Always Travel With Us

Located on East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Always Travel With Us presents itself as a travel agency with a business model that warrants close inspection by potential customers. While the company maintains a physical office and extensive operating hours from Monday through Saturday, a significant volume of consumer feedback and public records raises critical questions about its sales and marketing practices. The information available suggests that the agency's primary method of customer acquisition involves prize giveaways that lead to sales presentations for timeshare products, a detail that is not always transparently communicated upfront.

Business Practices and Customer Feedback

A deep dive into the customer experience with Always Travel With Us reveals a pattern of complaints centered around deceptive marketing. The initial contact often stems from a raffle or giveaway entry at a local event, where consumers believe they have won a straightforward prize, such as a gift card and a hotel stay. However, the one-star review provided, which is corroborated by multiple similar complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), describes a classic "bait-and-switch" scenario. For instance, a promised $250 Publix gift card allegedly becomes a $200 Visa card, and a desirable Marriott hotel stay transforms into an obligatory timeshare presentation at a different resort. This lack of clarity is a major point of friction for consumers who are simply in the market for traditional travel planning services.

The Better Business Bureau gives the company a "D-" rating and notes that it is not an accredited business. The BBB profile lists multiple complaints echoing the same concerns: allegations of being misled, high-pressure sales calls, and crucial details—like the timeshare solicitation—only being revealed in the fine print after a payment or deposit has been made. One complaint specifically mentions that the company falsely claimed to be a sponsor of the event where the raffle was held, a claim the event venue later refuted, adding another layer of concern about their operational integrity.

The Positive Counterpoint

In contrast to these serious allegations, the company's own websites and some online testimonials paint a different picture. The company claims to have over 30 years of experience in the industry, since 1986, and positions itself as a protector of customers against unreliable agencies. Some reviews, often found on the company's affiliate sites, express satisfaction with the value of the vacation packages purchased. These positive accounts frequently come from consumers who were aware they were purchasing a discounted package tied to a timeshare presentation. They often mention that while they were offered a presentation, they did not feel obligated to attend or purchase anything and were happy with the savings on their cruise or resort stay. These conflicting narratives suggest that customer satisfaction may heavily depend on their initial expectations and their tolerance for sales presentations as part of their holiday deals.

Key Concerns for Potential Clients

For any traveler considering using Always Travel With Us, the primary issue is transparency. The journey from entering a "free prize" raffle to sitting through a high-stakes timeshare sales pitch is not what most people expect when looking for a travel consultant. The core of the negative feedback is not necessarily the existence of the timeshare promotion itself, but the alleged failure to disclose it clearly and honestly from the outset.

Analysis of Sales Tactics

The tactics described by dissatisfied customers involve creating a sense of urgency and pressuring for immediate payment over the phone. Details of the offer, such as the exact nature of the accommodation, the terms of the deposit, and the number of guests allowed, are reported to change during the conversation. This can lead to significant confusion and frustration. Consumers seeking straightforward services like booking flights and hotels or planning customized itineraries should be aware that this agency's model appears heavily focused on lead generation for the timeshare industry. The disconnect between a customer's search for a simple vacation and the reality of the offer is the source of most complaints.

• Lack of Transparency: The requirement to attend a timeshare presentation is often not verbally disclosed until after a financial commitment is made.
• Misleading Prizes: The initial "prize" that attracts customers often differs from what is ultimately delivered.
• High-Pressure Environment: Sales calls are described as manipulative and designed to secure payment before the customer can fully process the terms and conditions.
• Credibility Issues: The company has a poor rating with the BBB and has been accused of misrepresenting its affiliation with community events.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Always Travel With Us operates in a gray area of the travel industry. While some customers report positive experiences and good value—provided they understand the timeshare component—there is a substantial and concerning body of evidence from other consumers and the BBB that points to deceptive and non-transparent business practices. The company's business model does not align with what one might expect from a conventional travel agency focused on client-centric service and crafting ideal travel experiences. Instead, it seems to function as a marketing funnel for timeshare resorts. Potential clients should exercise extreme caution. It is imperative to ask direct questions about any mandatory presentations, get all terms and conditions in writing before providing any payment information, and be prepared for a sales-focused experience rather than a service-oriented one. For those simply looking to book a trip without strings attached, seeking out a different travel provider may be a more prudent choice.