Always Travel With Us, Inc.
BackBased in Orlando, Florida, Always Travel With Us, Inc. presents itself as a provider of compelling travel opportunities. However, a deep dive into customer feedback and its business model reveals a highly controversial reputation, reflected in its low online rating. The company's primary strategy appears to center on offering promotional vacation packages that are intrinsically linked to timeshare presentations, a detail that is a frequent and significant point of contention among its clientele.
A recurring theme in numerous customer accounts involves being approached with seemingly fantastic travel deals, often at events like bridal expos or in popular tourist destinations. These offers typically include multi-night hotel stays and gift cards for a fraction of their supposed value. The catch, which customers report is often downplayed or not fully disclosed until after a deposit is paid, is the mandatory attendance at a lengthy and high-pressure sales presentation for a timeshare property, often associated with Vacation Village Resorts or Berkley Vacation Resorts. This business model is a critical piece of context for anyone considering their services.
The Customer Experience: A Tale of Two Extremes
The vast majority of publicly available reviews paint a negative picture, leading to a very low overall satisfaction score. Prospective clients should be aware of the common issues raised by former customers before committing to any offer.
Reported Downsides:
- Misleading "Free" Offers: A primary complaint is the deceptive nature of the promotional trips. Many customers state that their "free" or heavily discounted vacations came with obligatory taxes and fees that, in some cases, amounted to the normal market price of the booking. This practice leaves travelers feeling that the initial offer was a bait-and-switch.
- Aggressive Sales Presentations: The timeshare presentations are a significant source of frustration. Consumers frequently report that the promised 90-minute presentations extend to over two hours. During this time, they describe facing "aggressive and manipulative" sales tactics and feeling disrespected when declining the increasingly discounted offers.
- Restrictive Incentives: The gift cards offered as a reward for attendance are another point of contention. Reviews consistently mention that these cards come with so many restrictions—such as being unusable for online purchases or restaurant tips—that their actual value is severely diminished.
- Poor Customer Service and Refund Policies: Several clients have reported encounters with unhelpful and rude staff, particularly when attempting to resolve issues or get information. A critical issue is the company's reported no-refund policy on deposits, even when cancellation is requested almost immediately after the initial call. This has led to many customers losing over a hundred dollars. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile for Always Travel with Us LLC, which is not accredited, lists multiple complaints echoing these exact issues, with customers labeling the practices as a "total scam" or a "classic bait-and-switch".
A Glimmer of Positive Service
Despite the overwhelming negativity, it is important to note that positive experiences, while rare, are not impossible. One detailed account from several years ago praised a specific employee, Vanessa Lopez, for her exceptional service. When the customer arrived at what they described as horrible accommodations, this representative reportedly worked tirelessly to secure them an upgraded room at a much better property. This incident suggests that dedicated professionals may exist within the company who are capable of effective problem resolution. However, such reviews are outliers compared to the more recent and numerous negative reports.
Operational Model and What It Implies
The company's operating hours—typically on weekday evenings—are not characteristic of a traditional walk-in travel agency. This schedule suggests a business model focused on telemarketing and scheduling presentations rather than providing comprehensive travel planning services. They function less as a travel consultant and more as a lead generation service for the timeshare industry.
On its website, the company directly addresses the timeshare presentation concern, stating the option is "100% optional and can easily be declined." However, this contradicts the experiences detailed in numerous customer complaints across various platforms, which describe the presentation as a mandatory condition for receiving the promotional package.
Conclusion for the Potential Traveler
Engaging with Always Travel With Us, Inc. requires a high degree of caution. The allure of cheap vacations and attractive discount travel deals is strong, but these offers are consistently tied to a sales model that many find misleading and stressful. The pattern of complaints regarding hidden costs, aggressive sales tactics, and difficult customer service is well-documented and consistent. While a positive outcome might be possible, the evidence suggests a significant risk of a frustrating and costly experience. This is not a typical tour operator; it is a marketing entity for timeshare properties, and customers should approach any interaction with that full understanding.