Give A Vacation

Based in Draper, Utah, the business operating at 405 E 12450 S suite k presents itself as a travel agency, but its operational model and public reception warrant a detailed examination for any potential customer. The company, which public records and online profiles link to the name "Great Resort Vacations," functions primarily as a membership-based travel club rather than a traditional agency where clients pay per trip. This distinction is critical for anyone considering their services for planning family vacations or other getaways.

One of the few clear positives is the existence of a physical office with extensive operating hours. They are open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, providing accessibility for individuals who cannot conduct business during standard work hours. The entrance is also noted as wheelchair accessible, which is an important consideration for inclusivity. For local residents who prefer face-to-face interaction when making significant financial decisions, having a brick-and-mortar location could be seen as an advantage over purely online competitors. However, this is where the straightforward benefits largely conclude.

Business Model and Sales Approach

This company’s core product is a travel membership that promises access to discounted rates on hotels, cruises, and condo weeks. The business model depends on getting potential customers to attend a 90-minute presentation, often lured by the promise of a complimentary promotional gift, such as free airfare or a short hotel stay. Numerous online accounts from individuals who have attended these presentations describe a high-pressure sales environment. Reports suggest that sales tactics can involve emotional appeals and creating a sense of urgency to persuade attendees to purchase a membership on the spot, with prices that can be substantial. This approach is a significant departure from that of a typical travel agent, whose focus is on planning and booking a specific trip rather than selling a long-term contract.

The "Promotional Gifts"

A major point of contention found in public complaints and reviews revolves around the promotional trips offered for attending the sales presentation. Consumers report that redeeming these gifts is fraught with difficulties. The fulfillment is handled by third-party companies like Casablanca Express, and the process often requires an upfront refundable deposit. Customers have expressed frustration with extremely limited availability, restrictive terms, and unexpected fees that can make the "free" vacation significantly less appealing or even more costly than booking independently. This has led many to feel that the initial offer is misleading.

Customer Feedback and Public Reputation

The online reputation of this travel agency is overwhelmingly negative, which stands as the most significant red flag for prospective clients. Multiple platforms show extremely low ratings. The Google Business Profile, at one point listed under "Give A Vacation," shows a 1-star rating. Similarly, Yelp reviews echo this sentiment. More concerning is the profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB gives the business an "F" rating and indicates it is not accredited. There is a formal complaint filed against the company alleging that a customer paid a large sum for a vacation package that was never actually booked, resulting in a complete financial loss for that trip.

Online forums and discussion boards contain first-hand accounts that further detail the challenges. Common themes include:

• Difficulty Booking: Members report that finding availability for desirable locations and dates at the promised discounted rates is nearly impossible. The deals that are available are often for off-season travel or less popular destinations.
• High-Pressure Sales: The sales presentation is consistently described as aggressive and manipulative, making many attendees uncomfortable.
• Lack of Transparency: Customers often feel that the full costs, including annual fees and the restrictive terms of the promotional gifts, are not clearly explained during the sales pitch.
• Questionable Value: Several individuals who have analyzed the membership claim that they can find comparable or even better deals on public travel websites, questioning the financial benefit of the membership fee.

What Services Are Purportedly Offered?

Should one become a member, the company claims to offer a portfolio of travel services. Their website, under the Great Resort Vacations name, promotes access to a wide range of vacation packages. These include:

• Cruise Deals: Access to itineraries on major cruise lines with a price match guarantee.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: Options for resort stays around the world.
• Hotel Bookings: A portal for booking hotels with promises of savings compared to public sites.
• Condo Weeks: Access to week-long stays in condominiums, sometimes at very low prices for last-minute travel.

While these offerings sound comprehensive, the recurring theme in customer feedback is the immense difficulty in accessing these benefits in a way that provides real value. The gap between the promised customized trips and the reality of the booking experience appears to be substantial.

Conclusion: A High-Risk Proposition

For the consumer seeking reliable and trustworthy travel planning services, engaging with this Draper-based company presents considerable risk. The business model, which prioritizes selling expensive, long-term memberships through high-pressure tactics, is a significant departure from the client-focused service one would expect from a reputable travel agent. The physical location and extended hours are minor conveniences when weighed against the wealth of negative reviews, formal complaints, and an "F" rating from the BBB.

The overwhelming public feedback suggests that the value proposition is questionable at best and potentially harmful at worst. The difficulties associated with redeeming promotional gifts and the reported inability for members to book desirable travel cast serious doubt on the utility of the membership. Potential customers should exercise extreme caution, conduct thorough independent research, and be highly skeptical of any offer that sounds too good to be true. Before committing to any contract, one should carefully read all terms and conditions and consider whether independent booking or a traditional travel agency might offer a safer and more reliable path to their next vacation.