouldn't get charged for something that was not going to happen, something that is apparently a huge scam.

Mireille of Strasbourg, France (01/22/07)
Today afternoon, as I was surfing on the net, a pop-up came on my screen announcing me that I had won a wonderfull travel as I was the 50,000th person to use Mozilla Firefox internet server. I clicked on it and called the number to claim my prize (in USA). I won $3000 worth of travel cash for 14 days holidays in Florida which includes 7days/6 nights with rental car in ORLANDO (at a full service hotel within minutes of the Walt Disney World Main Gate.) , DAYTONA BEACH - 4 Days / 3 Nights (at a full service beachside hotel directly on the World's Most Famous Beach.)and a BAHAMAS CRUISE AND STAY - 4 days / 3 Nights (This portion of the package includes cruise to and from the Bahamas and 4 day / 3 night stay at a full service hotel on Grand Bahama. I only had to pay US $898 for 4 persons and US $199 for each person for the cruise (if I choose to make it as it was an option) . Of course, flights from France to Florida an return flights was not included and at my charge.

They was very kinds at the beginning (First Peggy who welcome me and after Chistopher Cahoon who try and try and try to convince me about the security of the payment, etc... BUT, as they wanted me to pay straight away with my credit card without to leave me time to first have a look at the flights prices, etc... I answered Christopher that I will never pay on the internet without to be sure of anything and that I was agree to pay but after 1 or 2 days, maybe more. I told him that moreover, I had a customer number (they gave it to me at the beginning of the call) and that this customer number should allow me to call them later if I decide to pay the journey. He told me that if I want to pay it another day, I would loose all those advantages and pay the full price (us$3000). But, as I was not enough stupid to pay the amount required as quick as he wanted because I told him I need more time to think of that and check the flight, etc, he told me several time that French are not smart as I called from France and ends the call hanging up the phone...

Afterwards,(just after the phone call with Special T Travel) I went back on the internet, just wrote : special t travel on google toolbar and saw a lot & a lot of complains about them. Consequently, I am very very very happy to have been very carefull of them and not have given them my credit card number. As a result, I would say that maybe French are not smarts to them but we are and I am CLEVER. & I feel very sorry for all those persons who have been betrayed and stolen.

Fances of Bellevue WA (11/23/06)
I saw a pop-up ad on the internet for vacation cruise and Orlando - so I inquired. The package for up to 4 people was described to me and sounded terrific. I was charged $598.00 for the whole package but didn't use it because my family was in flux with one son being called to serve in Iraq, deciding to marry, and the family all involved in the plans and traveling as a result. In 2004 they called to say I hadn't used my package and would I like to redeem it by adding to it with more benefits.

I received a beautiful brochure and documents in the mail dated 12/27/2004. It looked very official and has detailed instructions, phone numbers and Fax numbers to comply with when ready to make reservations. I called back in February 2005 and said I couldn't go in 2005 as planned, maybe not until 2007, because I was suddenly taking care of a daughter-in-law intermittently in California who was on bedrest to save a baby. They said I could have special permission to do that and just call back when I was ready to make arrangements.

On 11-22-06, I finally saw my way clear to take some friends in Spring 2007 and looked Special T up on the internet by search to call them. To my surprise, the site http://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/specialt.htm came up instead. I was horrified to read the experiences of others.

I have paid $1000 in all and have lined up two other people who are counting on taking the trip with me in Spring 2007. I have no other money to set up another vacation tour.

Patricia of Cork, Ireland (11/12/06)
Special T Travel claimed that I had won a holiday in the US, by means of an underhanded internet pop-up window. This was not a prize at all, I still had to pay alot of money to Special T! In fact I could have obtained the same holiday for a much cheaper price from an Irish travel agent.I went on the holiday, which include stops in the Bahamas, Orlando and a Discovery Cruise. From start to finish I had hassle with hotels and the cruise, because Special T had allegedly not payed the amounts due.The monies I had payed to Special T for complimentary car rental was not inclusive of insurance and I basically had to pay double the amount as a result. Their customer service was usually unhelpful and arrogant. This company should be shut down as they mislead the public into thinking they have won a prize, when in reality they haven't. Don't get fooled like I did.

Stress, stress, stress!!! waste of money spent of holiday, I've had to tighten my belt in Ireland as a result of Special T's costly scam. 

Syd of Emek Bet Shean, Israel (08/28/06)
I admit that I was a fool- I let myself be talked into a deal , because I had to make up my mind by the end of the phone call. The next day I realised my mistake. I then tried to call them - I was given an incirrect tel.number. After I managed to contact them I was told that I cannot cancell my payment.

I am retired, have a very small income and this payment will cause me a lot of anguish. How I will overcome this - I dont know!!!

Jack of Mornington VA (08/15/06)
Originally I was contacted by Special T Travel about the Orlando, Daytona Beach, Bahamas and Las Vegas trip back in 2003 of which I paid $600 and was never able to contact them again. Today, 3 years later, I am told I have an $800 credit owing and if I pay another $400, I will still be entitled to the same offer. Luckily I looked up this website to investigate while she was still talking and was able to convince myself that nothing had changed. I was about to lose another $400.

Sarah of Co Kildare, Ireland (04/27/06)
My friend bought a travel package to Florida from an American tour company called Special-T Travel on the internet. The package consists of 4 nts in Orlando, 3 nts in Daytona & 3 nts in Bahamas. She sold the package to me. Having looked through the small print I realised I had to also pay $15 per person per night hotel tax payable direct to the hotels and also $398.00 immigration processing tax for entry into the Bahamas. This was acceptable to me so I advised the company of my requested dates of travel and they sent me back confirmation of my booking. 2 weeks later they contacted me attempting to sell upgrades on each hotel and car.

I advised them I do not want an upgrade in Orlando & Daytona but will probably upgrade the car & Bahamas. The agent then told me if I do not upgrade I am applicable to a $325 peak season surcharge and that this was advised to me on my documentation. The alternative option is to upgrade for $997. I ended the call in order to check into this. On the reservation request form I completed with my requested dates of travel it states Peak season & Holiday rates may apply on another form it states This is a popular package and space is subject to availability(peak season charges may apply.)Space is limited during peak holidays, special events etc which may require a surcharge.

At present my friend has paid them 600euro approx and my credit card has been debited 398dollars for the immigration processing fee to Bahamas.

Trinh of Portland OR (03/29/06)
I was supposed to go on vacation in Florida in November, 2005. When I arranged my vacation through Special T Travel, they charged my credit right away, which was fine to me. But then in the beginning of December, 2005, I changed my mind and didn't want to travel so I canceled my intinerary with Karen, the manager for Special T Travel, in December, 2005. When I spoke with Karen in December, 2005 to cancel my vacation, we did all the calculations to subtract the fees to cancel my vacation, which at the end I was suppose to get a refund back in the amount of $358 back to my credit card.

As of today, I have not gotten the refund back from Special T Travel. I emailed Karen several times to try to get the refund back, but everytime Karen emails me back saying that they are three weeks behind and she will resubmit my refund again. Today, March 29, 2006, I called Karen again asking for the refund, she now says that they are three to four months behind. She then transferred me to Angie, the processor. Angie said that they are really behind and that I will get my refund in about two to three weeks. I am really frustrated with this company. This is going on for about four months now.

I am incurring interest on this continued balance at the rate of 23.25% monthly as a result of their failure to return the balance of my refund. In addition, as a result of this, I continue to carry a balance instead of having it paid off, which economically creates stress for my family and living situation. I canceled this trip as a result of economic and expect that I should not have endure stress as a result of this company's failure to partipiate in a fair trade and practices act. 

Yolande of London, England (02/17/06)
I returned from a Caribbean vacation and the phone rang to infom me of a vacation I won. Believing this to be true I was then offered a package deal for the Bahamas(turned out to be the Grand Bahama) Orlando,Daytona beach and finally if I so wished I could have 1 week in Cancun if we accepted to give one hour to listen to their time share sale.

Having accepted, by share bad luck came Katrina and the cruise and stay became 5days in Orlando, and 10 days in The Grand Bahama which I accepted thinking it will be a great winter break. We arrived in Orlando on 15th December only to be told that we would be staying at the Howard Johnson in Orlando as we were not prepared to fill in deatils of our earnings etc on arrival at the Lake Side Club miles from anywhere and we therefore were not entitled to the free tickets to the theme parks or the free car (which I had opted out from). I tried to reach Kat Kilner for several days and failed she eventually called one day but left no message or details.

When we got to Ft.Lauderdale The Ramada Inn informed us that the booking no longer stood due to fees owing by specialt travel; we again made several phone calls but still no luck, we then paid for our own stay. When we got to the docks it was absolute mayhem trying to gert on to the ferry (cruise). After several hours on board an announcement came asking all the day trippers to disembark, as the Captain suffered a heart attack causing the delay, and so we never sailed for another hour or two.

On arrival at The Sea Isles resort on the Grand Bahama, we were told that we would not be able to have the upgrade (accommodation on the beach front as we were not members of the time share) and were put in separate accommodation across the main road where all the traffic had to pass daily, the main dining room was a thatched roof bar on the beach and as the weather was very cold -- it was extremely uncomfortable trying to dine under the stars. We were compelled to have a Time share sales meeting the following day if not we would have to pay the full price of our stay, we complied as we did not want to pay anymore as we were not told what that fee would be.

We finally got to the town centre only to find it was a ghost town and the natives said most of the shops had been shut for at least two years. The beaches was full of debris and even the show houses had debris in the front area. The jacuizzi did not work because they were awaiting a temperature gauge and had no idea when it would arrive.

P,K. of Mumbai , India (09/21/05)
WE BOOKED AND PAID $1432.16 BY CREDIT CARD.  But special-t-travel did not send any information/papers. we could not avail the trip, we want the refund and further communication.

James of Bolivar MO (09/08/05)
I was contacted today by a lady who identifed herself as Elena Griffin at Special-T Travel and said I Won a free trip from some place at a mall or online, a card that I had filled out. I do not remember this but could have. For sure not at a mall but maybe online. I was told I won a 5 day 4 night trip to Orlando at Walt Disney World and park passes to WDW and Universal Studios for my family of 4. In addition I won a 7 Day rental car with unlimited mileage and 4 days 3 nights in Daytona Beach at Ocean View(?) hotel and tickets to a sterling cruise for 4 days 3 nights on Discovery one cruise line.

I am told I have 18 months in which to take the trip and I can split the trip up if I can't do it all at one time. FANTASTIC! Right? She told me also that all my families meals were included too. I asked for the information to be mailed to me since they had my address. She said tickets would be sent once I confirmed my trip and talked to someone else. She was not willing to send information in the mail for me to read. She asked which credit card I use when I travel. Visa or Master Card and then explained that there was a TAX that was not paid for but that was all I had to pay. To get my confirmation number for the trip and tickets to be mailed she just needed me to get my Credit Card out so she could verify it was a Valid Card.

The price of the Tax she said was $389 for the whole family for the whole trip! WOW! What a deal!  I suspected this is a scam so I hung up on her without saying goodbye and checked online and found this site after a yahoo search of Special-T travel.

Mary of Lamont IA (07/22/05)
Bought a vacation package with credit card after seeing a popup on internet. Canceled on phone and in writing within 3 days. Called company 6 times and still have not received a refund. It is July and cancelled in March. Help! Lost $698!!

David of Sydney, Australia (05/11/05)
I booked a holiday on the internet and then was called to pay with my creditcard. about $800 us. I did I sent back a $25 voucher. So far so good.

Christine of Oakey Australia (03/16/05)
I simply answered an 'ad' saying I had 'won' a cruise holiday with $1600 US dollars spending. A 5 night cruise with options to go to Vegas, etc.I answered thinking at the time it was a good idea. All I had to do was find the fare to the States. Fine. as time went on I found I could not go and deferred the trip to October/November of this year.( I am still unable to go) Of course I know I can't now get a refund of my initial payment, but it IS transferable. My problem is I can't sell it or even give it away. No-one wants to use it! It might be a 'scam' & special 'T' travel certainly have a unique marketing strategy. I obviously 'goofed' and I'm now left with a bad investment.

Consequences are that I am out of pocket to the tune of$1300Australian dollars. It would be nice to recoup that somehow. Perhaps someone WILL still buy the trip & at least find out what it is really all about. It is a 'share trip for 4 people & I paid for one person(myself) only.

Phillippa of Bronte, Australia (03/13/05)
I had a pop up on the my screen saying I'd won a holiday. I called the number and was stupidly but convincingly talked into purchasing a vacation package - and even giving my credit card number. As I must have been dreaming at the time and thought it all sounded so great, although I was reluctant to do it, I put half the money down US $449 on this package. I did receive it in the post, and i faxed them and sent it back as directed 10 dayas after initial contact. I, also am still waiting for my refund. I can see now, after reading other's complaints that I probably won't be getting it back!

As I am a single parent on a low income, it has resulted in bills not getting paid on time and school fees not being paid, and having to borrow money to pay these bills. Not to mention having to watch the pennies much more!

Edward of Willunga Sa, Australia (03/07/05)
On January 28 2005 I received an offer for a 7 day holiday package in Orlando for four together with a side 4 day cruise to the Bahamas and a Mexican holiday thrown in. Price $US898. I checked the web site and it seemed kosher and rang the office where I was suckered into paying up with the assurance that I could cancel within 30days. I was planning to make a trip to the US anyway so I began to ring round to interest others including friends in the States. When it was clear that I was not going to be able to go to the States, I sent an email with a copy of the invoice attached and cancelled. I packaged the original certificates as requested and sent them back with a copy of the email of cancellation. I tried to ring and have got nothing but the run around. I found your web page through Google. I wish I had gone there before and found your warning notices! They were so glib and convincing!

As 75 year old pensioners who are planning spending their retirement nestegg on overseas travel visiting work colleagues round the world, we find this extremely depressing and distressing. This is the first time we have been scammed from withing the USA. Usually we have no complaints in dealing with American companies. Now we are AUD1100 worse off.

Shane of Perth, Australia (02/16/05)
On the internet and pop up appeared stating that I had won a prize, as I have never been on the net before I had a look. Anyway I rang the toll free number and was advised about how I had won a $2100.00USD voucher to use on a trip to Orlando,Bahamas and Cancun mexico for 4 people valued at $3000.00USD. They stated it was a promotion to get more tourists back into Florida and there was only 100 packages at this special deal. Anyway I was on the phone for the next hour or so as they tried to convince me to part wirh $898.00USD to reserve the package for me. I didnt pay but asked them to ring me back in a few days. This all happened late at night, so the next day I did a scam check and found Special-T-Travel on it and it seems that they have been doing this for a while,not providing trips or not providing what was stated when people arrive.

I was very nearly conned but the old if it sounds to good to be true stuck in my head and yes it is to good to be true. I am amazed that this company has been doing this for so long and they havent been shut down yet. They should be put in jail for at least 10 years for the pain they cause around the world.

Mauricio of Bogota, Colombia (11/12/04)
In Dec 24 2003, I purchased a vacation package offered in a pop-up ad that stated I had won a US$ 2,000 vacation plan. I paid US$698 and I received a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee after the payment was made. My customer # is AA12240302. The package was supossed to arrive within the next 10 - 14 days of payment. It never arrived. I have e-mailed stecial-t-travel Customer Care and have got no reply during the last 6 months. I called their phone # and an answering machine gets my message but I get no reply. It's been almost a year and I just want to get the US$698.00 I paid back.

Economic damage: US$ 698.00 were discharged from my credit card so I know the payment was made and I have got neither the US$ 2000 package they claimed I won, nor the money I paid. Winning a lottery and not being paid is subject for legal claim. I did not get any of the US$2000 prize I won in a fair chance contest. Damage in confidence: I am a Colombian citizen and my confidence in the US commerce has been affected. I have not purchased anything else by Internent since this happened. I do not trust the US commerce system anymore, I feel totally unprotected against these kind of felony and I am advising all my friends and relatives to refrain from purchasing anything that is bein offered through internet attractive offers.  

Peter of Newcastle-Under-Lyme writes (3/31/03):
We paid �374.00 for holiday, have not heard of them since money taken off credit card. Have not heard of them since.

Grahame of Lisbon, Portugal (2/17/03):
I was told by both Mr Fisher and Ms Gamble that I had won a package tour, car rental included, to Florida, Las Vegas, the Bahamas and Mexico to the value of $1,600 for 4 people and all I had to pay was the difference of $598 (plus hotel, airport taxes, etc. at a later date), which I had to pay immediately by credit card - or at least within an hour and a half as it was supposedly the last day of the offer.

I agreed to accept the offer on the condition that I contacted 3 other people first to check interest and availability. It was 1.30 a.m. in Portugal so immediate contact was out of the question. Each of these people from the agency was extremely friendly until I made my stipulation. This was followed by an emotionally coercive conversation to get me to change my idea and book immediately, which implied paying immediately. It was made obvious by Ms Gamble that I had to pay before I could receive the package/"prize", at which I was quite surprised. If I had won a prize discount, I thought I had won.

I felt that all the company was after was the money and that nothing would come of the offer, which was made quite obvious by Ms Gamble's reaction when I insisted on more time to contact friends. She tried to get me to admit I was no longer interested, which I did not. I, in fact, stated that I was interested, but that I needed more time. After the scenario became glaringly obvious, I said that, under the circumstances we were wasting each other's time as I couldn't possibly get agreement from three friends at such an early hour of the morning, at which she said a hasty goodbye and hung up. This smells of such an unprofessional scam that it's incredible to believe, but, unfortunately, there are innocent people who could easily be taken for a ride.

I now mistrust companies working from the USA. I have travelled there extensively and always held pleasant memories of the country and people, but I now must think twice.

Annette of Easley SC (2/14/03):
I was stupid, gave the credit card, it sounded so good. I cancelled well within the 30 days, got Lynn on the phone later, she said that cancellation took place on Jan. 23. No refund to date. We draw together $1700 per mo. Social Security. Need I say more?

Kathryn of Burlington, Ontario, Canada (2/4/03):
Tracy explained a package I had "won" - and then wanted my credit card # to immediately purchase the package after saying that I could take 18 mo. to choose to use the package. I did not understand that I had to purchase it immediately. She passed me to her manager who was incredibly rude and hung up on me after I explained that I could not make that commitment at that time. I am appalled and simply would like to suggest that they might have done much better wishing me the best and offering their services sometime in the future. Also, expressing their concern for the miscommunication which was evident would have been appropriate.

I would NEVER use their services now, and have already sent out a message to several travel agents who are family members and whom I use for various vacation needs that Special-T-Travel is money hungry and simply not interested in the needs of their clients. I am disgusted. That manager should be fired.

Susan of Snohomish WA (1/28/03):
I purchased a vacation package from Special T Travel for four, for $398 (I put on my American Express card. It offered four nights in Orlando, Florida and 3 nights in Daytona Beach, Florida, with an optional cruise to the Bahamas. ($149 per person additional) I filled out the form and enclosed my check for $596 for four people for the optional cruise - which they have cashed. I have not heard from Special T Travel since they received my form and cashed my check. They seem to have disappeared off of the internet. I left a v/m message but no one has returned my call. I am getting worried that have now lost $398.00 plus $596.00. I just want all of my money back.

I am a single mother who wanted to surprise my family with a nice vacation that I really could not afford. But since this sounded like such a fantastic deal I decided to splurge and do this for my family. I am very afraid that I am out the money that I could not afford to spend in the first place. This has really turned me against dealing with any phone soliciters. This if very frightening.

Christine of London, England (1/25/03):
I would like to find the telephone number of this company. I foolishly signed up for a holiday over the net on 7th November last for an amount of 598 US dollars. The amount was deducted from my credit card but I have recived nothing at all from them in the post. As I believe they have now changed their name I have no way of contacting them to find out what's happened. The fact that they have changed their name doesn't inspire me with confidence that I will ever get a holiday out of them.

I must say that I am usually the last person to fall for the hard sell approach but this time my greed got the better of me because they said it was a really huge saving on normal prices ... yep maybe, but not for me. I'd love to know if there is anyone who can tell me if this is a genuine company or not, and if it is worth trying to pursue the matter as I'm sure others must have a similar problem.

Rita of Oslo, Norway (11/8/02):
Hi. The 27th or 28th of November last year I received a pop-up offer through the Internet, from Special T Travels, giving me a special deal on a travel-package to the Bahamas, Daytona and Orlando in Florida and a weekend in Las Vegas. The offer seemed good, at the prize of $598, so I made the call (from Norway where I live) to Special T Travel, they seemed very convincing - even though I felt that I "tested" their credibility. I spoke to Janet, who assured me it was legitimate and that the deal was good and was a limited marketing gimmick for 200 travel packages.

I fell for it and submitted my credit card number to them - then I was quickly "shown out the door" so to speak. They assured me that they would send me the travel documents shortly and that I had 30 days of open sale. This information (which Janet provided me with before I agreed to the offer) gave a security in that I would be able to cancel the deal and retrieve my money if I decided not to keep the travel package.

I didn't receive it until mid-January 2002. And when I checked the mailing date it was the 3rd of December - 5-6 days after I purcased the travel, which leaves another 24-5 days of my 30 day retrieving period. And I didn't get it untill 5 weeks had passed, probably due to X-mas and the fact that all mail from the US was delayed for a long period of time due to September 11th. In the meantime I had tried to call and had sent two e-mails to Special T, asking for my confirmation letter. No-one responded. And my worries grew. When I eventually got the confirmation letter in mid-January I called Special T, and asked to free myself from the travel-deal as the paper did not give me the impression of a serious travel provider. (I do not want to travel in vain from Norway to Florida, 8h away, to find a scam on my behalf.

When I showed my concern I received a hostile and rude approach - where I was put through to several people - without anyone to take responsibility. Though luck to you in a way. I was frustrated, the trip had cost me $598, which is a sizeable amount for me. Being a student and single.

It has given me trouble with my credit card provider. I've felt stupid, in the sense of being so naive. And above all, I feel "walked over" by the company, not giving me my money back when I wanted to free myself from the deal. There was never an opportunity for me to say no thank you after I had submitted my credit card number, and the 30-day period was just a joke.

Penny of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (11/8/02):
I clicked on a pop up that said I had won a vacation. I gave them my infor and then realized that this was in US dollars which is almost double the cost for Canadians. I told them I had changed my mind and I wanted it cancelled. I begged for it to be cancelled. I was told no, that I could sell the package but they would not refund my money. I can not afford this and the charge is on my visa and visa says they cannot cancel it. I need my money back. I live on a small pension of $472 Canadian. This is below the poverty level. I need my visa to keep me going. I have dental work to get done and now can now no longer charge anything. One of my back teeth needs a root canal and a crown to save it.

Dawn of Hednesford, Staffs, England (11/7/02):
I was looking at holiday flights on the internet when a box popped up that said I should call a number to win a holiday or gain a holiday package at a very low price. I was very excited (having never won anything before) and rang the number. I live in the UK and the number was in the USA but that didn't stop me because I hoped that the trip would be to the USA. When I got through I was left holding for a short while whilst the gentleman that I spoke to confirmed that there were still some holidays available.

Finally I was told that there was indeed one holiday left and this was described as a two day trip to the Bahamas or Las Vegas. The gentleman then also explained that for $698 I could purchase a 7 day holiday in Orlando and a two day holiday cruise to the Bahamas would be thrown in as a bonus. I agreed and asked whether we could book the holiday over Christmas. The gentleman went away to check and finally returned to explain that this would be fine. I went to bed that night thrilled that I had really gained a special holiday.

The documentation arrived two weeks later and I faxed the form as requested to confirm dates for when we wished to travel. I explained that we would want to extend the 7 days to 14 days as we were travelling from the UK. I also explained that I was happy to book the remainder of the accomodation myself but requested info on the free 2 day trip to the Bahamas. I was asked to leave this with a representative called Joy to allow her to pull all the info. together. When I called back the next day I couldn't speak to Joy but spoke to a woman called Carol. She was very very abrupt and started reeling off the extra accomodation for the remaining seven nights. She made out that she had spent all day looking into the best hotel to stay in before and after the trip to the Bahamas and the additional cost was over $1500.

This cost added together with the original $698 and the costs that we would have to pay for flights was more than double the price that we could pay for a package holiday. When I explained this she was very rude to the point where she accused me of being a time waster and said that I was ungrateful. To be honest I deal with customers every day and I would lose my job if I was to treat anyone in that way. Civility costs nothing and I'm very disappointed. I asked if I could cancel the holiday and received a lot of abuse. I was reminded that I had received the holiday at a very low price.

I tried once again recently to book the holiday. When I got through and tried to explain how there had been a misunderstanding and that I just wanted to book accomodation for the first six night and that I would deal with the rest I was asked to hold on whilst this lady fetched my file. Unfortunately, a different woman came on the line and once again she began to repeat how much effort had been put into collating data for the full 15 days and she said that i would not find a better price myself. Finally I explained that we couldn't afford the full cost and she said that I shouldn't have committed to the holiday in the first place.

I dread calling this company and my husband has heard me receive abuse so many times that he has said that we should just let it go. The problem is that we have lost $698. In the UK there are laws against this kind of treatment and there is action that can be taken by Trading Standards. I feel frustrated and cheated. I shall certainly never be so gullible again! Sometimes I feel that if this is typical of the treatment that you can receive in the USA, then maybe we should stay in Britain. Although deep down I know that this company surely doesn't represent the values of the whole USA. My five year old son thinks that we are going to see Mickey Mouse for Christmas aand the flight tickets are booked.

Alice Donovan of Roadtown, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (8/23/02):
I purchased this vacation in March and was told to pay $598 for my vacation. I sent a check in that amount. I was told to send a request form requesting dates of travel. I sent the information back. I was promised that I would be contacted. I was waiting to hear and did not. After several phone calls, I called and cancelled the vacation. I was asked to send back the vacation package. I did. They gave me a hard time about refunding my money. I was told that it would be credited to my credit card. I told them I paid by check and I want my check. This took place July 20th. To this date I have not received a dime.

I have tried calling them and I have been very unsucessful. My husband died and I really needed this vacation with my family. I also want my money back. I can't afford to lose this amount of money, not after what I have just gone through and continue to go through.

Sissel of Rykkinn, Akershus, Norway (9/30/02):
I have got back from VISA half of what I paid to Special-T-Travel, since they don't have my signature. But the rest was too old. I was on holiday in Rome when the late $298 was drawn from my account, so it destroyd my holiday. Suddenly I had no more money on my account. It was a terrible experience. First I had not planned to stay for 2 weeks in Rome, but I was driven to wrong airport, and had no chance to catch the plane at the other airport, and then Special-T-Travel suddenly drew 298 dollars out of my account I had no money for this week either.

Jana of Seeley's Bay, Ontario, Canada (7/30/02):
In early June 2002, I responded to a travel package featured on-line. Very friendly woman ('Abby') told me of a package offering trips to Orlando, Daytona, and a 3 day cruise to Bahamas all for $598 USD (package included rental car and numerous dinner and entertainment vouchers). As a bonus, I was lucky enough to recieve an additional quick trip package 'free-of-charge' for a 3-day 2-night stay in Las Vegas. I booked the package after being assured by the customer service rep I spoke to second, that I could cancel anytime in the next 30-days.

When I told my boyfriend that night about it, he felt strobgly that it was 'too good to be true' and urged me to cancel. So the next day I called to cancel and they said 'okay' and that it might take 2-weeks for the credit to go through on my VISA - well it has been nearly 7 weeks and 2 VISA bills later, no credit. The debit came off June 10 for $934.76 CAD ($598 US @ 1.56).

Losing nearly $1,000 CAD has been devastating. We are a young couple with a young son and I am currently unemployed. The amount has now put me over my credit limit (because I assumed it had been credited back to me) and my next VISA payment requires me to put that $934 on it in addition to regular payments. This has caused me extreme anxiety and put a heavy strain on my relationship.

Ann of Portumna, Galway, Ireland (3/18/02):
Very disappointed to discover that this is actually a fraud service and a route to steal money. We would already be nervous about travelling to the USA after the horrible and tragic crime committed against her on Sept. 11th, it is very unfortunate that someone would be allowed to further wreck your tourism industry by stealing money from potential international tourists to your great land. Thankfully we decided not to give our credit card details to these "people" but felt that the matter should be brought to your attention.

Ulrika of Hagersten, Stockholm, Sweden (9/28/01):
I guess I've made a big mistake! A few hours ago I ordered a travel package from Special T Travel. I talked to sales agents Talia (extention 135) and Dennis (extention 134) and they were very friendly (silly me). After the phone call I talked to a few friends of mine who told me that Special T Travel wasn't a serious company, that they had read an article about their so-called good offers. I contacted MasterCard but the company had already charged me $598. I have then tried to call the Travel company several times but Tania and Dennis are always busy and can't talk to me. The people I have talked to have promised that Talia or Dennis would call me back in a few minutes and that I can only cancel a travel package when I talk to "my personal sales agents". No one has called me yet.

When I talked to them the first time, when they were so friendly, they said that they would send me a confirmation mail that I had to return before they would charge my credit card. Obviously that wasn't true since they have already charged me. I don't think I have been this naive in my whole life but I guess that the $598 is gone and that I have learned my lesson. Since I live in Sweden I assume it is hard for you to help me. I just wanted you to know what has happened. I know it has only been a few hours since I orderd the trip but after looking on the internet and reading a lot of articles about the "fantastic offers" that hasn't come true and the fact that they have already charged my credit card I know I have been a real fool.

Suzanne of Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia (11/21/01):
Winning number 322432 . I was advised my email today that I had won a prize of US $1100 for travel. The email also stated, if I phoned within 4 minutes, I would also be entitled to a Bahamas 4 day cruise as well. On phoning from Australia, I was asked for my credit card and to pay US $598 which was to be my contribution towards the prize. I declined this offer and then emailed the service dept. of Special-t-travel advising them I was unhappy that I did not win a prize at all. Special-t-travel did not reply.

This cost me an international call of approx. 10 minutes duration. Also emotional damage that I had actually won so much money in travel and would be able to take advantage of my good fortune.

Irene of Munich, Bavaria, Germany (11/26/01):
Sometime in September while I was surfing the net, this pop-up announcement came up that I had just won some travel cash came up. I clicked on it and called the number to claim my prize. I won $1100 worth of travel cash which includes 3 days and 2 nghts in Las Vegas, plus a rental car which will not cost me anything extra. The most stupid thing about it was I only had to pay $500 for the entire package, which was actually cheap considering everything that was included.

They've already credited the amount to my credit card and they promised that they would send me a confirmation papers by mail. Right after that, the Sept. 11 terror attack happened and then I called them a couple of weeks after to ask about my confirmation papers. They promised they would send me them by express mail, but up until now, I have not received anything. They also told me that I need to let them know 60 days in advance when I would like to travel so that they could send me everything. I really feel so bad because that was really a waste of money (or maybe it's not depending on whether or not they would actually send me my coupons if I call them and say that I intend to fly to Florida.

So far, all I have from them is a confirmation e-mail. I sent them an e-mail telling them that I was not happy with the whole situation, but all I got was another confirmation of what I won by e-mail. Maybe there is something that I do not understand very well here. I know that this won't happen again. my question is, is this very common in the states? the agency is called "special t travel". of course, if I can't travel within this year, they will "work with me" and extend the validity of my prize. That "trip" cost me 1000 German Marks. For an ordinary administrative assistant like me, that's a lot of money. Not to mention my husband's dismay when I had to admit to him what happened.

This is bullshit, isn't it? They made me feel like I won something, but they were actually trying to sell something.

Bullshit it is, Irene, sorry to say.

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